new job.. don't know when to eat

Can you sip from a thermos if tea or coffee? I go way longer than 5 hours. It's all about training yourself--it will be hard at first, but it's doable.

Are you in the UK? In the US the law mandates a 10-minute break after 4 hours of work. Can you cram in a snack of nuts while on a potty break or something?

Can you pack a protein bar or something in your purse to eat on the job? Surely you could claim a bathroom break and shove it down real quick. Hide it in a tampon box and the boss will never question you.

Ok. I have gone without eating anything until 2/2:30 but it can be rough. So although you work in an office where most people don't eat while they are eating - that doesn't mean that you can't. If you feel uncomfortable eating a large salad, then bring in healthy snacks that you can munch on. This way, you can curb any cravings you might have. I keep in my desk mini whole wheat bagels and low fat peanut butter, craisins, smart pop popcorn.
I can understand your reluctance but unless someone has said you can't eat - I'd chomp on at least a snack or I'd have my salad when I was hungry.
Your employer may say you can't take a break because you're working such a short day but they can't tell you if you're hungry that you can't eat. That's against the law and inhumane.
So pack healthy snacks and when you get hungry - munch away, drink plenty of water, tea, or coffee. Before you know the day will be over and you can eat a full lunch. But don't make yourself miserable.
I work at a university and sometimes I don't get to go to lunch until 1:30/2 - I go into my desk, take out my snacks and eat regardless of what everyone else is doing. They aren't me and I have to eat something. I sit out in the main lobby so people see me all day long. But I don't care. I mean I'm not chowing down on a burger or anything, but even if I were - as long as I am doing what they want me to do, I'll do what I need to do in order to get the job done.
Get your snacks - you'll be o.k.

Maybe do some sleuthing? If there's anybody else on a similar schedule, watch what they do. The average person would probably have difficulty with 5 hours. That's about my limit before I start getting a headache.

Maybe ask your boss if you can go on a smoke break while you gobble a protein bar really fast? I've had to covertly eat before, but I could usually sneak in a few minutes for a bite or two somewhere.

SueInAz wrote: »

whmscll wrote: »

Are you in the UK? In the US the law mandates a 10-minute break after 4 hours of work. Can you cram in a snack of nuts while on a potty break or something?

Actually, as surprising as it may be, the federal wage and hour law, called the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), doesn't require employers to provide meal or rest breaks. There are some states that have their own laws, but Arizona, where I have lived my entire adult life, isn't one of them. My husband works in Human Resources and corrected my thinking on that a few years back. That said, I have never, ever worked at a job where we didn't get at least one 10-15 minute break on a 3-4 hour shift or a half hour meal break on a 5+ hour shift and that includes the year I worked at Wendy's in the mid-80s.

At my job we don't get a lunch unless working over 6 hours. I've been regularly getting 11-5 and 12-6 shifts during the week lately, and I've worked around to eat a bit more in the morning and either take a snack with me or buy one.

OP, can you eat a little more for breakfast and then have a lighter salad when you get home?

Caitwn wrote: »

Does nobody eat while working because it's a rule, or because it's just a norm? If it's just a norm, try to bring a snack that's filling and maybe has a nice protein boost. You say you're close to target so you probably have a good idea of what sort of thing would work for you. I can understand your stress - you need to find a solution here that will work long-term.

If it's some sort of weird job environment where you really can't eat on the job and you have no official break, take your snack to the ladies' room if you have to, and maybe keep a few almonds or some string cheese or those individual serving sizes of peanut butter handy for the rest of the time.

I, too, am curious if it is a rule or a norm. If it is a norm, eat. If you wanted to be discreet about it you could eat energy dense food like nuts or cheese. If it is a rule, I'd make smoothies and drink them. I can't conceive of a no-drinking rule also being in place.

Psychgrrl wrote: »

What about a protein shake?

i was just about to say this!!!! i drink muscle milk and it keeps me full. Actually its what kickstarted my weight lose. I drink it inbetween breakfast and lunch, it keeps me full and it helps me eat a lot less later on. i also drink it after i work out (1 scoop only)

My normal eating schedule is breakfast around 7-8, lunch at 2 and dinner 8-9, perhaps with a snack around 4-5. I tend to eat a breakfast with significant protein and a larger lunch.

You could try just stretching the day out a bit.

my suggestions would be to drink hot teas. It may take some adjusting but you should definitely be able to make it through 5 hours without eating.

rainbowbow wrote: »

whmscll wrote: »

Are you in the UK? In the US the law mandates a 10-minute break after 4 hours of work. Can you cram in a snack of nuts while on a potty break or something?

Just wanted to chime in... that is not true. It may be for your state, but it is not a "US" law. I have worked 12 hour, 10 hour, and 9 hour shifts with NO break whatsoever.

Correct. For example in my state, for workers over the age of 18, employers are not required to offer breaks. Many companies choose to offer breaks every 4 hours, but it's not a legal requirement.

ManiacalLaugh wrote: »

Cocoa1020 wrote: »

Psychgrrl wrote: »

What about a protein shake?

i was just about to say this!!!! i drink muscle milk and it keeps me full. Actually its what kickstarted my weight lose. I drink it inbetween breakfast and lunch, it keeps me full and it helps me eat a lot less later on. i also drink it after i work out (1 scoop only)

I'll second the Muscle Milk, if you're not someone who normally goes out for protein shakes. They have a "light", pre-packaged version too (100 calories) that usually does the trick with me. And the chocolate is actually pretty tasty. It's pricey, but there are days when it's a saving grace.

i love the chocolate! i didnt care for the vanilla. the german chocolate cake is yummy but i got bored and now i have cake batter. sometimes i throw in a little cinnamon for extra flavor. mmmmmm the cake batter kind of taste like a cinnabon when you add cinnamon to it

Lady_jane_ wrote: »

surgery as in a hospital??

I would eat a bigger breakfast to get you through that.

I completely agree. Eat a big breakfast, then a late lunch, then a very light dinner and you should stay on track.

rainbowbow wrote: »

whmscll wrote: »

Are you in the UK? In the US the law mandates a 10-minute break after 4 hours of work. Can you cram in a snack of nuts while on a potty break or something?

Just wanted to chime in... that is not true. It may be for your state, but it is not a "US" law. I have worked 12 hour, 10 hour, and 9 hour shifts with NO break whatsoever.

There are no US laws that say you have to give employees breaks, lunch hours, or vacation or holiday pay. There may be state laws, but those are usually for full-time employees.