night shift workers

I also work nightshift.

And yes, I work nights. Midnight to 8am

I work nights too. Dieting is a lot more of a challenge when you work 7p-7a. I have found it quite difficult because I am a RN and hardly find time to actually relax let alone find time to eat. I make sure I get my workout in and eat a meal right before I go to work at night so that I can feel energized. Taking a daily multivitamin with a bit of caffiene can really go a long way, depending on whether you can handle the caffiene (in small doses). I started using GNC "for active women" vitamin packs to help me get through my night. They got all kinds of good stuff in them..check em out! They seem to keep me alert and able to get through the shift. I do eat a small healthy meal but usually in small shifts because I get pulled away often. You kind of have to switch your day around a bit. I usually get about 6-7 hours of sleep, hit the workout hard, and then grab someting to eat (like breakfast for your night). You kinda have to trick your metabolism a bit. Also, DO YOUR BEST not to eat before you go to sleep in the am. You will wake up less motivated to work out and with a belly ache. Oh, yeah...water water water! I drink like 8 glasses of water while I am at work. Keeps me satisfied when I think about eating the junk my coworkers bring in. I am still working on adjusting back and forth on my days off. It is a struggle but I am hoping the weight comes off. Good luck to you and I hope my little bit of info helps you with reaching your goals. I cannot help you with the smoothies though...really don't like them at all.

diet mt dew and peanuts from the vending machine is usually my midnight snack(usually only eat half)

ya i bring fruit too

I also work 11pm to 7am and it's a drag. When I first started this shift I would eat and drink constantly to keep myself awake. Sugar, caffeine, energy drinks, pills, anything.... anything that would work. I gained SO much weight, it was disgusting. Now I take lean cuisine meals and shove them in the freezer. Not snacking at night is very hard but I drink a lot of water and eat a lot of fruit and granola bars. Even bring from home when I can because everything in manhattan is ridiculously overpriced. I do a f**kton of overtime and end up having to load up on calories within a 5 minute window in order to prepare me for my impromptu 2nd shift...and there is very little around this area that is healthy. Dominos, Indian and Paki places, Checkers, McNasty, 2 empanada shacks, 7-11, Dunkin Donuts, etc, etc. You get the idea.

I spend extra money by getting ready made smoothies because I don't have a blender at home. When I don't have a lean cuisine meal I stop by a place before work so I won't have to rely on the few bad places that are open when I finally get my break. I'll shell out extra for sushi, walk the quarter mile to whole foods for their buffet, sometimes get a hummus pita even though they put too much tzatziki sauce for it to be considered dietary...I know this isn't an option for most, but I like putting my overtime money to good use. I'd rather have the free time to make plans, or sleep, but sadly my post must be covered at all times and the morning shift pi$$es through their sick days like kids in a toy store with too much money in their pockets.

Nope, no bitterness there. ]:(

its very hard work not to eat junk even harder when the choice is limited,,,,,,, i make all my meals the previous day to avoid any chance of junk eating

I work night shifts at two hospitals. I just imagine all the food around me except my own is covered in MSRA. Haven't touched a donut in seven Weeks.

I also work nights and found it really difficult not to eat loads of carbs overnight. I now take a protein shake to work along with boiled eggs and yoghurt.I make the shake using WPC powder with milk and smoothie cubes or frozen berries.I find this really satisfying but if I do need something else I have the eggs or yoghurt layered with frozen berries.Believe me I consumed a lot of carbs (far too many) and I thought I would miss them but I really don't at all.I have lost 4+kgs in just over 2 weeks and I have not starved myself.

Have worked the night shift for 9 years now. I also work in a hospital where everyone orders high fat, high calorie food. This is what I had to do. I stopped bringing any $, not even my check card. I prepare all my meals with only healthy choices. It took a few of my friends a long time to accept it and stop asking me to order with them. I secretly think they are jealous of me because they order so much and can't seem to stop, while I smile, say no thank you, I am watching what I eat and then love the salad or soup I did bring. I feel so powerful!