[Spiritmagejkt]

I'm having some trouble figuring out my switch over days diet wise. I am scheduled to work nights about once to twice a week for the next week or so. The problem is I end up staying up nearly 36 hours when I do that. I can't go all shift without eating something. The work is physical nearly as much as doing construction. ( I've done both) I get hungry about every 6 hours. The thing is it tends to push my calories way up when I eat every 6 hours round the clock. I try to eat salads as much as possible, but thats hard and not satisfying when your working like that. I'm afraid I'm going to binge after work cause I'm so hungry. This isn't the munchies either.

[Schmoodle]

If you are up that long and hungry and working hard I think you need to eat. We don't really need to count the calories on SBD (although I realize many of us do). It would be hard for you to stick to a normal daily calorie allowance if you are up for 36 hours. If you are worried about it, then maybe try to eat lighter the day before and after. And if you are strictly counting calories, then I wouldn't worry about going over on that day, just make sure they balance out over the week. Even not doing physical work, I couldn't go 6 hours awake without eating something, so try to make sure you get some snacks in too. I know this will be a challenge for you, so plan, plan, plan! My mother was a hospital nurse and I remember how crazy her days would get. Good luck to you!

[Spiritmagejkt]

My usual calorie allowance has been 1200-1400. I've been loosing really well on that range.

[SkinnyDogMom]

I am a nurse and used to have to work 12 hour night shifts. I mostly work 12 hour day shifts now. When I worked nights, I found it best to schedule them back to back and try to limit the shifting back and forth between days/nights as much as possible.
Is it possible for you to schedule your night shifts in a row?
I actually found it easier to work straight nights than to try to switch back and forth.
Karla

[ladybugnessa]

well since we dont' count calories I think eating something beachy every 4-6 hours sounds very workable...

[beachgal]

Spirit, I believe Dr. A recommends eating about every 3 hours in the book. You DEFINITELY need to eat at least as often as you are truly hungry, and if you want to stave off the blood sugar drops that cause us to overeat in our rush to get something in our bellies, I'd eat every 3. Keep it healthy, but there's no reason you have to stick to salads. I'd think some 3 bean salad, a leftover (small) serving of Taco bake on cabbage, etc. would be filling and healthy.

If I were you, I'd make sure I'm calculating my calories based on 24 hour periods, rather than on how long my "day" has been. Then your calories shouldn't be high. Besides, you're up and moving during those hours, not sleeping, so it's different.

I'm a night owl and when I stay up until 5 or so in the morning, I usually need to eat a snack around 2 or so. I count it as part of the following day.

Hope that helps!

[blondywants2bethin]

how about a v8 that is good too