This is why we are all here, lovely! It's a joy for me to be able to share my experiences, know I'm not alone and if I help someone along the way, it's karmic icing on the cake :)

PS-a great guide to plant proteins, etc etc

http://www.theholykale.com/plant-based-protein-...

I've been through this problem and was met with "I wish I had THAT problem"s and no real help. Sometimes it is because I'm crampy, but usually, I'm just not hungry. All day can go by, then my stomach gives a little gurgle and the dilemma begins. What do I eat? I know I should cook because it saves money and is healthier. I don't have the energy to cook. What do I have that has the most calories for the least amount of effort? Sure, I'll eat that. Again.

Here's what I've found to work best:

Keep breakfast light. I have a cup (or two) of (now decaf) coffee and a fruit smoothie. I TSP unsweetened coconut flakes, 1 TSP chia seeds, 1 TSP flax seeds, 1frozen banana broken into 4 or 5 pieces, frozen pineapple, frozen baby kale, frozen mango topped off with fresh OJ. Blend to liquified deliciousness. This'll load you up on carbs and protein that's easy to make and easy to take with you.

Snack like you mean it. Instead of the daunting imagery of large, full plates, I use smaller potato buns to make mini sandwiches, I keep carrots and humus on hand at all times, pretzel thins and salsa, apples and peanut butter, flavored rice cakes or any healthful "snack" that can become a mini meal (throw some tuna on a few crackers, eat some cheese slices with apple wedges. Fresh fruit and veggies are my best friends.)

Eat a smaller dinner later in the evening. When my husband began working 11am-11pm I found myself up later and still hungry. So I'll do the snack thing until about 5 or 6 then have a light dinner at 8. Sautéed chicken and side veggies. Pasta with meatballs and side salad. Nothing too large, and I always have leftovers for another meal (or more) which saves me from cooking a new meal every single night.

I hope this helps. Another option you might look into is a delivery service like Blue Apron, etc. We tried two weeks as a gift and it erased my dreaded "what am I going to cook?" as well as help keeping calories in check per meal/snack/dessert but can get pricey

<3

If you have an irregular schedule, it might help to put together a really nutrient dense protein smoothie/shake in the morning or even make it the night before, carry it in a nice stainless steel container with a straw, and you can just sip away during the day. Use an organic clean source of protein that is non-dairy and non-soy though - pea, potato, rice, hemp and mix in whatever makes it appealing to you - coconut milk and avocado will give you some really healthy fats that we all need, cocoa nibs or cocoa powder, almond butter or other nut butter that you like, some greens, maybe a little bit of fruit (too much can give some people bloat and tummy upset), if you need to sweeten, use stevia and not sugar. If you take any supplements you can open and put them into the smoothie so they're disguised. Keep experimenting until you find one that you really enjoy and I think if you're able to have small servings throughout the day it won't feel so overwhelming, and you'll get extra nutrients and calories you need.

I always carry roasted almonds with me, I chew on them out of habit .

:* :* I've got free time and wifi, what can I say?