one day diet experiences

Name: Jenai Cohen
Age: 34
Occupation: Part-time doctor in an emergency ward
Height: 1.56m
Starting weight: 58kg
Goal weight: 53kg
Biggest challenge: Her erratic work schedule and 17-month-old son, Josh, leave Jenai with little time for balanced meals.

Her toughest day Sunday night into Monday

Evening I pull an overnight shift once a week, so my day starts the evening before. My eating schedule is pretty regular otherwise, but I need energy to get through the night, so I eat breakfast before I go: a croissant with butter and syrup, plus a latte with skim milk.

Night Feeling sluggish at work and craving comfort food. A nurse has brought in a huge bowl of egg-mayo and I can't resist. I spread a big spoonful on wholewheat bread and follow it up with a Lindt chocolate truffle.

Morning My shift is over. I drive home in a sleep-deprived daze, kiss my husband and Josh, and collapse into bed.

Noon I have no appetite when I wake up – it's always hard for me to get back into a normal eating schedule when I sleep until the middle of the day.

Afternoon My stomach is finally growling. I grab a box of raisins and three water biscuits.

Evening Too tired to cook. On Mondays, we usually have takeaways or leftovers for dinner. I'm not that hungry, but I like the three of us to sit down to dinner together. I usually work out while my son is napping. But the day after my night shift, I only manage to squeeze in 30 minutes on my stationary bike and some abs work in the evening. Later I have a glass of white wine. I deserve a treat for staying up all night, so it's either wine or ice cream.

Bottom line Jenai's problem isn't her schedule, it's her habit of seeking out comfort food when she’s tired or stressed. The best solution for her is to prepare healthier versions of her favourite comfort foods. It may help to make a list of what she craves in such foods (should they be warm, squishy, heavy?) and look for healthy, low-kilojoule recipes that fit the bill.

To find out if she's improved click here!