Night shift RN's :Do you eat in the morning after your shift?

[DesertSky, BSN]

I eat pretty healthy and have a consistent workout routine, however I feel it's an uphill battle staying fit while working nights. I work 3 12 hour night shifts per week from 7pm-7am. My question to all the night shift RN's out there is do you eat after getting off your shift before bed?

I normally eat "breakfast" before my shift at 6pm, have a snack around 11 pm, a second snack around 3-4 am, and then I eat "dinner" before going to bed at 8 am. I have found if I do not eat something before going to sleep after my shift, I do not sleep well and wake up hungry around 12 p.m. I usually eat something light like egg whites and a piece of fruit.

Since starting nights about 18 months ago, I have gained about 7-8 pounds. I am trying to drop that weight and I'm wondering if eating before bed is stalling my efforts. I am currently 5'8 and 130 pounds, but was about 122-123 before starting nights. I have to work nights for at least another 6 months or so until a dayshift position open up, so I would appreciate any advice and insight my fellow night shift nurses can offer about ways to drop weight working nights!

Thanks in advance :)

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

I usually do eat, but I find that I sleep much better if I don't. As for weight loss, I've never found time of day to be a factor ...just what (and how much) I eat in a day.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I worked permanent nights for 4.5 years. I always ate right before bed in the morning, but this was usually an egg and oatmeal.

I drank a green smoothie in the evening before work and brought my dinner: usually fish or chicken with vegetables.

Snacks consisted of granola, nuts, fruit, cheese, yogurt. I only drink water or herbal tea.

Fast food and processed food are out. I can't digest that stuff.

5'8 and 130 pounds sounds like a healthy weight, IMO.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I usually do eat, but I find that I sleep much better if I don't. As for weight loss, I've never found time of day to be a factor ...just what (and how much) I eat in a day.

This.

When I worked nights, I ended up losing ten pounds.

I eat pretty well; fresh fruits and veggies, complex carbs, proteins and dairy with less fat-a well balance diet with a few treats in between, and lots of water, smoothies, and keep my snacking to no more than 200 calories.

What I can recall is eating before my shift was over-at least between 0530-0630 so when I went home I took a shower, and went to bed.

[DesertSky, BSN]

I usually do eat, but I find that I sleep much better if I don't. As for weight loss, I've never found time of day to be a factor ...just what (and how much) I eat in a day.

Thanks for the insight! That makes sense to me as it all comes down to calories in vs calories out. As long as someone is eating a healthy number of calories, I didn't think the time of day or night would have an effect, but it's good to hear this from others!

[RainMom]

I had a 30 min drive, so I often stopped for a capuccino & donut to eat on the way. Eating would help keep me awake! Otherwise, a glass of milk & poptart or cold cereal when I got home.

Obviously not a healthy eater here, but my weight stayed constant until I changed depts & work mostly days. Now I've gained 5# or so the past several months...

[DesertSky, BSN]

I worked permanent nights for 4.5 years. I always ate right before bed in the morning, but this was usually an egg and oatmeal.

I drank a green smoothie in the evening before work and brought my dinner: usually fish or chicken with vegetables.

Snacks consisted of granola, nuts, fruit, cheese, yogurt. I only drink water or herbal tea.

Fast food and processed food are out. I can't digest that stuff.

Thanks for the response! Thanks the great meal/snack ideas and advice. Sounds like a healthy and doable way to eat while surviving the night shift!

[amoLucia]

I think it all comes down to quantity & quality (portion control & wise choices). You folks who do the 12 hours probably have a greater need (& difficulty) maintaining stable blood sugars & hunger control than others. But I guess it's tough for all of us who have had to juggle our schedules & other responsibilities with our wants & needs.

I liked to eat when I came home and then sleep. My conundrum was 'whether to eat breakfast food or dinner food'. Fast food joints usually only served breakfast stuff in the AM but I would sometimes make myself dinner food in the morning. I wanted 'food food'.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I should mention that I lost 8 pounds working nights and kept it off with the walking and healthy eating.

When I switched to 8 hour days, I've gained most of those 8 pounds because I'm sedentary (desk job).

[loriangel14, RN]

I have oatmeal and either an egg or a banana in the morning

[DesertSky, BSN]

This.

When I worked nights, I ended up losing ten pounds.

I eat pretty well; fresh fruits and veggies, complex carbs, proteins and dairy with less fat-a well balance diet with a few treats in between, and lots of water, smoothies, and keep my snacking to no more than 200 calories.

What I can recall is eating before my shift was over-at least between 0530-0630 so when I went home I took a shower, and went to bed.

Sounds like a healthy diet and a good way to fuel your night shift!

[SororAKS, ADN, RN]

I used to eat a light meal after arriving home, because I was usually hungry. Having to wolf a meal down in a too short break at work meant I never had time to really enjoy a meal. I eat slowly, and had to constantly clock watch, hurry hurry at work.