Have any tips for foods that will keep your energy up longer?

[SouthernBelle85]

My energy level goes down about 10 or 11am when I'm at clincals and it's really affecting my performance. A couples of weeks ago there was a code in the ER and our instructor wanted us all to help out with chest compression and well I couldn't push hard enough or fast enough. I just had no energy, it had plummeted around 10am and combine that with nerves. I'm also like 108 pounds but that wasn't an excuse at classmate the same size as me did fine. Or course, I got written up and my instructor thinks it was because I lack confidence in my self which isn't extremely untrue but a lot of is my energy levels dropping in the mornings and maybe my anxiety is helping it drain I don't know...I'm not a nurse yet.

Then this week we were doing blood sticks and I was shaking while I was trying to do this and my instructor made me do it twice (A cna let us practice on her and then I had to do it on my instructor) and I was like, it's not nerves I can't keep my energy up...I should have checked my blood sugar level too. My instructor is like then I need to take a break for a snack...but when?? Ain't no one got time for that but maybe I need to bring my careplans what not in the break room and eat a snack...

I've never been a breakfast person plus the mornings of clinicals my stomach are in knots, so I eat like peanut sandwich or granola bar which yeah I know that's not a lot and having to eat like 5am and then lunch at 12:30pm is a long time in between. Anyone have any tips on foods that will keep me fuller longer? I have to observe in the ER next week, praying there will be no code but if so, I have to be ready!

[ICareAlot]

"Get adequate sleep, include physical activity in your daily routine, and eat a healthy diet. If these strategies don't seem to help, consult your doctor. Sometimes fatigue is a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as hypothyroidism or anemia."

"Some great sources are apples and peanut butter, whole grains, nuts, lean meats, fiber, leafy greens, and more. Energy drinks and bars should be used cautiously since many may contain a high amount of sugar or caffeine."

[jess4923]

I been taking Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar 3 tsp like a shot followed by a bottle of water and I have energy from 8am to 8pm then I do it at night to stay up and study sometimes

[whatwasithinking75]

I go through the same thing especially at clinicals.

Try buying a protein powder with > 10g of protein organic or whey.. soy isn't good for us. Mix it with almond milk in a shaker cup. 10 oz Will hold you over for 3-4 hours. If you can't do a shake then kellogs makes meal bars that are really good.

[mindofmidwifery, ADN]

Almonds, peanut butter, oats, natural protein bars, milk, I'd even drink a Naked or Bolthouse Farms drink. They have protein drinks that keep you sated for a longer period.

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

Make sure to eat a good breakfast! I typically have coffee with cream or soy milk. That's a ton of calories! Fat is good for your brain, too, as is protein!

I also eat protein and conplex carbs for breakfast. Typically boiled eggs and a banana. Rarely, Steel cut oats with nuts, berries and maple syrup, milk and butter.

Breakfast is your fuel!!

I'll admit, I also take energy supplements: it may be green tea or a rock star/monster/ 5 hr energy/prescription diet pill/etc.

I typically pack a lunch on clinical days but have no time to eat it. I usually bring a complex carb and a protein. This means brown rice, green veggies and likely beans.,

Drink Lots of water and/or electrolytes.

I rarely have time to eat, let alone snack on clinical days, but when I do, it's healthy crackers or chips-like wheat thins , snap pea crisps, etc.

[megRNn]

Keep snacks in your pocket. Almonds, candy, baby carrots.

[Shagce1]

Keep snacks in your pocket. Almonds, candy, baby carrots.

As much stuff as I put in my pockets I wouldn't want to eat out of them--dirty. I keep a few snacks in my lunch bag in our conference room. I pop in quick and eat a string cheese or dried fruit or half a sandwich pretty quickly and then get back to work. This tides me over till I can eat my lunch during post conference.

[SouthernBelle85]

Thanks for all the tips! I'm now at a different clinical site and there are desk in the middle of the hall that we put our things and aren't suppose to eat there but can have water and drinks with lids or tops. My energy issue hasn't been bad there, I feel like I'm more busy there and have a different clinical instructor. I've done like a 100 blood sticks and don't shake anymore. Now if I can only do my stupid paper work right and stop getting anecdotes for that...