Question about Calorie Counting with crazy schedule

bunny876
bunny876 Posts: 40 Member
edited October 4 in Health and Weight Loss
Hello everyone! I have a question that I need to get opinions on. With my current work schedule I work 12 hour shifts, two weeks on days and two weeks on nights. I have no problem or confusion when it comes to tracking my caloires on day shift, but when I am night shift I get confused. Instead of having my calories tracked by "breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack" I broke it down into 4-5 hours of the day such as 0000-0500 0500-1100, etc.....

My question is when I am on night shfits is this going to calculate my calories correctly? Most of the time I will eat something for breakfast before I get home, then when I wake up I eat a snack and then eat dinner when I get to work. On my last night of nights most of the time I stay up so it looks to me like I am eating constantly.

Thank you all so much in advance for your input, I am looking forward to hearing some of your opinions.

Replies

  • cirellim
    cirellim Posts: 269
    Honestly I think its just as simple as tracking anything at all that you're eating and then adding it all up for the day. The times you eat at won't have any effect at all. Here's something to try though count your WEEKLY calories for a week on the night shift then count weekly calorie intake for a week on the day shift just to ensure everything is still on the same level, just a thought.
  • eillamarie
    eillamarie Posts: 862 Member
    I think it'll all balance out. Yes you may eat more some days, but other days you'll eat less. Should work out. If it doesn't then you'll have to figure out a way to fix it, but for now just see what happens.
  • Jfearn64
    Jfearn64 Posts: 353 Member
    I work rotating 12 hour shifts as well. I always put my calories in on the calendar day that I eat them. i.e. when midnight rolls around I close out that day and start on the next. I log my meals (breakfast,lunch,dinner) by the type of meal I am having. I have not had any issues doing this and the weight loss has been pretty consistent whether on days or nights.
  • psmd
    psmd Posts: 764 Member
    I think your idea is good, but I would break it down into 4-hour blocks (0000-0400, 0400-0800, etc.) for the whole 24 hours. It might seem like you're eating all the time but you'll be able to see more specifically when you're eating what and make changes based on that. Good luck!
  • Puffins1958
    Puffins1958 Posts: 614 Member
    When I used to work the midnight shift, I changed my whole schedule around and acted as if I was working noon to 8pm, instead of actually midnight till 8am. When I came home @ 8:30 am, I was up working all night so I'd have my dinner in the morning, and then went to bed around 11am as if it was 11pm. When I woke up at 6pm, I just woke up, so I was hungry for breakfast, see what I mean?? I hope this helps you.....
  • bunny876
    bunny876 Posts: 40 Member
    Thank you all for your responses, great tips and pointers. I greatly appreciate them all!
This discussion has been closed.

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