Finding time to eat?

TheFitHooker
TheFitHooker Posts: 3,357 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Here lately my life has been so hectic that I have to really force myself to slow down just so I can grab something to eat.

I'm a waitress at Buffalo wild wings, and I honestly think we are being done wrong which is why when I can get a moment away, I'm looking for another job, which I kinda hate to, because the hours are great, the money is pretty good, and I like my job, just hate the management and hate that we don't get a break. Yup that's the point I wanted to make. Most if not every job, if you work 4 or more hours you are suppose to get a 15 minute break, if you work 6 or more hours you're entitled to a 30 minute lunch break. Lately I've been working 5pm - 12am/1am/2am depending on how busy we are. Last night I went to work never stopped moving was working the entire time, no break, no dinner, nothing. I just don't understand why we are suppose to work and not have a dinner/lunch break?

Then there is today, which is why I'm trying to type this fast because I really need to get ready and leave. I have a baby shower/photo shoot I'm a photographer on the side of waitressing and I crochet and make money from that as well. So I have 2 side jobs. Plus I'm a mom and wife. Week day's I get home from work between midnight and 1:30am and have to make school lunch for my son, straighten up the house, and go to bed, wake up by 6:30am get my son off to school, and tend to my 1 year old daughter. By time my husband get's home I'm off to work to do it all again. Today though I am struggling with finding time to eat much at all. How do you guys make these things work? I've been at this nearly 2 months now and I still can't figure out how to juggle it all. I'm either WAY under my calorie intake because I have no time to fit it all in, or I'm suffering from heart burn because I force it in late at night.

Replies

  • MostlyHealthyMomma
    MostlyHealthyMomma Posts: 44 Member
    I plan out all my meals the day before. That way I know exactly what snacks I need to bring to work (if needed). For you maybe think about altering your schedule to eat a big dinner before you go to work? Then bring snacks you can munch on really quick in the back like carrots or peanuts or a banana. That's lame they don't give you ANY breaks at all... by law they're supposed to.
  • Crystal_Pistol
    Crystal_Pistol Posts: 750 Member
    I do portable protein shakes. EAS Myoplex has one with 42g of protein, 300 cals. Throw in almonds, PB &J sandwich, portable fruits, then have a "meal" when you can and you can get it in. I eat on the go a lot during the week.
  • Crystal_Pistol
    Crystal_Pistol Posts: 750 Member
    I'm strange, but I also always carry a purse big enough to keep a bottle of water, a container of almonds, and other random foods with me at all times.
  • AZKristi
    AZKristi Posts: 1,801 Member
    I can't recall many restaurant jobs I worked that offered a break (unless the shift was more than 6 hours and then US law requires a 30 min unpaid break). Typically, server shifts are short enough that breaks are not required. So, eat before you go and take 1/4 cup of nuts and a container of no sugar added applesauce with you as a snack. The apple sauce can literally be eaten in 30 seconds and the nuts don't take any time at all. That should be plenty to keep you going for 6 hours. You can eat again after work.
  • TourThePast
    TourThePast Posts: 1,753 Member
    Don't you have labour laws?

    Serious question, I'm in the UK where this sort of thing is illegal, no idea what the situation is where you are.

    EDIT: I see from the above post that you are legally entitled to 30 minutes unpaid break if you work more than six hours, and in your OP you say you work 7, 8 & 9 hour shifts without a break.

    If I were you, when going into work next, I'd approach my supervisor and ask what time they want me to take my thirty minute break. That puts the ball in their court and means they would have to categorically deny you a break, which I'm sure isn't company policy. At that point you have the ammunition to take your problem higher in the organisation.
  • sharleengc
    sharleengc Posts: 792 Member
    If work doesn't give you breaks (and they should!), I would take something with you. Something that doesn't have to be cold that you can eat even if you have a minute or two.

    Granola bars
    If you like tuna, there are tuna cups that are 80 calories, they don't need to be drained and they have like a plastic lid that does not require a can opener. They're great for a quick boost when you don't want just carbs from nuts or granola bars or whatever.

    Hormel also makes "ready to eat" meals that range from 210-390ish in calories. They aren't frozen so you can pack it where ever. 90 seconds to heat up but in a pinch i've had them "as is". Not as good as warmed up but better than nothing. Some people have mentioned that they are too high in sodium for them, but I can't taste it in these meals...I have these for lunch everyday.

    Just a few ideas. I'm sure as the day develops, I will think of more... :) Send me a message if you want to know if I've thought of anything else. :)
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