Question:
How should I eat on an 11-7 shift?

I got a new job as a registrar in a busy hospital ER. My hours will be Friday and Saturday, 11-7. I will be training fulltime on the shift for 3 weeks and I am a bit confused about how do I handle my meals. I could eat breakfast when I get home, but will be sleeping for much of the day. I can get a lot of my water in at work. I don't bring money to work because I don't want to be tempted by the snack machines. The cafeteria is closed at that time and I need some suggestions for simple high protein foods that I can easily and discreetly eat at work. I don't get an actual lunch break, and I'm the only registrar at that time, so I can't really leave my desk for any long period of time. I find most protein bars taste like soap and would really prefer more normal food. Any ideas, esp. from others who work this shift? I do have access to a fridge, if that helps. Thanks all.    — Donna L. (posted on April 30, 2002)

April 30, 2002
I find sandwich meats an easy way to get in protein w/o cooking or fussing. Find which sandwich meats agree w/you and bring in small amounts of them each night. I roll them up so they're more of a finger food. Hope this helps.
   — GGinMA

April 30, 2002
Hi Donna, I too have this problem I work 8pm-4:30am. My whole day is backwards. I eat cheese and crackers, protein drink,(Gnc whey protein vanilla or unflavored) in orange juice. A packet of Carnation instant breakfast in milk(no sugar added), Turkey and chicken because you can eat it cold. Anyway just a few suggestions. Take care..Tish
   — Tisha W.

April 30, 2002
Beef Jerky. Snip with your kitchen scissors into bite-sized-pieces. Carry in a zip lock baggie in your purse. (also, you could bring a hard boiled egg, string cheese, cheese & crackers, peanut butter cracker, etc.)
   — Barbara B.

April 30, 2002
Cheese sticks are an easy portable food. Hard boiled eggs, containers of light yogurt... if you have access to a microwave try Dinty Moore lunch buckets. I really like the chicken & dumplings. It has (I think) 12 g protein. You can also get little chili cups that are good. Cup-a-soups aren't as high in protein generally, but they might be good for variation. There's a Knorr brand "Taste Breaks" hearty lentil soup that does have 12 g protein that is very good & all you have to do is add hot water. You could mix up some sugar free pudding, put it in small cups & take it along for a snack. And, probably my all-time favorite is JERKY! Portable, keeps forever, neat & not messy to eat...lots of protein...just be sure to have some floss on hand! :) Hope this helps.
   — Kathy W.