Thread: Good Nutrition - Pressed for time

Why Time Management is a Joke!

I prep almost all my meals ahead of time. All at once during the weekend or for several days at a time one night during the week. Each day is planned out with my target macros in mind around work, other activities and training days.

Precook everything. The weekend is usually the best for this. If you run into emergencies, then make sure you got some good MRP and vitamins to carry you. Do not depend on them though as they can never replace food.

Originally Posted by scout200

Hey all, I need some advice..

Right now, I’m trying find a way that works well for me and my busy (and typically hectic) schedule.

Usually in the mornings, I don’t have much time to do anything besides get my family and I ready to head out the door… let alone, cook. I know it’s all about time management and dedication but do you have any advice about eating nutritionally while being pressed for time?

-Scout

try to eat food and fruits. drink at least 2 ltr. of water per day. drink milk or protein shake for energy.

Prep for a few days in advance

Poach a few chicken breasts.... prepare a larger batch of rice.

There are a lot of options to prepare in advance to ensure you won't stray from your diet.

Originally Posted by m11

Why Time Management is a Joke!

Hey m11,

Nice article... it was interesting to get an "in-depth" glimpse into someone else's life.

-Scout

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Prep for a few days in advance

Poach a few chicken breasts.... prepare a larger batch of rice.

There are a lot of options to prepare in advance to ensure you won't stray from your diet.

Hey IainDaniel,

I was thinking about dedicating a day and just cooking for the entire week... I've thought about using some Tupperware but how long does the food stay good for?

-Scout

If you are serious about it you can also invest in a food saver. Oxygen for the most part is what kills food. If you can keep it out, you might buy a day or two for food. Keep it furthest in the fridge away from the door, or buy a second small fridge to keep prepped food in. Next to oxygen, heat kills food. This is why one should not keep the milk on the door.

It is funny that I recommend this, and I too was thinking of a way. Just answered my own dilemma. Now to cook up a few chicken breasts and have them ready to go.

Originally Posted by scout200

Hey IainDaniel,

I was thinking about dedicating a day and just cooking for the entire week... I've thought about using some Tupperware but how long does the food stay good for?

-Scout

I wouldn't keep cooked chicken around for a week. Two Evenings for an hour to prep food for the next few days and you are golden.

Even packing easy snacks to have that don't require effort like nuts.

Ian and I could be biased and say smoking a pulled pork, shredded beef, tri tips, or any other large piece of meat that can be rationed for the week.

Scout200,
This is a problem that I struggled with for awhile. I struggled with it so much that it almost made me quit training. Not being able to fit proper nutrition in is very demotivating. Hell its hard enough for most people to fit training in. I think if you can find a way to get your four essentials to lifting; sleep, proper nutrition, training , and last but not least consistency, while maintaining a happy household and making a living you are a lucky man. The key to this is that I have found is strategy and sacrifice. After switching my work shift from 1st to 3rd due to being able to hang with the family more often, I found myself in limbo for a month trying to get my lifting essentials together. I first excersized strategy by writing down all foods that were available to me. I start my day with a large serving of oats (which are portable and easily nuked). I work security in a large hotel here in Daytona Beach, so I looked at the lunch menu to see what was accessible and wholesome. I find myself eating 2 grilled chicken breast with a side of broccoli and asparagus which is 2 hours after my first meal. I then eat a protein bar after another 2 hours. And granola cereal and almonds right before its time to go home. Luckily my wife is Rican so there is always beans rice and some type of meat already cooked for dinner the night before that was prepared for the kids. So I eat that. Next it is time for the gym when they open at 8am which is accompanied by 5-6 hard boiled eggs which are again portable. Post workout I am drinking a protein shake. By the time I am home I am eating my last meal that might consist of alot of different sources but are usually left overs. Time to sleep and then wake up and do it all over again. I often carry a backpack with all my goodies and the back of my expedition sometimes looks like I went grocery shopping, but its all for a good cause.
A list of "portable" foods:
Tuna
Cereals
Oatmeal
Hard Boiled eggs
Chicken in a can
Nuts
Jerky
Canned shakes
Protein bars
Yogurt and cottage cheese in cups
Any leftovers in tupperware
PB and veg
Im sure there are more, but I cant think of any more off the top of my head. Just try to map out different restaraunts that you are by while doing your daily routine. Subway tuna and double meat sandwhiches have gotten me out of a couple crunches when I was about to miss a meal. They are cheap as well.
Hope this helps a little

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Prep for a few days in advance

Poach a few chicken breasts.... prepare a larger batch of rice.

There are a lot of options to prepare in advance to ensure you won't stray from your diet.

That is a great idea. I was like "hey I need to try that", and then I realized that I would have to buy another full size fridge. But im sure that I can ration some things.

Originally Posted by BigBoiH

Hope this helps a little

BigBoiH,

I must say, that's quite inspiring! Your dedication, hard work and focus are something that strive for. I really like the fact that you're able to balance everything and it seems so easy for you. I suppose it's all about getting into the habit and managing everything.

I appreciate your "portable" foods list.

Thanks,
Scout

Originally Posted by suprfast

If you are serious about it you can also invest in a food saver. Oxygen for the most part is what kills food. If you can keep it out, you might buy a day or two for food. Keep it furthest in the fridge away from the door, or buy a second small fridge to keep prepped food in. Next to oxygen, heat kills food. This is why one should not keep the milk on the door.

It is funny that I recommend this, and I too was thinking of a way. Just answered my own dilemma. Now to cook up a few chicken breasts and have them ready to go.

A food saver is a great idea... I'm one of those who would purchase one and it would probably collect dust lol! Yeah, I have a hard time eating food that's been saved over a period of time.. while I've heard that cultured food can be good for you, I'm not so sure that I'm interested lol!

-Scout

Rig your water fountain at work to dispense olive oil

Originally Posted by Phineas

Rig your water fountain at work to dispense olive oil

Ha ha! Great idea! Not sure how the boss would like that though lol.

-Scout

Originally Posted by scout200

Ha ha! Great idea! Not sure how the boss would like that though lol.

-Scout

Meh, you get used to it. Learn to love the scrunched face look that comes immediately after drinking straight oil!

Originally Posted by Phineas

Meh, you get used to it. Learn to love the scrunched face look that comes immediately after drinking straight oil!

LOL! Yum!!

Originally Posted by SiennaMein

try to eat food and fruits. drink at least 2 ltr. of water per day. drink milk or protein shake for energy.

I don't know...are you sure about this?