I had been doing my revised schedule but then I took it a step further. My food, needed to become more efficient. I didn’t have time to cook. I needed things I could just pop in the microwave or eat right on the spot.
Breakfast
Instant Oatmeal
Coffe or Tea
Yogart
Apple
Prep time: less than 1 min
Snack
Protein Bar
Tea or Water
Prep time: 0 min
Lunch
2 Chicken Breasts or 1 can of soup
Steamed Broccoli, Yams or Zucchini/Squash
Diet Soda, Water or Juice
Prep time: less than 3 min
Dinner
Same as Lunch or
Egg & Cheese Sammich
Yogart
Juice or Water
Prep time: varies
For breakfast I started buying boxes of instant oatmeal that I could keep at my desk. Since I work at a Fortune 500 company there is always an abundance of free coffee, tea, juice and hot water.
On my way out the door I grab an apple or another piece of fruit which along with yogurt, protein bars, vegetables and precooked chicken breasts I can buy in bulk at Costco.
It takes me literally 2 minutes to throw all this stuff in a bag!
Everyday I eat (almost) the same exact thing, except when one of my coworkers invites me to lunch or there’s a birthday. When I get home — if I have time and I’m up to it, I’ll cook something different or rely on what I know takes less than 3 minutes to make!
All of these things were so easy to do because they fit right into my schedule and didn’t require me to do anything different than I had already been doing.
This sytem works for me!
How to Make Broccoli, Yams* or Zucchini in less than 3 minutes
Ah just in case you’re wondering how I make Broccoli, Yams and Zucchini in under 3 minutes. I do one of two things: either I have a thicker ziplock bag or a plastic container filled with about a cup of water and throw in whatever for 2.5 minutes — this is for broccoli and zucchini — except you have to cut the zucchini beforehand.
Yams*
Yams, on the other hand no matter what you do will take at least 6 minutes to cook depending on the size. Get a fresh Yam, not canned obviously. Put a paper towel underneath in the microwave and nuke it for about 6-7 minutes. When its done split it in half and add butter and or honey. Perfecto!
Alright then. Next time I’ll discuss the financial implications of these changes! Stay Tuned!
How I Lost Weight and Gained Control : Change of Heart
How I Lost Weight and Gained Control 2 : Perfect Timing
How I Lost Weight and Gained Control 3 : Money Matters
February 9th, 2007 at 11:23 am
I eat instant oatmeal too! I get the variety pack where it has flavors like strawberry and cream, apple cinnamon, peaches and cream.. OMG! I love those!
I can’t eat fruit to save my life though. Instead, I drink it. I drink 100% natural juice that I buy from Aldi. I’m addicted to it. Two containers of it almost last a full week. Its the fruit punch one. OMG. To die for.
Dinner takes me a long time to cook, but if I cook a lot, it will last a big chunk of the week. Reheating only takes a couple minutes.
Thats cool. We are like brothas! Except without nappy hair! Well, my hair is kinda…
February 9th, 2007 at 11:50 am
Try training for a marathon! I didn’t lose any lbs, but I gained alot of muscle weight. And, training for the marathon (with my wife, but you can try to get a friend to sign up for one with you) gave me a goal to strive for.
Of course I was never, ever a runner, and I only had 5 months to train, but I finished the Marine Corp Marathon in DC. I write about it on my site and give my own tips for beginner runners and marathoners:
Marathons for Beginner Runners
We’ve decided to run another marathon this year before “starting a family”. It’s also the year to try to chop down debt.
Good luck!
February 9th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
fj: yeah but you’re already a toothpick to begin with haha. Yes oatmeal, I get the same one’s you’re talking about!
clever: trying to get me to run is like trying to get a cat in a bathtub. Ok — well not really. But still. lol.
February 9th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
I use to run Cross Country in high school. I was never any good, but I did like being in shape. I think I have a funny beating heart, so its prolly not healthy for me to start training for a marathon, well at least without a Dr.s approval first.
My buddy at work does those though. He loves it. He even just recently started triatholons. He even travels to compete in other marathons. I think its cool, its like a hobby. But my passion lies in the arts (like music and stuff). I might check out your training tips though, I’m looking to expand my workout routine to gain some more muscle.
February 9th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
I don’t think you have the build for it. Seriously.
February 15th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
Brilliant! I can’t wait for the third post in this series. It certainly sounds easy, doesn’t it? So it is like our elders say — early bedtime, discipline, discipline, discipline — and the nutritionist — whole foods only, no processed foods. Thanks so much for your sharing your insights and being an inspiration. Glad it’s working out for you. I think I’ll give it a try!
And the food — I can do without it, and keeping routines — I’m a mom, so it’s necessary, but it’s that darned early bedtime…argh…I’m a night owl. That will be the hardest part. Guess I’ll have to switch my alone time from late nights to early mornings. That will take some serious getting used to.
April 24th, 2007 at 9:23 am
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