Working 3rd Shift

CyeRyn

A year ago I weighed in at about 125lbs... I've gained about 8lbs so I'm at a consistent 133lbs. I'd like to re-lose those 8lbs. One of the things I know that will help is re-giving up soda again.. or switch to diet ones on occasion. My BIG problem is my new work schedule of 3rd shift. I've been a night owl for most of my life until the last 5years where I wasn't working and got into a normal routine with waking up with my son to get him to school. With this 360 degree flip in sleep schedule, my eating habits went from consistent, to all over the place. On top of that, because I'm going to college my classes don't allow me enough sleep (which is only a problem for the next couple weeks so I could render this part irrelevant). I get asked all the time by co-workers why I don't eat (for the most part) at work and most of it is my fear of over-eating because my schedule isn't consistent any more. What are some good ways to fix this? Should I revamp my eating schedule to fit with work? Or try and sync it with the kids and only bring healthy snacks to work with me? If I don't occasionally give in to the vending machine at work, I tend to get really bad stomach aches. I also have given in to taking an energy drink with me for an energy pick-me-up before first break which we all know energy drinks are just bad news. My food log is unlocked but I haven't logged my eating habits in a long time. I should probably start doing that again. Any advice is welcomed!

tryclyn

If you can't figure out a daily schedule try paying more attention to the weekly average. Actually logging what you eat would be very helpful in this situation.

chelseac1014

I'm a college student also and sometimes I work night shifts (12-4) or (4-8), what I do is I save half of my dinner so that I can have something to eat during my work shift but not go over on my calories

clarkeje1

5 hour energy shots are only 4 calories and they work!

lilbearzmom

I also work 3rd shift (12 hrs) and I find what has helped me is to break my diary up into time increments rather than breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, etc. That way it's in like a 24 hr type mode. 12am-4am, 4am-8am, etc. As long as it all fits in my calorie allotment at the end of the 24 hrs, I am happy. Feel free to look at my diary. It's open. And I'm working tonight.

CyeRyn

I'm a college student also and sometimes I work night shifts (12-4) or (4-8), what I do is I save half of my dinner so that I can have something to eat during my work shift but not go over on my calories

Can't believe I didn't think of doing it this way. I usually eat at around 6-7pm then sleep until 10pm because I work 11-7. I'd use the 5hr energy but I can't stand the flavor since one of my friends had me try one and it wound up being a moldy expired one. ALWAYS check the dates. LOL

chelseac1014

I'm a college student also and sometimes I work night shifts (12-4) or (4-8), what I do is I save half of my dinner so that I can have something to eat during my work shift but not go over on my calories

Can't believe I didn't think of doing it this way. I usually eat at around 6-7pm then sleep until 10pm because I work 11-7. I'd use the 5hr energy but I can't stand the flavor since one of my friends had me try one and it wound up being a moldy expired one. ALWAYS check the dates. LOL

Especially since you're sleeping right after dinner you could probably easily just pack half of it to go so you don't feel deprived while you're working. Doing that has really helped me get through my shifts and not go over my calories

wdwmindy

Another 3rd shifter here. I love the way lilbearzmom has her diary set up! Great plan.

When I had a very active third shift job I would eat dinner before going to work, a snack at work, a meal at the 3 am break and breakfast or lunch at home, depending on when I would catch some zzzzs.

I have a much less active third shift job now and I do not eat at work, with the exception of breakfast at a regular breakfast time (12 hr shift 10pm-10am). I also only work 3 nights a week as opposed to 5 at my previous O/N job (10pm-6am).

I guess the answer to your question is: it depends on what works best for you. You could try both ways for a week each and see which you prefer, while logging your food to see if you are having too many calories.

joelshute

[...] break my diary up into time increments rather than breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, etc. That way it's in like a 24 hr type mode. 12am-4am, 4am-8am, etc. [...]

As someone who works from 6p - 6a, this is a great idea. I'm going to try it, thanks!