Need Help!

[susan423]

Hi guys, I've never seen this problem addressed before but I really need your help. I've been doing live in caregiving work off and on for 20 years. When I got married 5 years ago I decided to be a full time housewife. I did that for a few years then I decided to go back to work. I got a job as a live in caregiver for a lady that has alziemers. Before I came to work for her I was on Atkins and lost 30 pounds. I tried to stick with it but it was really hard. After months I finally got her trained what my food was. But her grandkids were another story. They would raid her fridge and the first thing they would grab is my diet jello and devilled eggs. They didn't seem to understand that those were a life line for me. If they weren't there I will undoubtaly grab something not good for me. Guess what? That's exactly what began happening. Slowly I went off my diet. It was just so much trouble to keep an eye on my food. For the 3 years I was there I gained back 40 pounds. I finally quit just because I wanted to be a housewife again. A month after I left I began Atkins again. I've lost 50 pounds with about 80 to go. Today this lady's son called me and said her caregiver is quitting and didn't give him much notice. Wanted to know if I could come work until he found someone (last time it took him 3 months). I agreed because we do kind of need the money. Anyway, I really need to stick to my diet this time but I'm really scared. Anyone have any words of wisdom for me? Thanks so much. Sorry this was so long,

Susan

[ShiningStarr]

Here is my thought. My mom does in home care also and all the people she has helped have always been very nice and understanding. So I think you should by a large tupperware-like container that you can put you food in and keep it in the fridge. This way it is seperated from the household food. Plus out of sight, out of mind. If they don't see it they probably won't eat it. You could even put your name on the container if you needed to but hopefully you can just tell the all family members that you made yourself a little space in the fridge for some snacks while you are there working. They should get the hint. Also you could offer to make them a non-atkins version for them (like the jello) Just a thought. Hope this helps!

[susan423]

Thanks Starr. I may try that. I think I'm more determined then I was last time so I may be able to get more forceful (if neccessary )

[D14965]

the tupperware box with a lable on it saying "special diet food for Susan - please do not eat" might help --if all else fails a padlocked box might work -- very extreme I know but sometimes its necessary!

[jroche5998]

I agree with the above suggestions, but I'll add a bit more. Make sure the container is not see through, what they don't see, they are not tempted by. And absolutely label it as yours, then if they open it and eat your food, it is technically stealing.

Or just explain yourself, and why those snacks are important to you.