What do you pack in your lunch box?

[PAERRN20]

Just curious what everyone packs to take to work. I'm in a food rut and need some ideas of what other nurses eat to keep them going for 12+ hrs!

[makes needs known]

Something I can heat and eat, stouffers, lean cuisine, etc. Maybe some left overs. Little eat on-the-go snacks-granola bars, cookies, nuts, candy, its usually pretty warm at work even in the winter so a couple of cold drinks.

[noahsmama]

I keep my freezer stocked with "Eating Right" frozen entrees (the Safeway version of Lean Cuisine). Can pop it in my lunch bag in 3 seconds flat, reheat in microwave at work, and they have a wide variety of entrees.

Other than that, leftovers when I have them, occasionally a ham and cheese sandwich, yogurt (I love the Fage brand Greek yogurt -- less sugary and more filling than regular yogurt). Progresso canned soups in a pinch (I keep a can or two in my desk at work in case I forget to bring something else).

That's about it -- I'm looking forward to other responses cause I could use a few new ideas too!

[Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN]

I usually have Lean Cuisine/Smart Ones for dinner. Or leftovers.

I love snacks so I bring candy, and ritz crackers.. they make a snack pack which is good because i will inhale a whole sleeve. Iced tea. and hot chocolate.

[nedlloyd]

i get 3 half hour breaks on a 12 hour(or should i say thats what I'm SUPPOSED to get lol). first meal is breakfast-y, usually a banana, yogurt, maybe some cereal (i put it in a tupperware container and keep a little thing of milk in the staff fridge). lunch is leftovers or i make myself a sandwich. i'll also have a salad or some cut up veggies (salad dressing also in the fridge). third break depends.. hard boiled eggs and tomato slices i sprinkle with salt and pepper. more fruit. apples, cottage cheese with strawberries (when they're in season), maybe a granola bar or some nuts. sometimes i'll take a couple pieces of bread and throw some peanut butter or honey on there. I'll prob think of more to add later but those tend to be my staples.

i try my best to include a protein source with every meal

[resumecpr]

i get 3 half hour breaks on a 12 hour(or should i say thats what I'm SUPPOSED to get lol). first meal is breakfast-y, usually a banana, yogurt, maybe some cereal (i put it in a tupperware container and keep a little thing of milk in the staff fridge). lunch is leftovers or i make myself a sandwich. i'll also have a salad or some cut up veggies (salad dressing also in the fridge). third break depends.. hard boiled eggs and tomato slices i sprinkle with salt and pepper. more fruit. apples, cottage cheese with strawberries (when they're in season), maybe a granola bar or some nuts. sometimes i'll take a couple pieces of bread and throw some peanut butter or honey on there. I'll prob think of more to add later but those tend to be my staples.

i try my best to include a protein source with every meal

You get a total of 1.5 hours for break? Where are you working because I want to work there!! LOL!

I always bring a power bar and hot tea. Nuts, craisins, goldfish, tangerines, and soup. I keep a gladware container in my locker.

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

today i packed a spinach salad, a little dressing, half a pistachio muffin and some pepper jack cheese. My local supermarket makes the salad - in the prepared foods area near the deli - it's awesome - though i usually throw a handful of craisins in it and forgot until i read Resumecpr's response - oh well, i'll remember when i bring the other half of the salad tomorrow.

[thmpr]

some kind of complex carb, coffee, coffee, & coffee. Oh, and I bring water

[bill4745, RN]

i get 3 half hour breaks on a 12 hour

Even if you don't get all of them I can't belive they even try to scehudle three breaks! We are only supposed to get one half-hour break.

I always have PB & J-no need to keep cold, easy on the stomach. Several snacks-peanuts, crackers, etc. And breath mints-12 hours is a long time without brushing.

[canigraduate]

Water bottles, yogurt, fruit cups, couple of sodas for caffeine (I hate coffee), chopped veggies, leftovers, salad, snack bars like granola/Clifs/Special K, trail mix. Anything that I can grab and eat QUICKLY.

[coolpeach]

Leftovers when I have them. Campbells Chunky soup, sandwich, granola bars, cookies, crackers, cheese, pickles nuts, dry cereal in a baggie for snacking, occasionally a frozen meal or pizza pocket. My favorite night is Tues when I go get the family fried chicken for a treat, and take some to work.

[etaoinshrdluRN]

Greek yogurt, hardboiled eggs, string cheese, random leftovers. Once I packed peanut butter on sprouted rye and my supervisor said, "What the f*ck are you eating? It looks like dog food! Guys, this girl needs some decent nutrition!" I just blinked at her and said, "I take it you're not accepting my invitation to lunch at my house?"

String cheese is a staple because I can carry it with me and eat it on the fly. The times I have packed something big, most of it comes home with me because I have no time to pee, much less sit down and eat.