The Importance of Planning Ahead

Of all the professions, health care, especially in the hospital setting, is not very conducive to healthy eating. In these settings, staff usually works 12 hour shifts and have very little time to sit and actually eat a meal. The doctor's often reward the staff with finger foods and snack items that can be eaten on the run. One doctor is notorious for bringing in Duncan Donuts, another brings in Panera Bagels (my favorite), and yet another orders Pizza routinely. I don't want to appear ungrateful....most of them have wives and understand the motto, "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy". However, it is almost hypocritical to work in health care and not eat healthy. I thought back to five years ago when I was at my healthiest and asked myself..."what made it work". The biggest solution is planning ahead. This can be an issue if you are pushed for time, but if you keep your pantry and fridge well stocked with healthy items, it only takes about 15 minutes to pack a nutritious meal that can be eaten throughout your day on a 12 hour shift. In addition to a stocked pantry, it is necessary to keep containers that seal food appropriately. I try to pack so that I can eat something every two to three hours. Here is a sample of yesterdays menu:
* Pre-packaged oatmeal - Sturm's organic oatmeal (Walmart)
* Banana
* Salad with 1/2 cup chickpeas, 4 artichokes, 4 oz. sliced chicken & homemade
dressing
* Grapes
* 1/2 cup fat free Stonyfield yogurt
* 1 cup of coffee with a Fiber One Bar
* 1/2 cup tuna salad on two slices of double fiber bread
Now, that is really alot of food when you think about it. I only managed to get 20 oz of water in (something that I need to continue to work on).