[beepbeet]

How ironic is it that someone in a health care setting can't find low-carb options in their work environment.

[bgsavings]

Bliss, wait til you hear this... I actually keep my diet under wraps... there are at least two physicians in my program that are hard core anti-low-carbers. One thing I've learned so far in this field is that medical advice is rarely purely evidence based... it's usually tinged by doctor's personal biases. Which is sad because I can imagine there are plenty of patients on those doc's panels who would benefit from a low carb diet... but all they'll ever hear from them will be "whole, raw, vegetarian based." I've tried that and it never worked for me... I think genetics have quite a bit to do with things. Some of us respond better to diets that afford us better glycemic control.

Starting OB next week... wish me luck, everyone!

Droly

[tipokotap]

GOOD LUCK FROM ME!

Toni

[bgsavings]

Hi everyone... I'm wondering if I can get some ideas to make this lifestyle work.

So I'm a Family Practice 1st year resident... we do 4 week "blocks" of different rotations... in different clinical/hospital environments. Usually I can stick to the diet to some degree by bringing my lunches, dinners, snacks, or picking the right thing at a cafeteria...

I'm halfway through a rotation right now that has been very challenging in terms of sticking to Atkins though... it's at a major children's hospital in the city and here are my issues: We are not provided with a working fridge... the one we have actually is WARM (yuck). We have no microwave. We are not allowed into the floor nutrition room (not much there other than crackers and cereal anyway). During the week, we are provided with lunch during a noon conference we are required to attend... and usually this consists of pizza, sandwiches, tacos, etc. There are no other choices and we don't have time to get anything at the cafeteria since conference is mandatory. Every 3 or 4 days we work a 30 hour shift and our dinners are bought at the hospital cafeteria which has NOTHING Atkins (rice/thai wraps, all kinds of pastries, sandwich melts, soups, fruit, etc) and we're not allowed to leave the premises (you never know if you will be called to a code).

Sorry, I know that was alot to read... anybody have any ideas for how I can attempt success these next two weeks? I've already crumbled and eaten pizza, pastries, and other unmentionables... it's been a setback for sure. I'll have to do 4 weeks of this rotation again in February.

I appreciate advice/ideas... I'm sure there are others who have faced difficult work situations... I guess the good news is it will be over in 2 weeks, but I want to try to find a way to make it work so I won't have another set back in February.

Thanks for reading/listening/contributing!

Droly

[Arkadiyas]

Sounds VERY challenging... and not just figuring out what to eat!

Let's see... can't leave, no fridge... sounds like you need items that don't require refrigeration, and are portable and quick to eat. Things that come to mind are individually wrapped servings of cheese (slices, sticks, cheddar cubes), small packets of nuts (unless you have to worry about kids with allergies) and meats like canned tuna, pepperoni and meat sticks.

Other random thoughts... have you ever considered doing something closer to Atkins maintenance during this rotation? You may not lose, but at least you wouldn't gain, either. Check out the maintenance menus... bet it would give you more choices/ideas for how to make it work for your situation.

As for what to eat... do what you can to limit the carbs. Eat the pizza toppings but not the crust. Eat the wrap filling but not the wrap part. Eat the sandwich fillings... but not the bread. Do the same thing with tacos. Eat whole fruit... choosing lower sugar fruits when possible (skip the banana, take a Granny Smith apple for example). Plain yogurt (no added sugars) is a great "in a pinch" choice... and it doesn't need to be in a fridge unless it's going to be days before you'll eat it.

Probably your best bet is going to be damage control. Do the best you can with what you have.

Good luck!

[tipokotap]

Tough choices! I totally agree with Tril, and would add, when your schedule allows, can you take a small cooler or insulated zip lunch bag with a chill pack in it - no fridge if you can eat it within maybe 5 hrs? I've carried ham roll-ups (shaved ham with cream cheese rolled in, olives as well) on an airplane in a canvas tote with a frozen chill pack as a carry-on and no worries 4-5 hours later! So a zip container, frozen ice bag, rollups, cheese, homemade tuna salad, chicken salad or egg salad (w. bacon or shrimp, my favorite add-ins), container of tossed salad with a packet of dressing (next time you get a Wendy's to take home, save the packet and use your own. Then the packet is available for the lunch.) OR get little containers at a $ store like I have. Perfect for the Brown Bag Lunch.

You almost HAVE to bring it, AND it is cheaper...hope this works for you!

And congratulations on your challenging career! We need dedicated folks like you!

Toni

[tipokotap]

Most of us "keep silent" about our style of eating at first, due to the constant criticism...you more likely than others.

Anything to share?

Toni

[bgsavings]

Hi Toni... yes, I have something to report... I delivered two baby boys today!

Oh... in regards to Atkins... well, I'm not fully back on it yet. Sigh. I'm trying though. I cooked a couple of batches of meals tonight. Wish me luck tomorrow!

Droly

[tipokotap]

Wow, that IS exciting!

You'll do fine...your life is just hectic...if "Residency" is anything like in the flicks and TV you are lucky to get any sleep or food!!

Toni