Ever since going back to work after my surgery (1st week back), I've been having trouble getting all my protein and water in. Anyone out there work night shift too? If so, do you have any suggestions?

Maybe I'm being dense here, but I don't understand what working nights has to do with you getting your Protein goals. Are you not able to make an eating schedule the same way you would if you were working days?

I work 12 hour night shifts and in the beginning it was a bit of a challenge, especially earlier post op when I could not eat much at one time. I had to be very aware of what I was eating and I found that if I planned my food intake it was a lot easier.

For example, I found if I took a ready to drink protein shake with me to work and made sure I drank it on the way home then I would start my "day" with 30 grams of protein. When I woke up I would make sure to eat a high protein meal such as fish, grilled chicken, tuna, etc. that way by the time I headed to work I usually had another 20 grams of protein in. At work I try to eat a couple of small high protein meals.

It is definitely doable, but does take more effort than being on day shift. Occasionally I work a few weeks of days and it is much easier.

One thing I have to be careful of is: if I don't drink a protein shake or eat a meal before I go to bed when I get home from work then I sleep all day. Occasionally I will do that and then sleep too late to eat before work. That puts me starting my shift with no protein for the day and then its hard to meet my protein goals.

It does get easier as you get into a routine. The key for me is tracking my food and planning.

Good luck!!

Bunyip

I'm a critical care nurse (first clue right there) on night shift so it's ALWAYS busy. Being able to make time to stop to eat or drink it's not always easy. Patients/ doctors don't care if you need to have your Protein or not they just want to be taken care of. Sometimes it's hours and I realized I haven't even gone to pee once.

Anyway...that's the scoop. Hopefully it'll make more sense. ????

Glitter eyes

Thank you so much for the advise. I will definitely use it. ????

13+ hour rotating night & day shifts here.

Water is truly never a problem.

I always have a Yeti cup full of ice water near me at home or in my vehicle.......at work I always have a water bottle in hand. Usually wear cargo pants at work and slip the empty bottle in a pocket until I get to a filtered source to refill it.

Never let yourself get thirsty. It's a constant intake....or at least it is for me.

Admittedly, I drink 2-3 cups of coffee on my night shfits and try to overcompenstate for it with more water intake.

I'm also a night shift nurse. For me it's always a problem getting the protein and water. I keep protein shakes in the fridge in the break room as well as protein bars. But I am the "float nurse" many nights that I work, which means I am all over the hospital. I transport critical care patients that cannot go for tests without a nurse or admissions from the ER. I can't keep food or water on my person.....it's a constant battle. I'm 8 weeks out and seem to be doing ok. But so far I have never once gotten 64 oz water in a day. I keep trying.

Nightshift Nurse too. Thanks for the info. I'm pre op but have been concerned about this issue.

Bunyip...

No. When you work night shift your life is constant back and forth. At least twice a week I am up 36 hours before I sleep. It's hard to keep track. It's never the next day till I sleep, no matter if it's in 10 hours or 36. This will make sense to other nightshifters

Edited February 15, 201610 yr by samcl1

@@lofairy

Thanks so much for asking this. I'm in the process of getting approved but eating while working the overnight shift has stumped me, even now. I'm really concerned about when to eat after the surgery. I'm up most days by 1 pm but my shift doesn't start until 9 pm and ends 8 am.

What helps me most to keep track is starting my count of protein grams and water at midnight. I work 6pm - 6:30am. I keep the same count schedule on my days off as well.

Edited February 15, 201610 yr by samcl1

What helps me most to keep track is starting my count of protein grams and water at midnight. I work 6pm - 6:30am. I keep the same count schedule on my days off as well.

Sorry if this is a stupid question but you track from midnight to midnight in terms of calories/protein/water?

Samcl 1

Thank you clarifying my original post/concern. - Btw I also start my count from midnight to midnight and it seems to work a lot better. But I still struggle with getting all my Water in on nights were I work. I'll keep working on it. ????

Andio7. Yes, because I work 6pm till 630 am it's easier for me to be consistent between my work and my days off. It's really hard to switch back and forth between sleeping during the day and eating at night when I work to the opposite on my days off. Midnight to midnight works better for me

Edited February 16, 201610 yr by samcl1

Lofairy.....I really struggle to get in all the water as well. I usually am not successful but so far I'm not dehydrated.

Andio7. Yes, because I work 6pm till 630 am it's easier for me to be consistent between my work and my days off. It's really hard to switch back and forth between sleeping during the day and eating at night when I work to the opposite on my days off. Midnight to midnight works better for me

Makes sense! I tried doing that when I 1st started this shift but then got confused on what to do on my days off when I sleep and get up like a regular person. I'll be trying harder to stick to midnight to midnight prior to getting the surgery so it becomes habit.

Thanks for your response