Thursday, January 22, 2009

Waist Not, Want Not


Weekday lunch time is hard. I bring food stuffs to work, mostly fruit, fresh veggies to nosh, veggies to put together a salad, crackers, tortilla chips, salsa, yogurt (had my first taste of Greek yogurt yesterday), and now and again deli meat (turkey, usually) and cheese for sandwiches.

I try to mix it up, keep it fresh, a constant rotation. But still, tiresome.

It becomes tiresome after awhile. Sometimes I crave heat, not heat as in spicy I can chomp on a pepper for that. But, I want hot food. Oh sure there is a microwave and I can heat soups, stews, chili, or other leftovers from home, but even that, yeah can becomes tiresome. I want hot food prepared fresh, made to order, or at least there waiting for my order.

You know, like a big, thick, juicy, burger with mushrooms, bleu cheese crumbles, onions, and of course, a side of fried potatoes. Or deep-fried chicken. Or enchiladas. Or lasagna. Or any of a thousand choices for lunch within a 10 block radius of where I work.

I walk at lunch time and I walk by many of them. American, Indian, Italian, Asian, Mexican, Greek, all that and more are represented in this neighborhood. The aromas can be dizzying.

And then there is the chocolate. I don’t know exactly where the chocolate factory is located, not in the immediate area, as far as I’ve surveyed, but you can smell ‘em brewing the stuff up. Some days, when the wind is just right, well, let’s just say I’m glad the chocolate cafĂ© moved away several months ago.

Most days I’m able to resist, for not only am I fighting the battle of the bulge but I’m also watching my pennies like a hawk in a constant tug-o-war with my wallet. So, I’m walking by many of those fine eateries at lunch time.

But it is hard.

10 comments:

db grin said...

I'm the same way with hot food. It drives me to drive through, which isn't on my menu these days. The lack of work lately has made it easy to have leftovers or fresh food of choice at home.

One thing I've learned is that it's OK to have a 'free day' once a week, not to pig out but to have something you deny yourself the rest of the week. If only I could keep it to ONE free day per week...

db grin said...

Oh, and where can I get a belt like that? I'd wear it under a baggy shirt for a few months, of course...

Lady Jane Scarlett said...

If you can bring in a toaster oven to work, it brings new life to sandwiches and leftover pizza!

Middle Girl said...

db grin: I'm more of the mind, of once a month. Re: the belt? Cool isn't it? Photo was snagged from gadgetvenue dot com. The same q was posed there and the reply given was, the original site is down and he hadn't been able to find another source.

LJS: Hmmmm..a small toaster oven. Could work. Thanks.

Ginamonster said...

Hmm. I bet a belt like that could b easily made...

rennratt said...

I buy 2 bags of salad greens and mix them together (one standard salad, one field greens). I keep half at home, half at work.

I don't eat it every day, but it takes the edge off when you're starving.

eb said...

Yes, aroma is the evil twin of tasty treats displayed in store windows.

Chickie said...

Oh, I hear you about wanting hot food! There were tiny roasted potatoes at the cafeteria today and I could not resist. Only had a few though & filled up on broccoli and mushrooms.

SagaciousHillbilly said...

I'd be doomed if I had a big city selection like that every day.
The closest restaurant to me is a Burger King out by the interstate 30 minutes away. I think I've partaken of it once. . . maybe twice. Ten minutes farther and I'm in town where there's a brother makin bbq, a good hotdog joint and a lady with crab cakes and tuna melts. Luckily I don't go into town but once a week or so.

tiff said...

Good thing smells have no calories, or I'd be doomed. Keep on resisting on a regular basis, and indulge moderately when you NEED to.

Yeah - I give good advice. Too bad I suck at heeding my own. :)