Hi,

I hope someone out there can help me. I am about to start the alli program and as I was looking over the menu suggestions and am very concerned. I have a very physically demanding job that does not allow "regular" meal break times and I am concerned the menu itself will not give me the energy I need durring my non-stop 12 hour shifts. I have to pack my own meals and have no where to heat up a meal let alone put it on a plate. When I do get to pick up a sandwich it's in passing and my hands are all muddy so I don't really like finger food.

Anyone else out there with this concern? If so, how have you overcome it with success?  Can we deveate from the menu and still loose weight?  

Thanks,  Danial

 Dear Danial,

Have you tried those energy bars?  We were on L.A. Weightloss and got a lot of their protein bars.  I find they really help curb the hunger and they are like those slimfast bars and such.  Also, raisins and peanuts help.  you can put some in the snack size zip lock bags at the beginning of the week and grab some each day to keep with you before you go to work.  I hope this helps.

Peace,

Roey. 

I think that the meal plans are a good way to help assure that a balanced diet is achieved. At the same time, they are there to introduce enough variety as possible into one's eating, to reduce the chance of giving up in boredom. Hmm, you're out in the field at lunch...one choice might include packing a sandwich and eating it directly from the sandwich bag (if your fingers are dirty). Another choice might be an occasional can of slim-fast or a bottle of Ensure. If I were to go the granola bar route, though, I'd want to be sure that its sugar/corn syrup content is low, to minimize getting a spike in blood sugar (from which an energy crash always follows)... I think that, yeah, you can deviate from the menu, within reason, and still lose weight, so long as your calorie and fat intake are within bounds in your alternate choices. Good luck! Marshall

Hi Danial,

The menus suggestions are merely suggestions, or guidelines, to help you find ways to fit in a balanced, healthy eating plan.  You do not need to follow them exactly.  Make it work for you and your busy schedule.  You should have enough energy to meet your work demmands because of the healthy balance of proteins, carbs and fats. 

You may want to consider mixing a protein shake as a snack or a protein bar like Myoplex Lite (just make sure you are watching the calories).  Snacks like fresh fruit, almonds, yogart, etc. will also help to pack to an energy punch throughout the day. 

I know it will take a bit more planning, but it will be worth it in the end when you are losing weight and feeling good. 

Good Luck,

Paul

 Hey Daniel, just getting started myself.  I used to be in your position,  take protien bars with you.  They are filling, low in fats, just enough carbs and will also help build muscle.  The more muscle you have the more fat you burn, even when you sleep.

Here if you need help

Lets do this

ghostrider13

 I would suggest stocking up on protein bars or even sport drinks. EAS makes a drink called AdvantEDGE which is around 100 calories, 3 grams of fat, and 20 grams protein. Also, Special K makes these chocolate fiber/protein bars that are around 150 calories, 10 grams protein, and 5 grams of fiber. I think those bars are around 4 grams of fat per bar though, so be careful.