The only thing I have trouble with the JC diet are portable lunches. The options are limited to tuna and chicken salad. I work in an office without a microwave and 'smelly' lunch (as my boss calls it) is not allowed.
Can't JC come up with lunches that are better designed to working folk.....like the South Beach Diet Wraps?

I purchased a small thermos from Walmart for under $6 that keeps things hot for up to 5 hours. I microwave my lunch at home and then bring it in the thermos. I can't say its 'microwave hot' at lunchtime but it is warm and satisfying. This has been working really well for me and I recommend you try this so you can have more lunch choices.
Good luck.

That would still fall into the category of eating a 'smelly' lunch. That wouldn't work.
I am sure I'mnot the only person on the program that has this problem! And I am surprised there aren't more lunches that are office friendly.

You don't have to stay in the office for your lunch break, do you? I hope not!!
Couldn't you take your "smelly" but delicious lunch to a break room, a reception area, your car or someplace else to eat?
I think the Jenny idea is to serve "normal" delicious foods that most people eat. Your situation, though unfortunate, is not really common, so it wouldn't be something they would cater to. Sorry!
That's a tough situation. What do your other co-workers do for lunch?

A reception area would defeat the purpose of not having clients come in and smelling food.
I work in NYC. No I don't have to stay in but in a small law office we have no lunch room, break room, I can't sit on the street in the winter to eat. The conference room would defeat the purpose of not eating a lunch that smells. And working in the City, I don't have my car to sit in to eat.
THe simple solution would be for JC to make a lunch that people who CAN NOT or DO NOT want to eat a hot lunch can enjoy lunch too!

I can't think of ANY food that does not have an aroma. Maybe you can do lunch as a meal on your own. Bring your salad/veggies and South Beach wraps or make a cold sandwich with lean deli meat and whole grain bread. And if your boss still complains about "smelly" lunches, buy an air freshener for the office.

He doesn't mind sandwiches or salads, the smell of them don't linger and aren't as noticable as - let's say - chili or soup.
I was hoping to and was TRYING to suggest, that perhaps JC should come up with lunch alternatives for those of us - and obviously I am in some kind of minority around here - who have trouble toting or using the hot lunches and are tired of tuna and chicken salad.
Geesh...why did I bother!

I'm sorry if I offended you. Yes it would be nice to have some more portable lunches. But it's not going to happen overnight. I was just trying to give you some suggestions. I guess it's the last time I do that for you.

I can't imagine any food that doesn't smell. Some of the women where I work get take out (Chinese, McDonalds and fries) and eat it in the lunch room and I can smell it all the way to my desk. Doesn't bother me though. I usually bring my Jenny Craig lunches .. often eat the dry ones cold with a box of mushrooms. Or take it to Starbucks and get a water and eat it there. Our city is not zoned to allow fast food places but there are several places where I can get coffee and take a break and eat or I buy the Starbuck's 1/2 sandwich and fruit (300 calories). I lost 2 pounds this week, down to 134 with 10 to go.

People are making suggestions; that's what the message board is all about.
A low calorie bread with fat free cheese is an alternative. I'm sure your consultant can help you plan non-JC meals on your own.

AnnieNYC, folks are trying to help you here, no need to get offended/frustrated. The person you should be frustrated with is your boss. Not providing a place to sit and eat lunch is ridiculous in any profession. Take these folks' advice, they're giving great suggestions. Good luck!!

AnnieNYC...you have a real problem. People are trying to give you suggestions and you have major attitude. There are loads of options for lunches... I propose that you re-think your posts.

Wow...non-smelly lunches. That's a bit harsh. Your boss sounds a little like an ogre. Maybe like other people suggested your consultant can help you do lunches "On your own" so you can find a "non-smelly" alternative. Good luck!

to cut down on food smells, set out some baking soda and a bowl of vinegar.

or offer the boss a clothes pin for his nose

P.S. -- If he was a really good lawyer, clients wouldn't give a crap what his office smelled like --
another way to try to work around that is to always have a fresh pot of coffee brewing around or just before lunch time. Or also, have room deodorizers plugged into the walls.
Geez, you know, life is short. I'd be miserable if I had to eat a cold, boring lunch everyday. People in prison are allowed hot food.
My husband is a lawyer and he treats his staff like family. I can't imagine him telling them that they can't have a lunch that might emit a smell. In fact, he mentions all the time how they bring fast food in almost every day. He actually worries about their health. A few times a week, he makes the lunch run if he's not in court and makes salads for everybody off of the salad bar. (He's not one of the guys who gave lawyers a bad name)

Annie-
If you can stomach it, how about switching your breakfast and lunch meals? Try eating your 'smelly' lunch before you leave home and save the breakfasts for noon at the office. The breakfast bars and cereals doesn't smell....unless your boss has a problem with sound also...then the crunch may get you in trouble...lol.
You also mentioned South Beach wraps...I use them once per week myself. And salads usually don't 'smell' too much.
Have to say though, never heard of such BS...not even sure it's legal for him to harass employees about the way their lunch smells. Since you work in a no smell zone, does that also apply to clients wearing perfume also? I would never patronize anyone that treated their employees like that! Craziness, craziness...I've never worked in NYC, but I can tell you, it wouldn't be the people or the attitudes that got me, it would be insanity like this. I know we can't just up and leave our jobs because our boss is crazy (or none of us would work, lol) but I hope someday in the future you can work with someone less insane.
Good luck to you!!!!!

I get what you are talking about because I have a hard time finding lunches that I don't have to microwave, or freeze. I don't have either or these avalable to me and I get tired of the tuna and chicken salads. I hate the boxed stuff without warming it. So I feel you on this one and hope that JC will come up with some more lunch options.

I'm in the same boat of needing better portable lunches as well. I have a job that requires me to be on the road a lot and not necessarly having access to a microwave, much less somewhere to sit and eat. I feel the pain of being condemned to the only 2 portable lunch options (one of which I greatly despise). Yes there are external options, but I joined Jenny mostly for the convenience of the prepared foods and having to search for options somewhat defeats the purpose. I think they should make efforts to bring out wraps or something, anything beyond just the tuna and chicken kits. I am well aware that eventually I will have to start planning meals on my own, but while in the process of losing, the convenience is a huge factor. If not for work, but also for busy weekend days spent mostly out and about, it would be nice to have another Jenny portable option rather than having to resort to a dining out. Also, it seems assinine to me to pay to be a JC client and have to look elsewhere for food options because of a lack of reasonable solutions.
So add me to the list of someone who wants more portable lunch choices!

I'm with the above poster that there has to be better lunch options that don't require a microwave. And my suggestion won't help the "not allowed to have a smelly lunch" situation. But, as far as taking lunch with you: I microwave and slice a JC stuffed potato. I sprinkle parmesan (okay, shovel parmesan) cheese on it and put it in a portable plastic tupperwear container and am able to eat that when I'm on the road. It's not piping hot, but it's still warm and it's better than those tuna salad kits or breaking down and going to a drive-thru

I also work in a law firm .. personal injury cases. Here in California, it's a requirement that if one has a certain amount of employees, the employer had to provide a lunchroom. Plus, we are right next to a mall so there are plenty of places to eat. I usually eat at my desk so I can use the computer. Often I eat the JC dry foods uncooked as some of them taste better that way ... southwestern chicken, rottini and meatballs .. and have a box of the prewashed mushrooms with it. I would think NYC would have zillions of Starbucks and little places to eat at!

WOW! I really hope this isn't how you treat all members who have a problem.
My boss is not an OGRE! He happens to also be my father. We don't have lunch facilities as we are a small law firm in downdown Manhattan. I think you would be hard pressed in Manhattan to find a ton of SMALL offices that have lunch spaces.
The suggestions didn't work for me and I said so. THat doesn't give me an attitude. It is me exerciszing my right to say, thanks, but that won't work for me. Was I supposed to say, gee, that's great and sit here with my continued lack of feasible lunch?
I don't know which JC program you all belong to, but the one I belong to is nice and kind, the epeople are helpful and don't attack you for expressing your distaste for something. It's also one that costs me a great deal of money each week, and I don't think asking for or expecting a lunch that is doable for working people is too much to ask, nor should it be met with such hatred and criticism by people in the same boat as I am...TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT.
I am sorry I asked and I am even more sorry I joined this forum for help and friendship.

Annie NYC, no one hates you or is being critical, they are just trying to help you out that's all. Suggestions are offers of help, maybe giving you an idea that has worked for them. The people on here are caring, and just because suggestions are not what you want doesn't give you the right to be rude. I guess we all just find it difficult to imagine that there would be anything that you can eat that is completely odorless, or an employer that has such restrictions. There were a few suggestions on here that coud possibly work, god forbid I won't repeat them though I know you don't want suggestions, but keeping an open mind and sometimes trying what may work out in the meantine until there are more portable, odorless lunches available through JC is what you would have to do. No one disagrees that more portable lunches would be great. Hope you have a good day.
Linda

Wow AnneNYC you are way too sensitive. People were honestly trying to help. Too bad you can't see that. It is absolutely strange that your boss/dad doesn't let you eat foods that smell.
Ogre was funny, nothing to cry about. Geez chill out.

Dear I QUIT (formerly AnnieNYC)-
OK, so I get the point. More portable lunches. AGREED! ALL AROUND! Between the travelers and very active people, like myself, how's about a decent cold lunch?
Must say though...since your dad is your boss, doesn't he know you are trying to pursue a healthier lifestyle? Isn't there any way he could make an exception on "outstanding odors in the office" to help you on your journey? I would imagine he wants his daughter to live a long healthy live and take over the practice. And you don't have to buy your lunches from JC. As someone wiser than me said, "It ain't magic food, ya know", lol. Plan out exchanges with your consultant for meals on my own. It's really not that hard. Also go to www.diabetes.org for more information.
And as far as what kind of people post on these boards, well, DUH - ALL KINDS! It's pretty snotty of you to condemn an entire forum that thousands and thousands of people participate in. Just like in any random group, many are kind, some are wallflowers, some respond very openly, in humor or sarcasm, not expecting to have to watch their words. We're all different. If you would have taken a different tone and not blessed everyone out, you might have found the friendship you were looking for. There are some really smart and friendly people here.
It's too bad you took offense about the boss/ogre/smelly food comments, I QUIT, instead of realizing that it is just a hard situation for some of us to comprehend.
I wish you good luck and hope your name does not reflect your future on the program.

You know what? Some people don't want sincere suggestions or help. They just want to b i t c h and moan and complain. I have a tendency to do that. Rest assured doll, no one can get grouchier than me! Still I read this whole thread and the fact is, an office rule that doesn't allow lunch foods that smell seems strange to most people. They're (we're) not familiar with it. All this s h i t is going on in the world that is truly awful and the idea that a boss doesn't want an employee to eat a lunch that might have an aroma seems petty and arbitrary. Lastly, my God, how long can a lunch food smell? As hungry as I am by noon, I'd eat the food and the odor all at once.
Lighten up sweetie - you've lost almost twenty five pounds since Sept. -- that's twenty four point nine more than I have and I joined at the same time.
I envy you . . . even in your sterile work place with Dad being the boss.
((((hugs))))) with a big side of garlic bread!

Dear I Quit! -
One thing I've learned from experience is that it's incredibly hard to read people's tones over emails/message boards. Weight is a sensitive subject for most people and I'm sure with your boss being your dad it added to your sensitivity. From an outsider's perspective I have to say that I really don't think people were attacking you at all - or even really your dad. I don't know about New York but I've lived and worked in a lot of places and have never heard of any employer having a "no smelly lunches" rule. So keep in mind, that from our perspective this is highly unusual and sounds really unfair to the employees. I myself work for a TV network and we have all sorts of high profile people coming in - and everybody is always heating up or ordering something smelly. That's just life in the big city. People have to eat.
I agree with you that more food options that don't require heating would be great - however, I also think that the percentage of people who REQUIRE them is probably pretty low and from a business perspective may not be cost-beneficial. If you feel strongly about it, make your feelings known not just on the message board but to the Jenny Craig staff at your center and to the corporation. They are in the position to add products. The folks on the message boards were trying to help you find solutions around the problem - which is a form of friendship and support. And honestly, I truly think that the people posting saying they couldn't understand your workplace rules were also trying to lend you support. I think it was their way of saying "man, that stinks!" -
Losing weight is easier with support and I think a lot of the people on this board made a lot of caring suggestions, even if they aren't workable for you. You may want to take a deep breath and cool down before you write everyone off - remember, everyone on here is in the same boat.
Best to you,
Renee

Renee,
You said it perfectly!! I remember a long time ago someone said to me, "don't send an e-mail or a letter - just pick up the phone because when words are on paper or on the screen, they can be taken out of context" --
kudos to you for articulating what all of us were trying to say
for the record, I hope she sticks around -- we need some new blood on this board!

I Quit: I actually hear you--I (although I like and eat them at home) REFUSE to bring the kits to work, they DO smell HORRIBLE and it draws attention ("so...you're eating Fancy Feast cat food?"...) And, I am one of the unfortunate few that although by "law" am supposed to get a lunch and breaks, I work in an environment that I am almost literally chained to my desk--six ringing phone lines, IMPORTANT doctor-related calls that I can't just send to "voice mail", etc. (Don't worry, I'm well compensated in other areas, this is just one of the drawbacks...) Anyway, I need to and have to eat at my desk, and you DO need to be considerate of those around you, or at least should be. So yes, more choices would be wonderful; we don't always have access to microwaves (travelers as well) or the luxury to eat out of the workplace. In a perfect world, that would be nice. By the way, I have my JC Thermos which is wonderful and a good idea, and sometimes I've also switched my lunches and breakfasts and had my lunch at home and then just took my granola and yogurt to eat for lunch. Very filling! Hope you don't give up on us--keep coming to the boards, they really are great.

So was the proper response to "Annie - I Quit's" first post be: You are so right - I wish they did make more portable lunches. Just curious....

Jilltoons, I think most of us agree as said many times, but odorless is next to impossible, but until there is all we can do is make suggestions to try and help a fellow JC'er through a hard time.
Linda

This is probably a purely personal thing, but I find the smell of soy products faintly nauseating. I've been surprised to find out how many of the JC meals use soy to either replace or supplement meat, and I can usually identify them without looking at the ingredients, just by the smell. I've been trying to find ways to jazz these things up, or add things to them, that counteract the smell. Because I really do like the program, overall.
I feel fortunate that I work in a hospital that provides a microwave in the cafeteria. I usually take one of the entrees and buy a small salad to go with it. But I have worked at jobs where I had to eat while travelling from one location to another, and I can see where even the cold lunches would be hard to eat while driving. I guess we all just need to make our wishes known through our consultants.
Dusty

I agree with I QUIT...I do miss eating a sandwich especially from subway...or any sandwich...

Hi all-
Actually- I have a similar problem! I've been relegated to having a "cold" lunch because I don't have access to a fridge or microwave. I eat the tuna kit, chicken salad kit, some of the pizzas, and the chicken sandwich. I cook the pizzas at home & eat them cold at work. I do the same with the chicken sandwich- I put lettuce, tomato, and whatever other veggies I want on it (or carry them separately in a baggie) and then put the mustard on when I'm eating. Another fun thing to do with the chicken sandwich is to nuke it (so it's fully cooked), let it cool, and throw it on top of a fresh salad! Then you can toast the bun & throw a little light margarine or something on them and you've got a meal. I know this doesn't change the fact that there's limited offerings (I wish there were a couple more items, too), but these items don't smell up my office & there's no cooking- it adds a little more variety to my week! Good luck!

I have been reading through the posts and I am wondering if something else is going on here with Annie/I Quit? Often people use one thing as an excuse to do something else.
Think about it Annie. Are you angry at your father? Or do you really want to get a different job? Maybe you are ready for a change and are not ready to admit it?
I guess I'll never get an answer because you have most likely left the board and you were not allowing private messages. Maybe that says something about your true attitude toward getting support from these boards.
At one time I worked in a small 3 FT/1PT office that had 3 rooms - the bosses office, the secretary/receptionist and part time employees office and a big meeting/board/workroom that had a partition for my cubicle and a cubicle with a fridge and a microwave. The office policy was to limit the really smelly cooking to days when we were not expecting "company". Maybe there are days when no clients are expected and a compromise can be achieved.
Also, a big part of taste in food comes from smell. If the smell is not there, much food is tasteless

annienyc/iquit really makes me laugh as i sit here eating my own "smelly lunch." in fact, saying/thinking "smelly lunch" makes me laugh.
Annie - give your dad a big "smelly lunch" hug and lighten up - literally