Hard to not gain weight working nights

[BHNurseKS]

I am 26 years old male nurse. I just graduated nursing school and started working night shifts. I enjoy night shifts mostly because I have always been a night owl. However, I have gained about 20 pounds in less than a year. When I was in nursing school I worked out a lot and stayed in great physical shape. These days not so much. Every time I work nights I am hungry at all times. I am stressed I eat, I am bored eat, a patient is mean to me I eat...you get the point. The food I eat is not healthy at all, cheese and crackers, candy and chips from the vending machine. Also, I don't have the energy to exercise. When I am off work I just want to lay down and relax. Has anybody who works night had the same issues and how did you guys deal with it?

[BHNurseKS]

Well buddy I work in a psychiatric unit, and by 10:30 pm on good nights my patient's are all asleep. Some nights I have patient's who are up all night but most nights I have plenty of free time.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I used to work nights and I weighed 9 pounds less than I do now. Healthy options, avoid the vending machine, lots of water, and meal prep.

I cook on Sunday and portion 4-5 meals in containers for lunches. I only need to cook once more during the week.

As I'm getting older, it's much easier to gain weight, even with exercise. I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish and chicken.

Nuts, eggs, avocado, oatmeal and yogurt are my go to snacks.