Whats in YOUR lunchbox???

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I work nights and am getting to a place where I got to start packing my lunch. Too many nights watching my waist get thicker while my wallet gets thinner. SO what do you guys pack for lunch just wanted a few ideas before I truck off to the store.:) I am always so sleepy by the time I make it over there I have zero creativity.

Specializes in Rehab, Infection, LTC.

oh, speaking of wraps, lol. i also get whole wheat tortillas, put cheese and pinto beans in them and nuke in the microwave. yummy bean buritos. sometimes i beg the kitchen for some sour cream too.

Specializes in Med-Surg/home health/pacu/cardiac icu.

I pack a banana sandwich with mayonaise on white bread, cup of strawberries, and tsp of peanut butter for the strawberries. Sometimes, I like to eat instant oatmeal or grits instead of the sandwich.

Specializes in Telemetry, Med-Surg, ED, Psych.

I am perhaps the only person who eats unhealthy cafeteria crap at work - Veggieburger with cheese, Grilled cheese, Vegesteaks, Vegechicken salad sandwhich, and of course Flamin Hot Doritos.

Sometimes Special K, Minestone Soup, Various cereals.

On some nights we all order out - IN & Out, Outback, Carls Jr, BJ's, Panda Express

Our unit staff (myself included) does not seem to think much of healthy food - After hours of nothing to eat - FOOD IS FOOD

Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.
I pack a banana sandwich with mayonaise on white bread, cup of strawberries, and tsp of peanut butter for the strawberries. Sometimes, I like to eat instant oatmeal or grits instead of the sandwich.

Did you say Banana sandwich with mayo :eek: never heard of that one before. BUT... to each his own and if that is good more power to ya!!!

Specializes in NICU Level III.

I need something new..my lunch is usually:

Lean Cuisine or something like it

Apple or orange or grapes

string cheese

Diet Mtn Dew or minute maid

1.) Don't rely on expensive processed meals/meats/cheeses of any kind if you can help it. The 'food' we eat is so processed that I'm surprised that our bodies can obtain any nutrients from them in the first place. Added salt, added preservatives, just say no. People are even conditioned to think that processed diet foods are healthy. They're generally not the best options. This includes, but is not limited to, 'Weight Watchers', 'Lean Cuisine', etc.

2.) If you will only be sleeping for a few hours at a time the next day, and will be up for lunch/supper etc. consider NOT eating on the night shift. Sometimes people eat more than they normally would. Some people eat all night, and then eat the next day, wondering why they keep gaining weight...Hmmm...

I've worked nights and ate nothing, as it is nighttime.

3.) Go back to basics from your nutrition classes. Fruit, veggies, whole grains, monounsaturated fats, etc. A good meal for me is grilled salmon with lemon and dill, brown rice with olive oil, and a whack of veggies. Mandarin oranges are my fav snack. Drink water, and avoid soda (but you knew that). The less processed food is, the better. Make all of your meals on a night off and freeze them. If you're going to be baking 2 pieces of salmon for example, why not bake 12 at the same time?

I love sandwiches made with brown rice bread (I have Celiac and can't eat standard commercial breads which are ALL wheat/rye based) and sliced tomatoes. Stir fry some veggies and chicken breast in olive oil. Make a spinach and raspberry salad. Lots of options.

Crap like chips and cookies shouldn't even come near your lunch bag. Nursing is a hectic job, and you have to be in good shape or you won't last long. Garbage in, garbage out. ;)

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