Bad part of the best job...
 

As you know, I am a bouncer. But, I work an 8-hr shift M-F, and don't get a lunch break, which I'm not complaining about. I know that any extended period w/o food causes catabolism. I have a hearty, protein/good fat-rich brunch right before I clock in, and can have a steak and fries for only $3 after I get off! But, what about in between? I've been taking a scoop of Muscle Milk, and I've been carrying beef jerky in my pocket these last few days, but what suggestions do you all have? Thanks!

Here's what I do...
 

I found it damn tough, and very expensive to get good macronutrient nutrition and eat 5-6 meals a day until I decided to set aside some time each week, (2 hours every Sunday preparing meals for the upcoming week). This has made my life so much easier... and it saves me a ton of money every week!

I cook up 5 or 10 pounds of chicken, fish or lean red meat, then portion it out in Ziplock baggies and freeze them. You can cook up anything that re-heats well... whole grain pasta, veggies, brown rice, stir-fry... get creative, but keep it simple enough to fit your time constraints. You can also get those disposable "tupperware" containers if it's a messy food.

Every morning, after a good breakfast, I grab 3 baggies and head to work. I have a fridge at work... so I just put them in there. Every 3 hours, I grab a baggie, nuke it for 30 seconds and down it with a liter of water. I eat it in less time than it takes for others to smoke a cigarette. I'll just eat right out of the baggie... if it's clean, there's no need for plasticware or plates. If you don't have a fridge, a six-pack cooler would work just fine. If you don't have a microwave, then just make sure they're thawed out the night before.

I found it pretty tough to make time for 5-6 meals per day until it became a habit, (2months). After that, it's just second nature to eat right.

One of the many things this forum has taught me is that you don't get big in the gym... you get big when you are recovering and eating right. So your diet is paramount for real improvement and growth.

I'm not qualified to give nutrition advice... but check out the nutrition section, you'll learn a ton. There's also a recipe section.

Anyway... that's my 2cents...:WEIGHT~13:

That sounds like a real bitch. I hate myself for saying this (because I hate protein bars lol), but what about shoving a couple protein bars in your pockets?

Maybe you could take a casein shake during that brunch time??

do they have anything against you bringing in your own food? you have to at least get some fifteen minute breaks or something?

I think Pimp gives some good advice about bagging your food. Sometimes that's what has to be done. And like Pity said they have to give you atleast a 15 min break ( prob twice in 8 hrs ) to eat or smoke or whatever.

But lets say they don't. Protein Bars :arg: , beef jerky ( which your doing) Nuts ( 1 cup of nuts is 1000 cals give or take a few ) , or some fruit.

The best thing would be to cook your food in advance and bag it.
Goodluck - it can be discouraging at times , but there is always a way.

I bring one of those igloo coolers with me to work everyday. Holds all my drinks,snacks, meals....and keeps cold all day

Thanks for the ideas, every one! I plan on following Pimpsticky's suggs. I am the doorman/car guard/bouncer, so I am outside the whole shift. There is this corner where I hide my water bottles. I brought a PB sandwich today, and some Clif bars.

As far as the casein, I'll keep taking it during brunch. I don't get a break, but it's easy work, just greeting guests, walking the parking lot, and checking IDs. I am able to sneak in bites between guests, since it's a little slow during the day, and when it's not everyone else's lunch break-time.

Thanks again, and any other thoughts/suggestions are welcome.