Lunchables, etc.

Keisha604
Keisha604 Posts: 126
edited October 1 in Food and Nutrition
I have a crazy schedule. I wake up at 3am to be at work by 4am. I work until 9am most days and straight from work I rush to be at class by 9:30am and then I'm in class until about 4pm. As a full time college student that works everyday I find it hard to find time to plan meals, make them in advance, etc. etc...so, my question is this: if I'm eating a healthy breakfast (oats, fruit, skim milk), drinking a lot of water(9 glasses at least but usually around 12-13), and having a healthy dinner(usually grilled or baked chicken/fish and a lot of veggies on the side)...would it be horrible to have a Lunchable or Lean Cuisine or something similar 4 days a week(the days I rush from work to class)?

Replies

  • LongMom
    LongMom Posts: 408 Member
    Horrible is relative :) I think this is a FANTASTIC option instead of what *I* would consider a "Horrible" option like McD's etc.
  • exfatgurl
    exfatgurl Posts: 12
    I think that should be fine!!!! Just log it in and don't go over. It's not always the best but the most convenient at time!

    Best of luck!
  • danger_kitteh
    danger_kitteh Posts: 301 Member
    Lunchables are so processed. I wouldn't eat those ever (and I eat a lot of junk food sometimes). Try packing your own lunch. There are some fantastic reusable lunchbox containers out there (like laptop lunch bento boxes) where you can ensure you are having a healthy lunch.
  • Brandicaloriecountess
    Brandicaloriecountess Posts: 2,126 Member
    I think you will be just fine. But when I had your schedule (just graduated in May) I would just pack a sandwich and some snacks. It did not take long
  • Brandicaloriecountess
    Brandicaloriecountess Posts: 2,126 Member
    Oops double post :)
  • aethompson5507
    aethompson5507 Posts: 251 Member
    i love lean cuisine's ...if its your only option, i say go for it. its better than fast food for sure!
  • pnieuw
    pnieuw Posts: 473
    If all is in balance..but watch the sodium. Lot of the pre-packaged, processed food is high in sodium. Also high in nitrates, which are not healthy.
  • JulieBoBoo
    JulieBoBoo Posts: 642
    Some premade lunches are better than others. The Lunchables I'd avoid but Lean Cuisines or Healthy Choice type things aren't so bad. A better option is to double up on what you make for supper and pack half of it for lunch the next day.
  • alyssa92982
    alyssa92982 Posts: 1,093 Member
    I wouldn't recomment the lunchables-lots of sodium and fat. Lean cuisines are a little better with sodium and calories-better choice along w/ the weight watcher meals too
  • MyouTakara
    MyouTakara Posts: 45
    If you must have the lunchable, bring some veggies along at least.
  • agthorn
    agthorn Posts: 1,844 Member
    I eat frozen meals pretty much every weekday for lunch (Lean Cuisine, Healthy Choice, Smart Ones). I think they're tasty, great for portion control, and way simpler than trying to actually make food for lunch (I vastly prefer hot meals). I add a piece of fruit and a yogurt to round it out. It's worked for me.
  • airycha
    airycha Posts: 135 Member
    It's probably way better than fast food which is what I end up turning to if I am busy and don't have time to make something or if I am out and don't have anything else with me.
  • dayzeerock
    dayzeerock Posts: 918 Member
    If you're making what you said you were for dinner, why don't you cook up two portions, that way you can pack one portion up for your lunch the next day, instead of eating something so overly-processed.
  • mlemonroe2
    mlemonroe2 Posts: 603
    If I'm on the go, i eat an Amys brand frozen meals. They make different "bowls" and borritos. They are all natural ingrediants and vegitarian friendly. I love the pesto tortellini bowl! Much better than a lunchable. (although i did eat one yesterday!!!!!!!!)
  • SeasideOasis
    SeasideOasis Posts: 1,057 Member
    Honestly, go to your deli....Grab a lower sodium lunch meat (dietz and watson has a good one), some lower fat cheese, and some wheat thins...That will cost you less and at least wont be as highly processed. Takes about 5 minutes to put together some of your own personal lunchables.

    I work full time, part time, and school starts back up full time in less than two weeks, I definitely understand where you are coming from. Processed meats in those containers makes me nervous.

    Or, so the lean cuisine route...
  • Nekoashi
    Nekoashi Posts: 220 Member
    I'd just try to set aside the few minutes it'd take to make your self a delicious, healthy sandwich custom to your liking! Maybe even see how you can pack part of a healthy lunch the night before. I know I'll be on the go a lot and am trying to have good eating habits too :flowerforyou:
  • Creiche
    Creiche Posts: 264 Member
    Doesn't hurt to try it, but make sure to drink plenty of water to balance out the sodium and be aware of how your body reacts to having so many of these meals. I also suggest having healthy snacks like some carrots, an apple, or nuts available to supplement the meal.
  • manderann
    manderann Posts: 189
    I have a very busy schedule also, so I always have a few Lean Cuisines in the freezer as backup. I pack leftovers or sandwiches for lunch as much as I can, but having the frozen dinners is a better alternative than McD's or other fast food for the days when you're in a pinch. I've found that if I take about 30 minutes on grocery shopping day to prep small containers or snack bags with nuts, fruits and veggies, it makes it easier to pack lunch in a hurry. Hope that helps.
  • mrsvatitagain
    mrsvatitagain Posts: 275 Member
    Either are a much better option that a fastfood on the fly last minute decision. You should be proud, you are thinking of alternatives to resolve the constantly on the go issues.
  • HoopFire5602
    HoopFire5602 Posts: 423 Member
    Green giant valley fresh steamers. This is my favorite way to eat my veggies. Just have to be microwave. Then I also eat a fruit and a pouch of tuna.
  • odusgolp
    odusgolp Posts: 10,477 Member
    Just my opinion, but lunchables (while I find them freaking delicious) are really quite horrific. From the quality of the meat, the amount of preservatives, food dyes and chemicals, to the sodium and fat content, it's just not worth the moment on your lips.

    Lean Cuisines have gotten better.

    What about making a big pot of broth based soup or something else that you can package up for the week?
  • odusgolp
    odusgolp Posts: 10,477 Member
    Green giant valley fresh steamers. This is my favorite way to eat my veggies. Just have to be microwave. Then I also eat a fruit and a pouch of tuna.

    Great ideas... I should keep this in mind!
  • snakegoddess_3
    snakegoddess_3 Posts: 83
    I say go for it. Yes making your meals is always better so when you can do what everyone else suggested. I think as long as you fit it into your calories it's great. I almost always have a healthy choice or smart one for lunch. It's easy and sometimes easy is what works and as long as your not in the drive thru I say it's a good choice. Avoid lunchables though..they are way high in calories for no food. At least with the others you can add a yogurt or something to it and feel like you ate a meal.
  • andreacord
    andreacord Posts: 928
    A sandwich and some veggies wouldn't take you really that long to throw together.. but if you must I would say go with the lean cuisine dinners or the smart ones or something over the lunchables. I'm a student too, but I can't really completely sympathize because even on my busiest day I have 45 minutes between class to go back to my dorm and eat something.
  • jenny95662
    jenny95662 Posts: 997 Member
    when i was a full time student and worked also i use to get only frozen lean cuisine lean hot pockets and any other brand that was lean they do have high sodium but i drank water to help that. I lost 80 pounds in 10 months and kept it off and now i am a stay at home mom i cook instead but that is better to do then eating out :)
  • MelMoly
    MelMoly Posts: 1,303 Member
    :( i think you should try to make your own meals, in advance then you just have to take it out of the freezer and reheat! (and No lunchables!!!:noway: :sick: )
    http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=762
  • Qarol
    Qarol Posts: 6,171 Member
    Make your own lunchable...get some fantastic deli meat, some gourmet cheese, and flavorful crackers
  • socialite1
    socialite1 Posts: 109
    I also have a very busy schedule. This has been my solution that has worked out very well. I still plan my meals and snacks. I use my day off to prepare (almost) everything that I'll eat for the week. I purchased a lot of small, 1.5 - 2 cup tupperware containers so that once the food is prepared, I can divide it up into portions for a quick grab and go option. Even if I wake up late, I can grab 3 or 4 containers out of the fridge on my way out the door. I always keep quick grab and go snacks. For fruit and other snacks that come in bags, I use the ziplock snack bags and divide up my portions that way...again, grab and go. I hope this is helpful. Good luck!
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