Hospital food can get expensive. Most hospitals don't mind if you bring in a cooler. Bring along some bars or muffins for breakfast, pack a sandwich and fruit for lunch. Bring along little snacks as well. Most floors have a microwave you can use if you bring along popcorn. Doing things like this can save lots of money. (The food in the cafeteria is too expensive and I get an employee discount so that's why I almost always bring my lunch).

Do you have to pay to park? If so ask if there is a weekly discount you can purchase.

So if you bring your food, try not to tempt yourself with eating all those junky snacks, etc. ...maybe the hospital has a nice loop around it for a walk? That would help with any stress, and keep money in your wallet, and calories off your hips. Good luck, hope all goes well with your dh.

My son spends 3/4 days ina hospital every 6 months. I have the food down to a pat. I pack instant oatmeal/grits. There are disposable bowls/utensils and a microwave in the nurses' break room you can use. In fact, I think most hospitals have them in a small kitchen for the families too now. I packed yogurts, a jar of pb, some crackers, fruit and nuts. We buy one meal from cafeteria and pick up a bunch of single serve condiments. Then I'm able to pack two slices of bread per ziploc and store my turkey/ham and cheese in the mini fridge inthe break room. I assemble my samdwiches when I'm ready to eat them so they aren't soggy. Another option would be to make chicken or tuna salad and store it in a Gladware and store that in the fridge they have for families. And don't forget baby carrots, broccoli florets, etc w/ some Ranch dip, an excellent snack that has saved many trips to the vending machines!

HTH,
Selena (btw, my first post here I think!)

I think its easy to get off track every once in a while. It is more so when you have the stress of your husband's upcoming hospitalization. I think you have been given some execllet tips to save at the hospital, and while there is nothing that can save you on the gas -- does your DH want you to make that trip EVERY day. I know mine would rather not have me there all the time so he could rest. Maybe one or two days you could skip? (Does that sound mean?? Its not supposed to at all. I am not suggesting the $30 in gas it might cost would be worth the missed visits, I am just asking if he wants you there or would rather you be with the kids.)

I am sure you will get back on track.

__________________
Grace

Wife to Stoney

Mommy of Sarah (8.5), Hannah (7), and John(4.5)