Hey all,

So, I'm a grad student and I have a very varied schedule. Some mornings I'm up super early for class, some mornings I sleep in. Some nights I pull all-nighters, some nights I party.

I feel like I do much better when I eat on a schedule, but I find that impossible with my sleeping habits. Any suggestions (other than putting myself on a sleep schedule - that's another goal of mine!)?

I would say just whenever you do happen to get up eat breakfast and eat every 3-4 hours after that.

I wake up early for work during the week, but on some weekends I sleep in and just adjust my eating accordingly.

I would also keep healthy snacks maybe in your purse for when you're on the go and don't have time for an actual meal. Maybe some crackers like the kashi ones or like 20 almonds (100 calories) whatever works for you.

I bring my lunch. Seriously. I bring a little cooler (I got a pink Playmate cooler a few semesters ago for breast cancer awareness) FILLED with bottles of water and small pre-portioned snacks. Sometimes I'd change it up, and bring some juice or powerade.... And possibly a heartier lunch if i'll be on campus at that time too.

I've been wanting to put myself on a sleeping schedule, but, classes won't allow it. So I just make sure not to eat anything about three hours before i am about to get to bed... Even though my sleep schedule sucks (I wake up at 4 am every morning and get my fiance out the door for work) I compensate with exercise and it helps me get more energy throughout the day somehow... (Maybe cause I'm actually tired when i do go to sleep!)

For Breakfast (My most forgotten meal of the day) either I make sure to have a kashi or special k bar in my bag, along with some fresh fruit.

For lunch, I'll either pack a sandwich with some veggies and dip, or a salad with some extra protein packed in it.

I ALWAYS had Special K Peanut Butter bars in my purse at all times for the short days (one class in the am) when I didnt bring my lunch, yet forgot to have something beforehand. And I try to keep a case of water in my car for when I forget to bring it from home. Although it may not be super cold, it's better for it to be at room temperature than to shell out $1.25 for a dasani out of the machine. I really liked making fruit salad every day (or the night before) and also making healthy trail mix and putting it in baggies for the week.

There are so many quick and easy snacks that you can do! And save your money! Don't buy the pre-packaged items, you can divide them up yourself and save a TON in the long run!

Just thinking of all the money i wasted in the vending machines my first year in college... i want to kick myself!

Hope that this helps!

Usually what I do is make an extra portion at supper. I use this for my lunch the next day. I would also suggest packing your lunch and snacks the night before so that way, in the morning, you can grab it and go.