High Metabolism + No breaks= death, diet for skinny nurses?

Nurses General Nursing

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hey all,

I have a super fast metabolism and i have to eat every 3hrs. I'm a nursing student and don't have much money to buy processed foods (besides they are filled with sugars that make me more hungry anyway). Any one have any good suggestions of things that will tide you over between meals?

I started drinking protein shakes and that has been helpful in the morning, but i still get hungry at 9am again.

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Specializes in Homecare Peds, ICU, Trauma, CVICU.

I really like the South Beach protein bars. Out of all the protein and granola bars I've tried, they taste the best (to me anyway), are the most filling, and have the most protein and less fat/carbs of the other brands at the grocery store. Plus, they're easy, just throw one in your pocket and can eat one quick even if you're busy. Better yet if you can get to a break room and drink a glass of milk with it.

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My metabolism is the same way! The protein shake is a good idea, I would try some nuts and dried fruits you can buy in a bag at like target, eat sandwiches that always works for me, yogurt, I always drink a lot of milk that is stored in the fridge.

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despite being skinny... you have a working liver with enough glycogen to get you by ;)

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Home made trail mix. I like peanuts, dark chocolate chips, mini pretzels and dried apricots cut into bits.

You can throw anything you like into a ziploc baggie and grab a handful when you have a minute.

I understand your problem, as I get hypoglycemic if I munch on sweets and then get a migraine. Better to avoid all of that with a protein-rich snack.

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my liver will hold, but i will still feel like i'm dying :)

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Specializes in ICU/ER.

OK you have a super fast metabolism and are skinny---can I be the 1st to roll my eyes and say "UGH"

Pretty sure I have a slow metabolism and am not skinny--I use the term "curvey" anyways I agree with the protein drinks and granoloa bars, easy quick and basically healthy...

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Specializes in psych. rehab nursing, float pool.

I understand.

I also eat every two hours otherwise I feel like I am crashing. I keep cheese sticks in my pockets, cut up apples which I put lemon juice on before I bagged them so they do not discolor. On days off I will cook extra hot cereal and put them in plastic containers to reheat when I am working. Often times I also put cold meats which I made for a meal another day to eat cold while at work. Most of these items I bag , have precut so that if it is really a day on the run, I can grab a bite while going around a corner of the hallways. Yah

Too many sweets will make me feel sicker than not eating at all.

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I often do not get to take breaks or eat at work- and this causes me to gain weight.

Not eating all day, then arriving home famished and chowing down, then going to be soon after is a prescription for weight gain.

Maybe this makes skiiny nurses gain weight too?

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Specializes in cardiac, ortho, med surg, oncology.
OK you have a super fast metabolism and are skinny---can I be the 1st to roll my eyes and say "UGH"

Having a super fast metabolism and being skinny isn't always fun or great. I know because I have that problem.

booeyschewy maybe you should have your thyroid checked and see if you are overactive. I have had several bouts of "thyroiditis" where my thyroid goes into overdrive and I am always hungry, can't gain weight, experience tachycardia, heat intolerance etc. Or maybe you have type I diabetes?

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haven't had the thyroid checked, but i'm not diabetic. i'm pretty sure it's just a fast metabolism. i don't have the other s/s of hyperthyroidism, but who knows.

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Specializes in ER, PACU, Med-Surg, Hospice, LTC.

:icon_hug:

Nuts and peanut butter are great. Do you have access to a microwave? There are some healthy frozen meals that are high in protein that you can prepare. They're actually very reasonably priced if you watch the sales.

I am really sorry you are having to work/have classes (you mentioned you are a Student) without breaks. Skipping meals is awful. I don't know how people function.

Personally, I think that: __________ + no breaks = cranky, angry burned out Students and Nurses that eventually get sick or quit.

It makes me sad to hear how our profession is treated. I've had many jobs non-nursing jobs over the years and I always got my breaks. Nsg. was the first occupation that it became a battleground for a rest.

I guess it really depends on what state you are in too. Your employer may be violating State Labor Laws.

Check here: MEAL BREAKS

If it gets really bad, get a note from your MD. That way you will be given the time to sit down for 10 minutes to rest and give your body energy and you won't be harassed about it.

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