Question:
How do I plan meals working 12 hour shifts

I'd like to hear from folks who work 12 hour shifts at a hospital- 7A -7P. How do you get all your food in? I get breaks for breakfast and lunch but that's all. If I have time I can take a break for snacks and such but sometimes that's not possible. I am especially concerned about getting in 60 gms of protein. Any answers would be greatly apprecitated.    — Charlotte G. (posted on August 19, 2003)

August 19, 2003
Protein bars - especially small Detour bars - have 15 grams of protein. If you have a staff refridgerator, perhaps you can store some string cheese, or small containers of yogurt that you can grab and eat on the run. Cans of Choice DM or other ready mixed protein drinks can also be an option.
   — koogy

August 19, 2003
Try the pre-mixed protien drinks, like EAS Advantage. At a hospital I'm sure there are refrigerators-its a quick way to get in your protein. The bars are great too-I'm a big fan of Detour bars. Try grabbing a piece of fruit or nuts as a snack too.
   — Cindy R.

August 21, 2003
I work in a hospital also, occasionally 12 H shifts. If I know I am working 12, I pack all 3 meals and 2 snacks. one of my mainstays are the little tuna salad and cracker packets, I usually split up a protein bar for the snacks, or cut up fruit if I have lots of protein already. I often eat breakfast in the car. I make time for meal breaks and (quietly) do snacks while I am charting. Hey, I figure the smokers always take time for their breaks and my nutritional status is at least as important as their cancer break. Another tip is soft foods that don't require a real lot of extra chew time so I really rarely take more than 15-20 minutes to eat.
   — **willow**