Help with motivation and self control

jonzo21
jonzo21 Posts: 446 Member
edited October 2024 in Motivation and Support
Hello all, I'm new to this site and so far I think its pretty great.

So I've lost a total of 50lbs in about a year, and I'm still aiming for at least another 30 more. My biggest problem however is self control. Its really hard for me to follow a diet (even something like weight watchers which allows you to eat what you want and just calculate points) but the biggest reason for this is because i work in a fast food industry. I really like working there and I'm in the process of being a manager (going to college concurrently) so finding another job is out of the question. My problem is, its hard not to eat the food when I'm there (taco bell). I've tried bringing myself lunch, but because we don't have a microwave my options are limited to cold food like a sandwich (and I get bored of eating those all the time), so I usually resort to eating Taco Bell. I thought maybe I'll just eat stuff off the Fresco menu, but again that gets boring. And especially on the nights where I'm closing, its hard not to eat when all that food is at your disposal. I always tell myself before my shift "okay, you're allowed to eat this and this, but nothing else" but then I cave in and eat more than I should have.

Any suggestions on better self control? Any recommendations on what kinds of foods I can bring with me other than sandwiches? (keep in mind the only storage for employee food is the walk-in cooler, we have no microwave to heat anything up. Also, bringing fruits and veggies are good as snacks, but if I'm to keep myself from eating a meal at taco bell i'll need something that will fill me up better than a snack)

Thanks guys!

Replies

  • Purpleflipflops
    Purpleflipflops Posts: 563 Member
    Oh, man... That's tough... I worked at a fast food place in high school, and you really do want to eat everything there (Expecially if everyone else is!)
    If there is a place nearby with healthy options, I'd do that... Eaven if it is fast food, maybe something off their healthy menus will break up the routine.
    Other than that, I would try to look at the calories per ingredient per serving, and see if you can come up with something there... Maybe you don't eat some things because they are higher in calories.
    Also, there is always veggies, so maybe make taco salads?

    well, I hope you the best! Good luck!
  • MJHdG
    MJHdG Posts: 23 Member
    I know the feeling worked double shifts at Target and bags of fries were the only option.

    try these tricks:

    *As we get closer to winter invest in a vacum thermos. Bring soup in, just make sure is close to boiling when you pack it and it will be warm 3 to 4 hours into your shift. Make them hearty, make a big batch and take it in to work for three days. Then do big batch with a completetly different taste.
    * Protein powder and milk, a side of whole wheat crackers and an apple. Simple, cheap and healthy.
    *Put in a cup some yogurt (non fat greek is the most filling) top it wiht fruit, and a cup of granola on the side that you mix just before eating to keep it crunchy.
    *Anything in a sandwich can be a wrapp or a pita pocket with extra veggies and try a drizzle of different low fat dressings to swith up the flavors. Make a fuller meal with a cup of veggie soup in your thermos.

    Once you have good food in your belly then chew mint gum, keeps the cravings at bay, drink tons of tea to fill fuller and when in humger then go for my ultimate trick bargain. (I wan that burrito, yes I do!!! ok, 10 wall push ups, 1 glass of water and 5 almonsd, wait 20 min....if I still want it I can have it then) I often got bussy and forgot the craving. That is also how I quit smoking.

    Good Luck!
  • Myrtlemama4
    Myrtlemama4 Posts: 92 Member
    maybe taking sliced grilled chicken and veggies and have them all ready to go to make healthier tacos or flatbread wraps? Planning ahead is crutial especially when the mastery of self control is not achieved yet. (Im gaving a TOUGH time right now) You can use tuna fish as well. Maybe making whey protein shakes (carry the powder in one container) and milk in another. Mix them together when your ready to eat. Those are ultra filling too..
  • Eleanorjanethinner
    Eleanorjanethinner Posts: 563 Member
    What about bringing in a cheap toaster or grill? (Buy one 2nd hand or on special). I don't much like cold sandwiches either but I grill things like a bagel with a tiny bit of cheese, tomato relish and fresh tomato for lunch. Or even toast with something on top would be nicer than a cold sandwich. Also, what about making up larger dinners and bringing left overs i.e. pasta salad or potato salad with veges and a bit of meat and a light dressing? Or packet soup made with boiling water? (and toast made with your toaster).

    Don't be hard on yourself though- these stores make millions by tempted and appealing to people in spite of their better judgement. They're absolute experts at getting people to eat more and more.

    Also - what about upping your exercise. If you're going to eat Taco Bell then you need to be really sweating some cardio to work it off! But then you'll be HUNGRY 'cos it's empty calories. So hopefully you'll be inspired to bring your own healthier food.

    Good luck on your journey!
  • jonzo21
    jonzo21 Posts: 446 Member
    Great tips guys thanks! Unfortunately I can't up my exercise as I'm really busy between school and work as well as studying, the only time I have to exercise is between my classes at the school's gym.

    I really liked the idea of forcing myself to do some physical activity, eat a small snack and drink a full glass of water and wait 20 mins before deciding if I really want to eat what I had been considering. Thanks for that tip i will try it next time I get a craving for a cheesey gordita crunch or something like that lol.

    Thanks for the food suggestions. I'll have to look into one of those thermoses if it really keeps food warm for 3-4 hours it should work for me. I could possibly make soup there since we have boiling water. Just sucks we don't have a microwave.

    I appreciate the help!
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