Needing a new food plan for 12 hour overnight shift!!

kim_mc
kim_mc Posts: 321 Member
edited October 1 in Food and Nutrition
What i am currently doing is not working out so well for me. I have been taking a meal to work with me to eat in the middle of the night becasue I sleep through lunch. But on the days when I have had lunch already this doesn't work, not enough calories.

I feel like I have to eat the whole time Im there and if I don't bring food I end up grabbing something really bad for me and binging because I either get super hungry or super tired.

I guess I'm looking for some other ideas or what works best for you?!

Any ideas/input would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • MrsRadder
    MrsRadder Posts: 207 Member
    Me too! Can't wait to see what people suggest.
  • ak_in_ak
    ak_in_ak Posts: 657 Member
    My diary is open, I don't always do well at night, but feel free to look at how I do the rest of the day. The night before I plan out and enter all my food for the next day except dinner. I would suggest doing the same thing. Things like greek yogurt, and veggies and dip are good snacks. Apples with almond butter are super filling. Sometimes I even measure out a cup of coconut milk and keep it in the fridge. Then mix in my baggie of Kashi Go Lean and some blueberries together when it is time to eat. You can bring almost anything to work with the right tubberwear.

    Another idea is to buy a pack of meat and cheese, loaf of bread and mayo and keep them at work. That way you can make a sandwich when ever you are hungry.
  • kim_mc
    kim_mc Posts: 321 Member
    No ideas- I think all the night people are probably sleeping! LOL! I'll re-post tonight!!!
  • kim_mc
    kim_mc Posts: 321 Member
    My diary is open, I don't always do well at night, but feel free to look at how I do the rest of the day. The night before I plan out and enter all my food for the next day except dinner. I would suggest doing the same thing. Things like greek yogurt, and veggies and dip are good snacks. Apples with almond butter are super filling. Sometimes I even measure out a cup of coconut milk and keep it in the fridge. Then mix in my baggie of Kashi Go Lean and some blueberries together when it is time to eat. You can bring almost anything to work with the right tubberwear.

    Another idea is to buy a pack of meat and cheese, loaf of bread and mayo and keep them at work. That way you can make a sandwich when ever you are hungry.

    so do you eat another meal at work, or just snack when you're hungry??
  • michelleherinckx
    michelleherinckx Posts: 63
    Hello! I work 12 hour shifts too (except mine are during the day) and what I have been doing is bringing snacks and a meal that are filling. For my middle-of the day break I'll usually have a wrap and a sald with chicken in it. I work as a veterinary assistant and rarely get a second to sit down during my shift, so I look for snacks that are mobile - something I can walk and type notes with while eating. For me that usually means something like celery dipped in peanut butter or a protein bar. Also, I always bring a water bottle with me to work and if I am feeling hungry I will start drinking water. Half the time the water makes me feel full and satisified. Hope this helps a little...good luck!
  • Kelnurse
    Kelnurse Posts: 145
    I work the 12 hr overnight shifts too and sometimes have the same problem. I find that if I keep my fingers busy it helps, so what gets me thru most times is chatting with wonderful people here on MFP LOL Then I dont snack as much! :laugh:

    Not sure if this is useful but it works for me!
  • ak_in_ak
    ak_in_ak Posts: 657 Member
    My diary is open, I don't always do well at night, but feel free to look at how I do the rest of the day. The night before I plan out and enter all my food for the next day except dinner. I would suggest doing the same thing. Things like greek yogurt, and veggies and dip are good snacks. Apples with almond butter are super filling. Sometimes I even measure out a cup of coconut milk and keep it in the fridge. Then mix in my baggie of Kashi Go Lean and some blueberries together when it is time to eat. You can bring almost anything to work with the right tubberwear.

    Another idea is to buy a pack of meat and cheese, loaf of bread and mayo and keep them at work. That way you can make a sandwich when ever you are hungry.

    so do you eat another meal at work, or just snack when you're hungry??

    I eat breakfast between 7-8 am, then a snack 2 hours later, then lunch at 12, and a snack at 2 or 3. I would suggest altering this type of schedule for you work shift. By eating every two or three hours you don't get so hungry, and it helps with planning. You can set up yoru diary to reflect the times you want to eat.

    I am not sure if that makes sense or answers your question. What I am really getting at is divide up your day so you are eating frequently, plan everything out before hand so you know what your day will look like, and be inventive with what you can bring.
  • mmlkb4
    mmlkb4 Posts: 11
    I am an RN and work night shift 7pm-7am...I try to stick to small frequent meals, every 3-4 hours or so - most nights I have the time. I pack small meals of ff cottage cheese and fruit, pita pocket sandwiches with peanut butter and bananas, sliced cucumbers and peppers, almonds, and I always bake a chicken breast to bring. I do sometimes get bored with my night time food, but these are quick and easy options that work for me!
  • MrsRadder
    MrsRadder Posts: 207 Member
    .... none of this was really help full... sorry. Working nights and depending on your job really makes a difference. The worst part for me is trying to eat things that my body will be able to work hard on... but not hang around and make it hard for me to sleep. Good luck to you. Feel free to friend me looks like we are fighting the same battle.
  • ChristinaRamos
    ChristinaRamos Posts: 226
    Protein!!! Chicken breast, cottage cheese, hard boiled eggs, nuts, cheese, turkey breast, protein shakes, peanut butter, every 2-3 hours with lots of water!!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories