Eating healthy

[Joa1680]

I'm starting my first semester of nursing school this week and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm having a hard time figuring out how to plan for eating healthy while I'm at school all day and on my clinical day. I need quick, nutritious, and portable meals. I'm nursing my daughter so it's really important that I don't miss meals.

Can you please share your meals, snacks, and how you prepped them? I'd like to be able to eat healthy and well through out the program and once I'm working.

Thank you,

Johanna

[BertG77]

Smoothies made in the morning for an afternoon snack or as lunch is a must. Also, cut up fruits and nuts for snacks. I do better with more frequent smaller portioned eats. Buying and preparing freshly made dishes ahead of time makes a huge difference. It DOES require sufficient planning and a little commitment but once you start you'll begin to appreciate it. Soups are easy and filling and healthy and portable as smoothies. Also, make oatmeal the night before, for breakfast the next day. I cook regular oatmeal on the stove and with a cut up banana, which I mash as it softens. The banana sufficiently sweetens the oatmeal so no need for sugar, honey, or other sweeteners. Also, a chunk of good quality chocolate in your lunch bag can make a huge difference and make you less likely to indulge in calorie loaded sweets like baked goods from a snack bar!

Entrees like quinoa salad with dried cranberries, shallot or onion, some herbs and olive oil and a sprinkling of feta cheese is great. Lentil salads, bulgur and other grains are super hearty. Easy to portion and spruce up and carry. Good luck!

[hjh5673]

I am also nursing my daughter and have clinical starting tomorrow. November I did the Whole30 and was shocked at the energy I had! I am doing it again for this months clinicals. One day I only had 3 hours sleep and forgot lunch. I never had an energy dip and was not hungry. I pack veggies, a protein, nuts and Latinas.

[Joa1680]

@Fruit Sucker, RN

Thank so much for all the great tips! I'll definitely be trying these out. I've gained weight and I hate it especially since I've always been overweight to begin with but I'm sure I just need to get organized and prep to change.

[Joa1680]

I pack veggies, a protein, nuts and Latinas.

What are Latinas? I've never heard of Whole30, I'll have to look into that too. I'm almost done with this semester but energy has been a big problem for me so if I can incorporate something to help over the summer break and continue when school starts in the Fall I am game! Thanks so much for the tips!

[Lesia321, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

I was also thinking about doing whole30 before I begin nursing school in the fall. I tried it a few months ago and only made it 15 days but I can say I did feel a lot better when I was eating real food.