Nurses can eat properly if they manage their time

[Brian]

Nurses, as we all know, often skip meals while they work. And, that isn't healthy. Sometimes we can scarf down a meal without chewing, and, that isn't healthy either. Those bad habits can spill over in our personal lives, too. The old saying, "chew your food at least xyz times before swallowing", is true. To avoid unpleasant GI issues or worse, we must take time during work and home to eat properly. Do you have trouble finding the time to eat healthy (if at all) at work and then carry bad habits home? What healthy ways have you found to eat at work?

[Nonyvole, BSN, RN]

As we bow our head in respect to those who are so "perfect" here are my two cents regarding your post Cheezypuffs

You win.

But it's more like my bad eating habits at home carried over into work. Both places I snack all day long, usually on junk food. Home it's just easier because I have a full pantry; work requires me to either bring my own or have a stash of dollar bills for the vending machine.

[TheGooch]

You win.

But it's more like my bad eating habits at home carried over into work. Both places I snack all day long, usually on junk food. Home it's just easier because I have a full pantry; work requires me to either bring my own or have a stash of dollar bills for the vending machine.

[Farawyn]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]17797[/ATTACH]

I'm swiping this. Accio!

[CamillusRN, BSN]

Cheeeezball: I'm not offended by you, because I'm not in your target hate group. I do, however, hope one of them sits on you.

I actually did LOL when I saw this!

[alprn1414]

where i work we are required to take at least 30 minutes to eat..

[Bobjohnny]

where i work we are required to take at least 30 minutes to eat..

If I recall correctly, according to the department of labor we're all supposed to get a 30 minute unpaid lunch and three 15 minute paid breaks, at least if we're working twelves. I don't remember that ever happening.

[MidLifeRN2012]

I would never choose to work in an environment where I was not allowed a 30 min lunch break. I find it ridiculous that this is even tolerated.

We are mandated to take 30 and each nurse goes 1 or 2 at a time and everyone else covers.

Sometimes I do miss my previous office cubicle life where I got an hour and could meet friends for lunch, run errands or work out in our gym. Then take a leisurely hour or 2 eating at my desk while working :) Those were the days. 30 min can be a challenge sometimes but I guess I'm fortunate I get that

[Do-over, ASN, RN]

I generally pack a lunch and its pretty healthy. Either way, it doesn't take me any longer to eat healthy food versus junk food.

[Farawyn]

I would never choose to work in an environment where I was not allowed a 30 min lunch break. I find it ridiculous that this is even tolerated.

We are mandated to take 30 and each nurse goes 1 or 2 at a time and everyone else covers.

Sometimes I do miss my previous office cubicle life where I got an hour and could meet friends for lunch, run errands or work out in our gym. Then take a leisurely hour or 2 eating at my desk while working :) Those were the days. 30 min can be a challenge sometimes but I guess I'm fortunate I get that

I'm supposed to take an hour, but because I have medically fragile children in the school I can't leave the building. The teachers are kind of clique-y, so I don't like the lounge. I usually sit at my desk and cram something down. Kids and teachers alike walk in and talk to me while I am staring at them with soup dribbling down my chin. The teachers are worse than the kids.

Today I have leftover pizza because I forgot to go shopping yesterday, but I usually bring a salad or soup or hard boiled eggs and fruit.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I am honestly too busy to sit and cook for 3 meals a day. I do try to cook several times a week and often make enough to have leftovers. I LOVE the crockpot. That thing saves me a lot of time, especially during the winter with all of the soup choices possible. I am not a super healthy person. I am overweight. I'm not too worried about it. I don't smoke, I don't drink, and I don't do drugs. I figure that counts for something.

I do want to shed a few pounds so I have started training for a 5k (why is running so darn hard ). I am also trying to sneak some healthy snacks into everyday.

[Farawyn]

Oh, if I stop drinking I would definitely lose weight.

[danielle2000, MSN, RN]

Sounds like you have some real issues. Well I am overweight but I am not sitting here expecting anyone to feel sorry for me because as an adult I have to take care of me. But you are definitely contradicting your role as a nurse. Not everyone can be a size 2 yet most of us know the dangers of obesity, smoking, and using illicit drugs, we are human with flaws, vices, and bad habits. No one is perfect. The reality depending on what unit you may practice eating a meal can be a challenge on a busy night but thank goodness those kind of nights do no happen often. I bring my own dinner so what is your point to it all?