I work in Southend so I can either spend my entire hour break by the sea. Either walking or sunbathing or having an ice cream. It’s nice to be able to get in a full hours walk. It feels like proper exercise.
Or if the weather isn’t that great. Shopping!
I can’t agree with this enough; it was so common before to be in the ‘hungry but can’t eat because I’m working out soon’ phase, but with Huel Black especially I can pre-load. I don’t know that I could drink it while I’m working out but just before is OK!
To your point here @mbs I think it’s subjective for everyone. My partner drinks as much Huel as I do so there isn’t a social dillema, but also I’m flexible enough as I get older to (reluctantly) break with my normal Huel meals (breakfast & lunch) if I’m socialising. You might argue that mealtimes are a time for soclising and this really is deeply rooted in our culture, spanning back thousands of years; however this really only holds true if you are a sit down to the table type family having conversation. If so, then that family unit would be a good candidate for either not having dinner as a Huel moment or looking at H&S! I think Huel is a good opportunity to teach kids that not all food is created equal, so bringing them on this journey also has value.
I thought I was the only one who used the time for “useless” activities. When Soylent came up there were lots of articles writing about a dystopic scenario where all human needs and social activities were replaced by hyperactive, hyperambitious workaholics who only lived for learning, self optimization and of course working. Nevertheless I often wished I used my free time more for such things, but often I just did not have the energy, could not concentrate, or found nothing that seemed worthwile.
What I noticed is, that it is also quite a difficult situation to have a shake when everyone else is eating. Not only with collegues, but even if you apply somewhere and people have lunch together. Maybe that’s different in other countries, but here in Germany it does not really seem to be socially accepted, at least not among the larger population. The market leader for complete foods in Germany even calls his ready-to-drink products “This is food”, but apparently people still don’t notice…
Maybe with the instant meals it would be different, but due to ARFID (avoidant restrictive food intake disorder) I never tried it - and never will. I mean the market is changing a lot, new products are invented all the time, and perhaps products from companies like Huel will be standard in the future, but my impression is that there is still a long way to go. Maybe it would be shorter if the products would not be vegan.
With the time I save with Huel I:
Sleep in later.
Play video games.
Watch random YouTube videos.
Feed the squirrels in the park.
Not exactly productive but I’m definitely a lot happier than when I had to meal prep and constantly think about what to bring to work for lunch.
Well, sleeping and feeding squirrels are productive activities.
Videos on YouTube can also be productive if you’re learning something 
I was at a posh black tie do in London Kensington last week. Before hand I went for a walk round Kensington Park. This squirrel was interested in my nuts. His claws were so sharp they drew blood.
I hope you got changed before you went to said do.
That’s awesome. I’ve not been to Richmond Park for ages.
Kensington had a flock of wild parakeets and although it was about 5pm a fox sauntered past just on front of me.
I thought the squirrel was looking for a fight.
@coup yes I even had a bow tie.
I love the parakeets!
They spend the day in Kensington and then go to Richmond to roost. If you bring sunflower seeds to Kensington they’ll be your best friend.
I also love that fighty squirrel!
Everyone talking about that squirrel and missing this goose plotting something big here
Weirdly, the squirrel recommended that channel to me. He liked anything in a nutshell.
I’m doing a part-time degree alongside a full-time job so a quick meal to prepare is a godsend, especially a nutritional complete one.
I lile the pictures, very cute indeed!
I used to feed ducks (I don’t have “access” to other animals which could be fed) in autumn…maybe it would be a good idea to reactivate that activity.
Tried to do some reading, but the problem here is, that I have only ebooks…yes, on my mobile phone. Maybe some “digital detox” would be good. Or “dopamine detox”. Although I am not sure what to think about this trend.
At least Huel provides lots of good fats - also promoting “brain health”. No need for a “detox”…no, seriously, I can’t imagine how to survive without my phone. And I really worry about that. Does anyone of you have the same problem?
@ Kingbob:
What kind of a degree? Just for your career or do you also enjoy the subject somehow?
I’m just spending my free time walking more during my breaks throughout the day.
I’m the same mbs, smartphone - love it / hate it - can’t live without it. They’re amazing things, but indispensable and I miss the feeling of being out of touch sometimes. Maybe fasting one day a week is worth a try. Or half a day.
Honestly, just resting. I spend 8-10 hours on my feet, making food for other people. Then a couple of hours out of my day are spent doing animal care chores and if I have the spoons, some household chores. I used to batch cook stews to save time, but Huel means I can do away with that as well.
Not everything you do has to be productive. Resting physically and mentally is important too.
It’s essential, actually.
If it was resting that leads to discovery…which is actually mostly not the case. Wasting time can be negative stress, too, if one feels unable to make better choices. After “deep work” or making it to stay focused on something I feel much better. Unfortunately it does not help to know this. Even if procrastination is worse, it is easier, without a barrier, as it is a mindless activity and easily available.
I wish I made better choices. But my impression is, that many people have a similar problem…
