challenging schedules

night shift RN, homeschooling mom, family cooking

HillaryEDRN — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:13:18 GMT

Ok, I just started taking the pill today after being on the diet for a couple days before. I work 12 hour night shifts in the ER on friday, saturday and sunday and then homeschool my two kids monday thru friday, plus my husband says he needs to lose weight. I'm pretty good during the week with eating since I have my fridge/pantry/stove right here and can whip up whatever we need, but night shifts get difficult. I'm also trying to find high-energy foods as I've been battling fatigue for quite a while now. By the way, the fatigue started before this hectic schedule! Haha! So, anyway, I need to lose a total of 46 lbs to get to my end goal weight. Any thoughts, suggestions or anything would be helpful!! Thanks in advance!

College Student...impossible to cook..crazy schedules..

hope09 — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:24:06 GMT

Hi everyone,

I am going to start taking alli this Friday and I'm greatly looking forward to it, but being a freshmen in college with a crazy unpredictable schedule will make it more difficult. I stay in the dorm area because I moved from town so there is no way to cook due to the fact that we don't have a kitchen. All there is to eat is greasy pizza and chicken most of the times. I usually eat out, recently I have started to eat salads instead of burgers. Does anyone relate to this? If anyone has any advice to share I'd really appreciate it. I have stacked with as much fruits and lowfat foods as possible. I only have a small fridge and microwave in my room which I share with a roomate. Thanks in advance. =)

Busy Hairstylist!

The_Stylist65 — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 07:54:14 GMT

Hello all;

I just joined today. I'm waiting for my Alli pills to come in the mail - but I have a few questions and am basically just looking for some tips from the other extremely busy Alli users out there!

I'm a busy busy hairstylist...I work 3 8 hour days and one 8 hour afternoon/evening, and then I have 3 days off in the week. Those 3 days off won't be a problem as I can plan and cook accordingly, however on the days that I work, I often don't get a break AT ALL, and if I do, I have 5 minutes in the back room between clients to gobble something down. Any tips on some ways to get some relatively healthy meals in? Also, another challenge is, I work in a salon in a mall, and of course the food court is nearby, and all my co-workers mow down on their mcdonald's cheeseburgers and fries, etc...I realize that willpower plays a factor...I guess I'm just looking for some good tips before I start so that I'm prepared and kinda know what to expect!

Thanks in advance!

Cheers:)

Any Chefs or Pastry Chefs on Alli?

jenpearson13 — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 02:01:00 GMT

Hi I'm a 32 yr old pastry chef who just started using Alli primarily because i hoped it would curb my sugar habits...there were days that I would only eat sweets because of work! So far so good, but does anyone have any tips on how to control the sugar cravings and break the cycle of constant grazing and tasting food all day? So far when I taste I spit out the food because i'm worried about the treatment effects...it just soooo hard quitting sugar and sweets cold turkey...any help or advice would be great! Thanks!

Sit and be fit???

chatterbox_rae — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:21:52 GMT

I currently work 10-11 hour days in front of a computer. Since most of my work is over the phone, I have to be at my desk all day which makes it difficult for me to get any exercise in during the day. After working all day, I also have school to attend or homework to do, so finding time to exercise after-hours is very hard. I try to take the steps in my apartment building and where I can at work, but beyond this, I can't seem to get any activity.

I'd love some suggestions to help me out more. I just started the myalli program and already I'm happy with the results; I just want to maximize these results. Is there anything that anyone does while sitting at their desk or in a chair that has helped them?

no time to cook

sirburtus — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:31:20 GMT

Both my husband and I work long hours me (60 to 70 a wk) my husband about the same. While he has a lot more excercise in his work, he's not over weight. I sit and make dog treats we cut out around 6000+ a day each treat is cut out by hand. The only time I really get much exercise is when I am the "I got it" girl. But with meetings and customers and orders, About the only meal I realy get is a quick bit at a drive thur. I have a lot of choices next to us a fudge and candy store or pizza or the deli across the street. I do try to drink lots of water but I do put in some sugar free mix in it. I hate to shop and cooking realy is not my thing, when I get home I am to tried to even think about looking at a oven again. My employees are great but no help, Are the dinners like healthy start really good for you? I hope so because I am going to buy some of those to eat at night. Eating at 8:pm and going to bed at 9:pm and getting up at 4:am doesn't give a lady much time to do much. Any thoughts would be welcomed. Thank you, Joyce & Puppy

New to Alli

shirley_marie — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:55:07 GMT

Hello everyone. I am finally here. I have been telling myself for 2 yrs to try Alli. I have to admit I have been afraid to try it because of the possible side effects. In the meantime my weight has continued to climb. I work out almost 5 days a week but because I can't control what I eat, the exercise is doing no good. I am very frustrated. I heard about a friend of a friend had tried Alli with great results and almost no terrible side effects. Well that was all I needed to hear. The very next day I went shopping and bought the starter box. I started Alli and was on it for about 4 days but had to stop because of unavoidable things at work. Work was going to be crazy to say the least and I wouldn't be able to run to the bathroom if needed. I couldn't risk that so I decided to stop for a few days. I have begun again and so far so good. I have lost 2 lbs so far. I am trying really hard to eat low fat and healthy but its not always easy. I also find that I am almost testing Alli to see what I can eat and get away with. So far I have not had a problem remembering to take my capsules but what do I do when the cravings for something bad kick in? I am tempted to not take a capsule so I can eat the bad foods. How can I get the motivation to continue and eat healthy? Also, I don't know if this is just me and my imagination or does Alli sometimes act like a appetite suppressant? Maybe its just me. Mind over matter I guess or should I say " mind over food".

I have about 50 lbs to lose, 48 more to go. I already lost 2! I am going to be 50 yrs old in a few months and I don't want to be 50 and FAT! I know I will never have a supermodel body but I would like to be able to go in my closet and pull out an outfit and know its going to fit. I am sick and tired of trying clothes on only to find out that they are too small. I want to find out that the clothes are TOO BIG! I also want to stay healthy, getting older means there are more and more health concerns.

I would appreciate any tips and any advice any body can give me. I would also like to hear about any side effects any body has had. This still is a concern of mine.

Is it ok to take just once a day

M545541 — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:27:23 GMT

I understand that the most healthy way to eat is 3 meals a day but many times I just dont have time. I end up eating 1 meal (dinner) per day. so in turn I only take 1 pill per day. Will it still be effective in the long run ?

Restaurants are evil..

BlackStoneRose — Tue, 19 May 2009 05:06:53 GMT

I work a 5.5 hour shift behind the bar at a well know casual dining establishment.. I eat breakfast before I go in but then I don't often get to eat on the clock because of "The rules" I work there about six days a week and four of those days I work in another restaurant nat night. I usually get about thirty minutes in between shifts to eat, which isn't bad...

My problem is, five to six hours is a long time to go without being allowed to have a meal (depending on the manager) Should I double up on breakfast to keep me energized and full til I'm able to eat again? If so, what are some good mornign choices I can make to keep myself on track?

How to get the whole family to eat an Alli diet ?

Samechitdifday72 — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:54:06 GMT

Im a new member, Im 37 want to love about 50 pounds and I have a very hectic schedule. Technically I work 8am-4pm but I am a district manager in charge of 9 stores so if something goes wrong I have to go fix it. So there have been many 8am-1am days. I have a 17 year old daughter who for the most part is never home, especially now that she has graduated high school. My husband has agreed to try this diet (without the pills) but he has so far has had a hard time with the portion sizes so he is eating other things to fill up. My daughter is eating everything smothered in ranch dressing (she is not overweight yet but i fear if she keeps on with the ranch she will be). I bought the Alli cook book but I am way to picky of an eater and only saw about 4 things I would actually eat and the rest of the family said NO WAY. I need some ideas desperately of some dinner ideas at least that are mainly chicken. (I dont care for beef ,the rest of the family doesnt like pork, and they will only eat shrimp as far as seafood). I would really just like to put focus on healthy eating habits ( I am the only one taking Alli) as I know this will go a long way in my home. Any advice and ideas would be wonderful and thank you VERY much in advance

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Best wishes to you in meeting your weight loss goal!

College Students and hectic schedules

fifenashia — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:01:11 GMT

I am currently working on my Masters degree in Psychology. The schedule is AWFUL! I am on campus a lot more than I was during my undergraduate degree. Makes it difficult to eat healthy meals consistently.

Any other college students out there?

any other teachers out there??

heather.smith — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:58:15 GMT

hello, i am a 3rd year high school english teacher and am getting ready to start the new school year. i have been on alli for about a month and was wondering if anyone had any tips for getting through the stressful schedule? readjusting to the daily regime is hard for me, especially with all the temptations around in the lounge.

i am worried about keeping the temptations at bay during the day and looking for a few quick tips to keep active during the day (when possible!)

thanks!

heather

Any paramedics?

milmedicgirl — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:24:27 GMT

Hey everyone....

I have been a paramedic for 9 years...we work 4 12 hour shifts/week. Just wondering how well alli works when you are stuck in an ambulance away from the bathroom, have no time to sit down and eat a proper meal, are always on a go, and well you know....all that fun paramedic stuff. Any words of advice?

Thanks

Travel and Home Office

akirkland04 — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:39:38 GMT

I have a postion that first of all I am blessed to be able to work out of home, however it does have a path straight to the kitchen, so stocking the kitchen appropriately is a must, but I do a significant amount of travel and my time clock get disorentied and I have client dinners/lunches, any thoughts on what I can pack in my briefcase for long plane trips and smarter choices for dinner in restaurants that do not usually have a low fat option staring at you.

Thanks

12 hour Night Shift

Traderite — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:10:13 GMT

Hi,

I work night shift 2-3 nights a week. This has been for almost 15 years. On my off days, I am busy with the kids, school schedules, activities and homework. This tends to pose a problem for me for mealtimes and now to think of taking Alli pills too, I was hoping to fit this program in. I am on my feet, moving almost constantly while I work, but have a hard time motivating myself to do more on my off days when not busy with the kids. Was wondering if there is anyone else with the same concerns and schedule as I do.

My diet menu has been rather healthy for quite some time, but have to say, I have had a hard time eating 3 meals and snacks daily. There are days I eat once a day, not the right amount of calories, or skip a whole day. Since I have gained weight eating this way, 20 pounds in the past year, I feel it is just the schedule keeping me from losing. Any thoughts on this?

How do I handle out of town trips?

robyng01 — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 13:28:55 GMT

I have been invited to a bowling tournament in Tulsa, OK for 4 days. The first night of the tournament is a buffet dinner for the bowlers. It's an "all you can eat" seafood buffet (crab legs, shrimp, oysters, etc) and, while it's not mandatory, it is "expected" that everyone should attend. And that's just the first night. There is also a Sunday brunch and a group lunch scheduled. I'm scared to death. How do I attend an all-you-can-eat affair and not eat for fear I'll experience a "treatment effect"? It's 6 weeks away and I'm already stressing. Any advice?

Anyone say, "Oh, crap, what's for dinner?"

hmy912 — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 02:17:07 GMT

I have a 3 year old and a 5 month old and I work 9-6 so I don't get home until 6:30. I love my husband, but he (and my 3 year old) is the pickiest eaters known to mankind! So here I am, at 6:30, my 3 year old is saying over and over again that she is hungry, the baby is crying because she wants to eat too, and I'm standing in front of the fridge saying, "oh, crap, what's for dinner?"

So my SIL just gave me a wonderful suggestion..unlike any other I have heard yet. She bought printable magnets (at like office max) and printed a bunch of cooked dinners that she knows she can make when she gets home from work. She prints off a calendar and puts the calendar with the magnets on the fridge...she can switch them around and that way she has planned ahead. So if she needs to take meat out in the morning, she doesn't really have to think too much about it. I love this idea and I'm going to implement it by the end of this week! I just thought it may help some of you out there too!

Sticking to it and Doing it!! Even if you do work odd hours and Have No normal life style: daily exercise, meal planning, grocery shopping(for low-calorie foods), etc....

loaimee209 — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:29:16 GMT

Just needing a little guidance ok alot. I am suppose to be starting my diet i believe today 12/17/08. Or at least starting my three day prep yourself with low-calorie foods. Getting my kitchen cleaned up of all trigger foods. Which is everything!! Lots of starchy foods and box foods and nothing healthy as of today still. Since i work from 4:30pm to 3am. My cooking has gone out the door. I used to cook every night for me and my S.O... Not saying it was really health cause of the way i/we cook. Lots of butter and oily/greasey foods. Tried for that three course meal thouht. Meats veggie, and Breads.

Cant forget the Desserts my boyfriend loves his sweetssssssssssssss

12 hours and rotating shifts.

wellroundedgranny — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:16:49 GMT

You all seem to have great ideas out there. I am a 51 year old grandma working these rotating shifts, going to school to prepare me for an easier job soon, and watching grandkids on my days off. My husband(who is disabled) and my daughter(who is handicapped) are the cooks. She loves to deep fry and of course nothing is good if it is not fried. It is very hard not to eat this good food. I seem not to have any self control along with my body not knowing when to eat or sleep. So are there any ideas maybe some of you can come up with. Some days I just want a cold wine cooler.

changed shifts

hopeful — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:52:04 GMT

I was working 100pm to 930pm but am now doing 400pm to 1200am.I get up around 1000am and have either oatmeal,cold cereal and juice.Then around 200pm i have a big meal,chicken,pasta,veggies. then super was a sandwhich and veggies,i also bring snacks of sugar free pudding,or jello and a piece of fruit.we were only getting a 15 minute break but have been told we have to start taking a 30 min supper break.so that will probably be around 700pm.But my biggest problem is when i get home im hungry and want something to eat.but if i have a bowl of cereal then i want toast and etc.it just starts me down that path of eating out of control at midnight.any one work this shift and what is your eating schedule? And do you eat when you get home.

Linda

Routine & Self-Care Conundrum

PriorityMoi — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:08:59 GMT

I think establishing a routine and maintaining self care/nurture is my biggest issue when it comes to complicated schedules! I have a few different side-type jobs, and am a student who takes online classes, so it's not always easy to make myself a priority. Infact, trying to find balance is my number one conundrum!

I think if anything, that will be a big hinderance to my Alli program (I started Alli today)

I tend to get busy and overwhelmed and that leads to me either a) procrastinating or b) things fizzle out

I don't want that to happen, so I am posting about it. Anyone relate? Feedback?

Working through Lunch

MaryR275 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 01:26:12 GMT

I work at an elementary school cafeteria and do not get a break between 9:00AM and 2:00PM. I typically wolf down my lunch at 2:30 when I get home, and then my family eats supper around 6PM. I will begin the alli diet next week and am wondering if it's okay to eat my lunch and supper this close together or should I be spacing my meals out a bit more? I have the alli Diet Plan book but I don't see anything mentioned in there.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions/answers.

Nascar weekend

hawaiiangirl68 — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:23:58 GMT

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go to the Nascar race in Bristol. This of course is a once in a lifetime chance for me. I stuck with myalli plan sticking to my calorie and fat intake until Friday when everything got out of whack! There is not a healthy food choice to be found anywhere at the track! I walked the whole perimeter trying to find something to eat finally settling on a chicken pita. Bad choice! It was mostly dark meat. Unfortunately we got home at 2:00am the next morning, up very early Saturday morning to head back to the track for more Nascar excitement. If I had known or had the time to stop I would have gotten a small soft cooler and packed a variety of sandwiches, fruits and veggies so that I would stick with my plan. If I ever have the chance to go to another race I will know better next time and will be able to plan ahead for my meals and snacks. I just wanted to post this for anyone else who may have the chance to go to a Nascar race, so that they can be prepared! The treatment affects were horrible. This is the first time that I have had treatment affects since I started the plan 6 weeks ago and never want to have them again!

Hello fello night workers

foxyzgirl — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:55:10 GMT

I am new also to the alli program. I work 3rd shift 10pm to 6am 5 days a week. I am lucky in one respect my hubby is also a 3rd shifter and our children are all grown, so our routine is like the day time but in the dark. I am how ever trying to find the best meal times. I think I have it kind of tweeked, but need to give it a good week to see if the pattern can really work. The days off are the hard ones to stay in the grove with working 3rd shift because on those days you do want to see sunshine with out going "POOF" lol This is what I have come up with so far.

My week starts on sunday night, I tossed out the whole breakfast, lunch, dinner theme and use meal 1, 2, 3, I want my "Biggest" meal to be while I'm up and at work being active so I burn calories better. meal 1: at about 7am to 8 am this is when I eat light like my cereal, toast, etc. try to keep calories and fat grams on target and low. Then bed time about 9am sometimes later if there are appointments etc. to go to. Meal 2: about 7pm I make this one Moderate in calories and fat grams this is when I fit in exercise time. Meal 3: this one is at work about midnight this is my " dinner" meal with my snack at about 3 or 4am. Now the hard part is my days off so that I make sure to get my multi vitamin in at the right time and my Alli so not to skip a dose. I flip back to a day schedule person on my days off. This is were I am stumped.

Terri

Kids here, there, everywhere...

edukter2k — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 05:58:38 GMT

My challenge is keeping up with my kids' schedules...mainly my special needs daughter. Between her therapies & my son's sports...we rarely get home before 7pm and by then it's too late to cook a healthy dinner. Unfortunately drive-thru has been our answer. When I have some spare time or 'Me' time...I find myself using it to catch up (yeah right!) on lost sleep. What a neverending cycle! argh!