Having been in law enforcement and my husband in it- I understand the
crazy hours that can come with jobs. And besides the hours are the
potential for not having time to eat when emergencies and more pop up.
So how do you manage to eat right, find time to workout, try to maintain
a normal life especially when you have a family? These are all valid
questions and struggles. I am starting this blog section to start
discussing ways to fit healthy into shift work.
Snacks: Yes there are days when it is so nuts you have
no time to even grab that greasy burger from McDonalds or run to the
hospital cafeteria, etc. So how do you manage to keep up your energy
without slugging down sodas or coffee which will just make you crash?
Prepare snacks to keep on hand is one way.
I make my own trail mix
but throwing unsalted or lightly salted nuts, dark chocolate chips,
raisins and cranberries (unsweetened) into ziploc baggies and keeping
them on hand. You need to pre-portion these though as it can get high
in calories if you make a whole bunch and start eating. I usually make 1
cup servings into ziploc baggies.
Another idea: I use these
sparingly as they shouldn't be meal but Protein bars. Quick and easy. I
love Quest bars as they are very low in sugar but high in protein.
Fruit! Throw in apple in the car, your pocket, etc.
These
are just a few ideas I have found worked for me and works for my
husband. He used to be on a tactial team and when he was there were
nights they were called out and no they could not stop for food. But
having that protein bar or snack in a pocket helped through long hours.