Anyone cutting sugar while working nights??

Specialties Emergency

Published

Is anyone else cutting out the sugar/carbs working nights? Do you find it's more helpful for your skin and abdominal bloat? I find that this has been worsening since I started on nights, but the last two nights I've implemented this diet change. I've lost a few pounds, but the big thing I've noticed is the.......................

H U N G E R.

Any thoughts? I mean RAVENOUS hunger too..... the deadly kind of hunger when someone hits their call light and is mad that you didn't bring their discharge instructions 5 minutes ago when they were zonked from their Oxycodone and needed a ride and you BITE their head off for asking such a stupid question- kind of hunger.....:o

I completely agree about the veges and protein. I also snack on almonds. I found that I gained weight after starting night shift (8 years ago) I have lost most of it in the last few years from low carbing it. You will find with time that you won't miss the sugar, but it does take time. Caffeine is one thing I have not learned to live without on the night shift though :(

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Specializes in Emergency, Critical Care Transport.

I've gained 15 lbs from nights. I hate it. And now, I no longer snack on ANYTHING containing carbs in the ED. No chips, no cake, no cookies, no nothing. I never eat that crud at home anyway, and my snacks consist of snap peas (from Trader Joe's) and carrot sticks and almonds. I just remember that sinking feeling I have when my fat jeans started to get tight, and that's all it takes. I find that the "30g of protein within 30 min of waking up" rule works really well to keep me from being hungry all night.

Don't snack on crappy food.

I only eat two meals a day when I work nights, but I've still gained weight. There's an article in Wired from 2009 that cites a few studies where "shift workers" were found to have higher levels of cortisol in general. Part of the weight gain that happens with night shift is due to screwing up your circadian rhythms. I hate it.

I had a small break from nights last summer when I switched hospitals, and I lost 10 lbs without trying within 3 weeks. It was amazing. As soon as I went back to nights, I just watched those numbers creep up. I've even done food journals and I consume fewer calories and work out more and the pounds still stick. My co-workers make fun of me for how healthy I am.

I'm really a morning person and I'm stuck on this hellacious schedule. I feel for you. Hang in there.

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Specializes in Emergency, Critical Care Transport.

PS I couldn't live without caffeine.

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Specializes in geriatrics, IV, Nurse management.

So jealous of the weight loss... I seem to gain weight on nights:(

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Specializes in ICU, Telemetry.

Are you actually checking your sugar? I tried a zero carb diet, cut out sugar, etc., to slim down for being in a wedding. I dropped 12 pounds the first week, but I started feeling horrible, to the point where I went to the doc (which I rarely do). Come to find out I'd tore my blood chemistry all to pieces....my doc had a fit and said, "whatever you're doing, stop it." It was my personal lesson that just because some idiot writes a very successful dieting book doesn't mean it's going to be good for you....

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Specializes in LTC.

First questions is what are you eating instead of carbs? If you aren't eating the right things you will feel hungry all the time. Snacks with protein really help cut back on the hunger pangs. My favorite protein snacks are cheese and beef jerky. I've also heard from other people that a piece of lunch meat or nuts really help as well.

One thing I've also done when I've gone on my many weight losing adventures is chewing on gum helps with cravings.

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Specializes in ER.
Are you actually checking your sugar? I tried a zero carb diet, cut out sugar, etc., to slim down for being in a wedding. I dropped 12 pounds the first week, but I started feeling horrible, to the point where I went to the doc (which I rarely do). Come to find out I'd tore my blood chemistry all to pieces....my doc had a fit and said, "whatever you're doing, stop it." It was my personal lesson that just because some idiot writes a very successful dieting book doesn't mean it's going to be good for you....

no, I'm not Diabetic. I don't have any health problems. I'm just reducing crap food - all simple carbs (or trying to) - I am not calling this a diet, but a diet CHANGE. I am having (most days) egg whites, turkey bacon, greek yogurt, celery w/ peanut butter, lean cuisine's at work, rice cakes, almonds, etc. I have heard the hunger passes from many people....

I really am sticking to the fact that our bodies need fuel, good fuel, to keep running efficiently. Doesn't matter if it's nights or days. Every 4 hours while you're awake, give your body a bit of fuel. Limiting your intake and your body will go into starvation mode. And I've read about the relationship to Cortisol levels, belly fat, and stress and nights. Well I'm not stressed, so that's a plus to keep the cortisol levels at bay. I think working nights so many people gain weight due to eating more and not choosing smart options. Just my opinion on that issue.

This post doesn't have anything to do with any book or specific diet, just eliminating simple carbs - basically anything in a box that's processed like crackers, pretzels, bread, chips.... things like that. Cutting the crap diet, if you will. Ha!!!

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I had to pee all the time the first week (at least), too! How weird. I wonder if it's a side effect of giving up sugar, or just a coincidence?

All is back to normal now, at least - and still keeping my sugar low.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Stick with it! You will feel better. I have been eating like that since 2003, and I feel great. Generally speaking, I don't eat anything with white flour, white sugar, starches, etc. No bread, no pasta ... those are the things I miss most, more than the sweets. My typical daily meal is an omelet for breakfast, a salad for lunch (without dressing, I don't like it and most of them have a lot of sugar anyway), and a turkey burger wrap for dinner. I don't mind repetitive meals, so it works for me. Recently I was out on field training exercises with the Army, and I decided to embrace the carbs while I was out running around like a maniac ... ugh. I had to detox from processed carbs all over again, but it sure was fun eating cake at dinnertime. I ate it first every time. LOL

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