Carb crisis! Heellppp!!
JayLeitao
Posts: 13 Member
So I work in a very active job for many, many hours, every single day. I get one free meal a day at work which is a must for me as I have no time to eat anywhere else, but it's always full of CARBSSS! And I have to argue with my boss to give me some greens, which he may or may not do, so most of our meals are: Burgers with fries, Country sausage with fries, chili con carne with rice.....
You see where I'm going with this? Lots of meat and LOTS of carbs. And okay, it does provide me with a good deal of energy to keep going, but the problem is that I'm getting a gut I can't seem to get rid of!
I'm currently on day 25 of the 30 day ab challenge and while I can feel an improvement on my core strength, there's no visible change! I don't have the time to sit and do exercises beyond this.
Does anyone have ANY suggestions at all? Thank you!
You see where I'm going with this? Lots of meat and LOTS of carbs. And okay, it does provide me with a good deal of energy to keep going, but the problem is that I'm getting a gut I can't seem to get rid of!
I'm currently on day 25 of the 30 day ab challenge and while I can feel an improvement on my core strength, there's no visible change! I don't have the time to sit and do exercises beyond this.
Does anyone have ANY suggestions at all? Thank you!
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Replies
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If I had to worry about soemthing in these meals, it would the frying, and the saturated fats. I cannot see carbs as the problem here. The calories e.g. in a boiled potato would be nowhere close to the calories of the fries.
If you cannot stand the food, wy not bring your own? it would not be free of course, but it should be an option, no?0 -
Ab workouts are for strenghtening abs, not melting fat. You can have awesome abs, under a layer of fat0
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So I work in a very active job for many, many hours, every single day. I get one free meal a day at work which is a must for me as I have no time to eat anywhere else, but it's always full of CARBSSS! And I have to argue with my boss to give me some greens, which he may or may not do, so most of our meals are: Burgers with fries, Country sausage with fries, chili con carne with rice.....
You see where I'm going with this? Lots of meat and LOTS of carbs. And okay, it does provide me with a good deal of energy to keep going, but the problem is that I'm getting a gut I can't seem to get rid of!
I'm currently on day 25 of the 30 day ab challenge and while I can feel an improvement on my core strength, there's no visible change! I don't have the time to sit and do exercises beyond this.
Does anyone have ANY suggestions at all? Thank you!
Why are you worrying about consuming carbohydrates?0 -
Pack your meal instead of eating it at work.
Take the burger off of the bun, skip the fries, bring a small side salad to supplement part of the meal, and I don't see a problem at all with the chili (not that I see a problem with any of the rest of it either). Rice and beans together are an energy powerhouse.
I think there are a lot of solutions to this if you want to cut carbs but you'll have to provide some of your own food.0 -
If you're getting a gut, you're probably eating too much, period. It sounds like you need to worry more about eating too many calories than carbs.0
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You could take a lunch with you.....
carbs aren't the enemy by the way, you just have to make sure you aren't eating too many calories overall, its not what you eat, its how much.0 -
Throw away the bun! It's just a lump of sugar.
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If the carbs aren't giving you a problem other than excess calories, cut the calories and eat a little less. Personally, I'd bring my own food and supplement with the free stuff as I had available macros.0
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RunRutheeRun wrote: »You could take a lunch with you.....
carbs aren't the enemy by the way, you just have to make sure you aren't eating too many calories overall, its not what you eat, its how much.
+1
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DeguelloTex wrote: »If you're getting a gut, you're probably eating too much, period. It sounds like you need to worry more about eating too many calories than carbs.
This. Ditch the fries. They're often the biggest culprit when it comes to calories.
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Agree with everything said. Prepared meals are hard to estimate the calories for, so if you can, pack a lunch in a cooler. Or, if you are gaining, you are likely underestimating the calories in the lunches, so try to picking more accurate entries in the database. Or you could shave 50 calories off our calorie goal the rest of the week to account for the inconsistencies of your lunch.
I really have no clue what any of this has to do with carbs.0 -
Bring your own greens in a baggie and a jar of your own dressing.
Eat whatever else offered for free that you deem "ok".
Problem solved.0 -
Yes, google "salad in a jar"; it's apparently a huge thing and an easy way to pack salads for eating while out and about.andrikosDE wrote: »Bring your own greens in a baggie and a jar of your own dressing.
Eat whatever else offered for free that you deem "ok".
Problem solved.
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Unless you have a metabolic condition where carbs DO matter, you're probably just consuming too many calories and it has nothing to do with carbs. As many others said, bring your own food so you know what you're eating--that is #1 most important thing. I know you said you have no other time to eat, but honestly it would help if you could spread out the calories you eat through the day. This won't make you lose weight, it will just keep you satisfied and less likely to overeat when you have time for a meal.0
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Unless you have a medical condition, carbs aren't a problem . you seem misunderstood.
If your gaining, that means your eating at a surplus.
To lose weight you must eat at a deficit. Carbs are just a macro and won't cause weight gain. Eating too much of anything ( surplus) causes weight gain.
You could bring your own food in lunch box if your unhappy with the foods your given at work. Its really that simple. If you want veggies, bring them from your house and eat them at work. Not a crisis by any means.
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If you want to take advantage of the free meal, just eat less of it.0
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I'm on the bring your own lunch bandwagon. i do every day. There is a ton of delicious high calorie food around me but i try to bring my own food so i don't waste my calories at lunch when i would much rather waste them on a good dinner.-my personal preference
burgers and fries aren't bad for you. calorie surplus is0 -
Okay thanks for the suggestions, unfortunately with my current lifestyle I live at work. I don't actually even have time to go to the supermarket. I know that sounds ridiculous and is mostly unfathomable but I start work before supermarkets open and don't finish early enough before they close. Besides the fact that there is too much time wasted in preparing even a sandwich because I literally live on a minute to minute schedule, it's why I only have time to ham one meal down. If I cut out the fries and bun I'm literally eating a burger patty to sustain me for 13 hours of unbearable active work, I'll starve. And I'm not gaining weight, I just have a bit of stubborn fat I can't seem to shred, the rest of me is tiny. I see "you are likely not eating enough" every single day...I don't sit down for 13 hours and I bike 4 times a day, for a total of two hours of biking, to and fro work. I've lost ridiculous amounts of weight since starting this job but it's just that bit of stomach!! Seems that I'm hating on carbs for no reason so let's change the angle - best way to get rid of that tiny bit with virtually no time to spare??0
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RunRutheeRun wrote: »You could take a lunch with you.....
carbs aren't the enemy by the way, you just have to make sure you aren't eating too many calories overall, its not what you eat, its how much.andrikosDE wrote: »Bring your own greens in a baggie and a jar of your own dressing.
Eat whatever else offered for free that you deem "ok".
Problem solved.
^ Basically this.
I work in a restaurant, so staff meal is always like 80% carbs, very rice and pasta heavy, because they are cheap ingredients. If that's all I ate, while snacking on fries here and there, and ignoring my protein and dietary fat minimums from whole foods, then I'd be in trouble.
You have to think of your path toward fitness & nutrition as a lifestyle change. No excuses like the ones you just gave or you won't ever be happy with where you are. Try to get be better at time management and organization. Prepare food in advance when you do have the time so you have stuff to grab on the go for the next few days.0 -
What kind of job is this? I thought it was illegal in the US to make a person work for 13 hours with just one break.
I'm guessing you live in a rural area? I don't think I would survive in an area without 24-hour grocery stores!0 -
Consistency, accurate logging, and persistence. That last little bit usually seems to be the hardest, but it's possible.Okay thanks for the suggestions, unfortunately with my current lifestyle I live at work. I don't actually even have time to go to the supermarket. I know that sounds ridiculous and is mostly unfathomable but I start work before supermarkets open and don't finish early enough before they close. Besides the fact that there is too much time wasted in preparing even a sandwich because I literally live on a minute to minute schedule, it's why I only have time to ham one meal down. If I cut out the fries and bun I'm literally eating a burger patty to sustain me for 13 hours of unbearable active work, I'll starve. And I'm not gaining weight, I just have a bit of stubborn fat I can't seem to shred, the rest of me is tiny. I see "you are likely not eating enough" every single day...I don't sit down for 13 hours and I bike 4 times a day, for a total of two hours of biking, to and fro work. I've lost ridiculous amounts of weight since starting this job but it's just that bit of stomach!! Seems that I'm hating on carbs for no reason so let's change the angle - best way to get rid of that tiny bit with virtually no time to spare??
Give this a read:
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/113609/relatively-light-people-trying-to-get-leaner0 -
Fair enough, I can definitely say I'm NOT eating too many calories though. I usually never hit over 1000 and my activity levels are high. The rest of me is toned but it's just the belly. It's just the one meal a day and I'm constantly active so I had the carbs pegged as the issue. Clearly I AM misunderstanding but then how the hell is it I have some excess stomach when I eat once a day and am active constantly?
Andgaelicstorm26 wrote: »What kind of job is this? I thought it was illegal in the US to make a person work for 13 hours with just one break.
I'm guessing you live in a rural area? I don't think I would survive in an area without 24-hour grocery stores!
I live in a little village in a random part of Spain ha, and I'm basically being helpful seeming as how 50% of the staff quit and we can't find anyone else!
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gaelicstorm26 wrote: »What kind of job is this? I thought it was illegal in the US to make a person work for 13 hours with just one break.
My wild guess is Amazon warehouse.
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Okay thanks for the suggestions, unfortunately with my current lifestyle I live at work. I don't actually even have time to go to the supermarket. I know that sounds ridiculous and is mostly unfathomable but I start work before supermarkets open and don't finish early enough before they close. Besides the fact that there is too much time wasted in preparing even a sandwich because I literally live on a minute to minute schedule, it's why I only have time to ham one meal down. If I cut out the fries and bun I'm literally eating a burger patty to sustain me for 13 hours of unbearable active work, I'll starve. And I'm not gaining weight, I just have a bit of stubborn fat I can't seem to shred, the rest of me is tiny. I see "you are likely not eating enough" every single day...I don't sit down for 13 hours and I bike 4 times a day, for a total of two hours of biking, to and fro work. I've lost ridiculous amounts of weight since starting this job but it's just that bit of stomach!! Seems that I'm hating on carbs for no reason so let's change the angle - best way to get rid of that tiny bit with virtually no time to spare??
You can't spot reduce through exercise OR diet. I would love to spot reduce (my thighs- ugh)....it's just not so. Where weight comes off is largely genetic.
If your job is very active (carbs are energy).......then you will burn most of those off anyway.0 -
Fair enough, I can definitely say I'm NOT eating too many calories though. I usually never hit over 1000 and my activity levels are high. The rest of me is toned but it's just the belly. It's just the one meal a day and I'm constantly active so I had the carbs pegged as the issue. Clearly I AM misunderstanding but then how the hell is it I have some excess stomach when I eat once a day and am active constantly?
Andgaelicstorm26 wrote: »What kind of job is this? I thought it was illegal in the US to make a person work for 13 hours with just one break.
I'm guessing you live in a rural area? I don't think I would survive in an area without 24-hour grocery stores!
I live in a little village in a random part of Spain ha, and I'm basically being helpful seeming as how 50% of the staff quit and we can't find anyone else!
I feel your pain; I've been doing 2.5 people's jobs at work due to being understaffed for 6 months. As of yesterday, I'm now down to 1.5 jobs. Hopefully they can get some people hired and you'll get relief soon!
ETA: Random thought, could you maybe pay a neighbor or friend to pick up a few things for you from the store when they shop and then you can pick it up from them in later hours?0 -
It sounds like you have an exciting, stimulating job. I second the advice to supplement the dinner you are offered, perhaps with a jar salad. You may have to shop on the weekend and prep the night before.
The carbs you are offered sound OK maybe take half a serving.
You may be at an ideal weight already any you might have to be patient with that little belly. The biking to and from work must be helping.0 -
I don't think a jar of salad is enough energy for what I'm spending though. I literally can't afford to be exhausted.You may be at an ideal weight already any you might have to be patient with that little belly. The biking to and from work must be helping.
Sounds about right, the biking is absolutely fabulous for my lower half which I am entirely happy with. My arms are very toned too. It's just the damn stomaach. I want it gone but I don't have the time! : (0 -
If you're gaining weight, you are eating too many calories. Either that or you have a medical condition that a doctor needs a blood test to diagnose. If you're losing weight but just concerned about the stomach, look up the terms skinny fat and 'your guide to sexypants' on this forum.0
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I can definitely say I'm NOT eating too many calories though. I usually never hit over 1000 and my activity levels are high.
This is not healthy and counter-productive. You will lose muscle on a diet that is sub-1000 calories. If you were in a coma, you would be getting more calories than this.
Nevertheless, if you are overweight (even just a little bit) then you are probably getting more calories than you think you are getting.0 -
Well...if your weight isn't changing then you're likely eating at maintenance. Cortisol is linked to belly fat though so maybe you're super stressed...which I wouldn't doubt with the kind of schedule you're on. Try to take some time to unwind..do light yoga, meditate, run...whatever reduces stress. If you're stressed that is.0
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