Dr. McDougall's Online Discussion Board

I have a drawer at work where I keep easy-to-grab snacks so that when I don't have time to run to the lunch room, I have something quick to grab. I tend toward hypoglycemia, so I can't always wait until lunchtime to eat.

Now that I'm on MWL, I am having trouble finding compliant foods to put in there. I did buy some no-oil breakfast bars and fruit snacks just to be safe, but I don't plan to eat them unless it's a blood sugar emergency. Fortunately, my co-workers know they're welcome to what's in my snack drawer, so eventually, they'll eat them.

Crackers and chips and rice cakes are out. Nuts and dried fruits are out. I've searched this forum to see if anyone else has asked this question, so please forgive me if it's a repeat, but does anyone have any suggestions? I was going to buy those little tubs of pre-cooked whole grains, but I saw that they add a little oil, so that would be a last resort. Cans of soup are an option, because I can eat at my desk, but I'd prefer something less messy. I do have a couple cans of beets in the drawer, but again, not easy to just grab. The McDougall soup cups I saw at my grocery store aren't MWL-friendly because they have noodles.

Any ideas for me?

If I read correctly, these snacks could actually be your lunch, right? Since you say you don't always have time for the lunch room?

If so, then it would need include a starch. Beets, to mention one of your examples, is not a McDougall-compliant meal. So maybe something like mushroom-barley soup. Or hummus and celery sticks. You get the idea.

Here are a couple of oil-free rice-only bowls that you can just heat and eat:
https://www.vitacost.com/lundberg-organ ... -rice-bowl
https://www.vitacost.com/lotus-foods-or ... brown-rice

And here's a quinoa vegetable soup from Dr. McDougall:
https://www.vitacost.com/dr-mcdougalls- ... odium-soup

And a black bean and rice soup from Dr. McDougall:
https://www.vitacost.com/dr-mcdougalls- ... n-and-rice

And some oil-free rice and beans:
https://www.vitacost.com/eden-foods-org ... into-beans

Note that the pre-packaged products are going to be higher in sodium (except for the rice-only bowls)...

Or you could just bring some already-baked potatoes with you in the morning to eat later! Hope this helps!

Consider some of the fruits and vegetables that don't need refrigeration like apples, bananas, or cherry tomatoes. Those would probably be good in your desk for a few days. Canned vegetables might be an option. Any kind you like. The mixed vegetables usually have potato and beans or peas in the mix. You could also just pack and take a snack box to work every day. You might even be able to use one of those ice thingies in it to keep things chilled, expanding your healthy snack options a bit more.

Plain oatmeal is another thought. I do what AlwaysAgnes mentioned - insulated lunch bag and fill it with cut up veggies to snack and on.

Thanks for the great suggestions!

No, the snacks aren't my lunch -- it's just that I eat several times a day, and I sometimes need to eat when it's not near my breaktime.

I will be trying some of your suggestions. Thanks again!

I was at Whole Foods this weekend and I picked up some boxed McDougall and Engine 2-brand soups to have on hand at home or work for a meal or snack when I don't have something prepared or I want something different. I want to see how they taste. I like to have some prepared foods on hand in case of emergency or lack of preparation.

Michael

If you like sweet potatoes, they might be a good choice too.

I keep a few raw sweet potatoes in my desk, for snacks or days when I don't want to bring an actual lunch. I do have to spend about 6 minutes in the break room to microwave them. But If you have a mini-cooler you could bring pre-cooked sweet potatoes (or any other potatoes) to work.

I think what I need to do is just remember to bring LOTS of food to work with me. I can always pop into the breakroom to grab something out of the fridge, and by now, they're used to me eating at my desk. I've had to be taken away by ambulance at work before, so mostly, they all are super supportive of me doing whatever I have to do for my health.

Hi Idgie,

I know this thread is old... I'm just seeing it. A few things come to mind. I like to hike and always look for easy snack things for the trail that doesn't require refrigeration or cooking. I like the millet squares from the MWL cookbook - pg 225. Like a breakfast bar but without all the unhealthy additives. I like them with fruit. I also like to roast cooked beans until they are dry. I usually spray water on them and mix in some spices before roasting. If you roast them until they are dry they will keep for a while. Easy to munch on and gives you a little protein. I've also taken popped popcorn in a bag on the trail. It takes up some space so not sure about being good for your work drawer.

Did you figure out some good snacks?

Thanks, moonlight. I'm mostly just taking a second lunch to use as a snack. Co-worker brought in grapes today to share, so that was nice. I also have emergency pretzels in the drawer for when I'm hungry and there's nothing on-plan to eat. I will try the millet squares -- thanks!