Hello and a question... « Back to Group Discussions

[lifeakstyle]

I am new to both the mothering community and to this group and just wanted to introduce myself!  I live in Alaska and am married to a Power Lineman and have an 11 month old son.  We have always been very clean eaters and since our son was started to be interested in foods have decided to keep dairy and gluten from him.  He has eaten them here and there but for the most part we stay away from them when feeding him, due to the fact that he has eczema (as does my husband) and our ND recommended it.  We are trying to improve our diets even more and so I joined this group to learn more about the paleo 'diet'.  

Here's my main question for now:  My husband works very long hours on a work crew and drives multiple crew trucks and heavy equipment around during the day (so is not always near his vehicle or the original vehicle he left his yard in and can't always get to his lunchbox at lunch break due to this) and not a single other person on his crew brings a lunch (or any snacks). They always go out to eat at lunch, usually for fast food or at chain restaurants that are close by their job sites.  This is a big problem for us because the food always upsets dh's stomach and digestion and the healthy/healthier (ha) items on the menus aren't enough to fill him up (according to him).  He has brought lunches I packed him before but it never lasts because of all the obstacles I've listed already.  I'm wondering if any of you or your dhs have experience with a similar problem and what you have done to overcome this issue and to continue eating whole foods while at work.  Sorry for all the background info but there is a lot that goes into why he doesn't think packing a lunch works.  I need serious help to keep him eating healthy rather than filling his body with the worst of the worst when it comes to food!  TIA!

[TIFF4NY]

Welcome to the group! Could he perhaps keep some homemade jerky in a pocket? That might help when he starts to feel hungry. Can he bring his own food for lunch and keep it in the truck until they go to lunch then just eat his lunch alongside of them and their fast food meal? Have him pack things like hard boiled eggs, avocados, etc. Things that are packed with protein or healthy fats. Those are more likely to help keep him satiated longer.

[lifeakstyle]

That's a great idea about the jerky, and I think he really likes hard boiled eggs.  One of the problems he has mentioned too is that he craves warm food (especially during the winter as he works outside in the cold) but has no microwave or other way of heating things up...

[phathui5]

Jerky was the first thing that came to mind for me too. 

For warmth, what about soup in a Thermos?

[GreenVariety]

Pemican (sp?) -- it's what the natives in cold climates used traditionally. I think it is literally tallow, dried meat and cranberries (which I think are just to make it palatable). It should keep his internal fire roaring and he may not crave "warm" as much. My husband doesn't have nearly as labor intensive of a job and he needs fat to keep himself warm (I have been thinking about trying it with him and possibly myself as I want fat like crazy this pregnancy).