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I have an announcement! No, I’m not getting married. I’m going to be leaving Sunday afternoon to attend a youth Bible school in Hartwell, GA, for three weeks. This means I’ll have limited, and possibly no, internet access. Don’t fret – I have posts scheduled to go out while I’m gone. However, I’m not sure how much I’ll be able to share on social media, so be sure to sign up for e-mail updates in the sidebar.
I’m sure a lot of people are wondering whether or not I’m going to be eating on plan while I’m gone. The answer to that question is “yes and no”. I’ve done some prep work ahead of time and I’ll be watching what I eat in the cafeteria and trying to bypass the junk food back in the dorm. Most of the time. I’m not opposed to treating myself now and then, and of course there will be some times when eating off-plan will be unavoidable (casseroles with noodles are a little hard to work with). I’m also going to try to keep up with exercise while I’m gone.
One plan-ahead measure I took was to make up 15 baggies of the dry ingredients for chocolate overnight oatmeal (my favorite flavor – thankfully it’s also a flavor conducive to packaging ahead). At Bible school I’ll have access to a microwave and fridge, so at night I’ll add the right amount of water to a packet of dry ingredients, microwave, and refrigerate. This way my breakfasts are taken care of and I’ll get my E meals in (because I’m sure I’ll be eating more S than E in the cafeteria). I didn’t make enough baggies to eat one every morning, but I’m sure there will be many mornings that I can settle for eggs and sausage/bacon if I’m in the mood for that instead of oatmeal.
For lunch and supper I’ll be at the mercy of the cafeteria. I’m hoping for lots of salad bars, and if last year is any indication, I won’t be disappointed. My strategy: protein with as little off-plan ingredients/sauces/fillers as possible + salad/veggies. I’m going to bypass the bread (not a hardship for me, thankfully), sweet tea, corn, potatoes, pastas, and other various starches and sugars in favor of plain meat and vegetables as often as possible. There will definitely be casserole days (and homemade pizza every Friday night), but I’ll do my best with what I’m given. Dessert is going to be my down-fall, but I’m going to pass it up as often as I can. Hot tea will be my go-to to help fill me up and keep my mind off the ever-present junk food – both after meals and in the afternoons and evenings.
To satisfy my sweet tooth, I made a batch of Butterfinger Bars – one of my favorite healthy recipes. I cut the batch into 24 small squares (to make them last longer) and will be keeping them in the freezer in the girls’ dorm.
I’m also taking a bag of clementines, some peanuts, string cheese, and some cottage cheese. This will give me both E and S snack options for afternoons and evenings.
I’m going with the mindset of moderation in everything. I’m sure I’ll have lots of fun, but I’ll miss y’all while I’m gone!
These were our friends in the dorm last year (a lot of sickness usually goes around)…notice the boxes of candy in the background. Haha…
Hannah says
This post was so encouraging to realize that I can keep on THM even at Bible school :D! Thank you so much, Briana!
Charis says
have a wonderful trip! I’m sure it will be a fun time! I’m gearing up to try this THM wholeheartedly (been playing around with it during the holidays.) and am running all over your website. I’m trying to give myself grace and realize it will take a bit. Any big tips or suggestions would be appreciated! 🙂
Briana Thomas says
Hi Charis! You’re already following my number one tip: give yourself a little grace. 🙂 Definitely read the book multiple times to help things sink in (especially the S and E chapters), and make recipes from the book until you get the basic concept. It’s amazing how much of the concepts you can learn just from reading the recipe instructions!
Charis says
thank you so much!
Margaret Pogin says
I am 62 and going to be doing a lot of traveling soon. I bought 85+% chocolate bars plus Truvia packets. I have found that knowing I have access to a piece of chocolate in my room helps me pass desserts up. Also, in desperate times, just a packet of Truvia that I can let melt bit by bit on my tongue (finger dipped into pile in palm of hand may not be attractive but neither is grossly overweight!) in my room does satisfy any severe cravings for treats.