Hi Everyone!

I am currently a Paramedic Student and am about to start clinicals working in a Trauma Unit. I know this is going to be super hectic and am not sure I'm going to get very many breaks. I know I can't go all day without eating and am really not sure what to do at this point. Any ideas?

Keep food in your pocket? Quick snacks like a protein bar or some nuts you can chow on when you have an extra minute?

I've been known to munch a Clif bar. The ones I have had have been 4 points a piece and keep me full for quite a while.

Thanks so much for your replies! Think I'll take your advice and bring some nuts and look into buying some Clif Bars. I've never heard of them, is it a protein bar?

fiber one bars 2-3 points, special k protein water 0 points, apples, grapes, bananas, dill pickles 0 points, lowfat turkey jerky usually 3 points a serving, 1 point tuna packets ( you can just rip them open) ......dunno if i think of anything else, i will throw it in too lol

you can fit a cheese stick in a pocket, and i think it tastes better when it's room temp or warm.

you new job/training sounds so exciting! even better i bet you'll burn a ton of calories.

Thanks Piper! I really appreciate all the ideas! I'm so nervous and hopefully my nerves don't take away my appetite completely when the day comes. Snacking throughout the day is going to be my focus, to make sure I get my points in no matter what. I've managed to stay on track this far having 3 kids (4 if you count my husband!), and going to school!

@Katy! I'm so nervous, even thinking about it makes my stomach turn - EEK! We have to wear lab coats which have pretty deep pockets so I should have no trouble carrying snack foods like cheese and nuts. When I posted I think I was looking at the fact that I knew I wouldn't be able to actually sit down and have a meal like I do at home. Snacking is ok and may work out better, plus you're right, I'm going to be burning so many calories which is definately a plus!

no problem, best of luck i'm sure you'll do fine

i think you'll do great! i think finding foods to give you lots of energy will be really important. not like an energy shot. like lasting energy. like your breakfast will need to keep you going for a long time. you don't want just cereal know what i mean? like a homemade breakfast burrito, or even non breakfast stuff like fish. salmon in a pouch is really good too, although that's better on a real lunch break or maybe as a breakfast. nuts are great for energy too. portable, lots of energy as long as you have 1 oz or less. actually one of my first ideas was beans. lentils or beans keep me feeling full for a looong time. but it could cause gas, it depends on the person. when i have lentil soup i can't ever remember having gas. i think bc they are shaped differently. if you like curry, lentils and curry go great together. with lots of veggies. you could make it in a crock pot, and eat for dinner or whenever. i bet you could freeze it too.

Oh! i'm so excited for you! try to get enough sleep. you'll be tired and i'm sure have alot to learn. and try to get in some yoga or a run or something when you can to release that stress.

Yes, basically. They call it an energy bar.

I love blueberry crisp and chocolate chip!

Going to buy some today! I'll give both of those flavors a try =)

@Katy-Those are all awesome ideas, I may have to buy like 10 bottles of Beano! LOL! Every week I make a large pot of cabbage soup and freeze it in small microwavable containers. Soup is definately the way to go, I should probably add some beans as you mentioned above to it for some extra filling fiber.

I don't think I'm going to stop being nervous until I'm actually working my shift! The group from my class that went last week said they had 3 GSW's and they had never seen so much blood in their lives. I'll spare the rest of the details because some of you are probably eating but I'm working in Detroit which is not a pretty area. High crime, lots of shootings especially on the weekends which is when I'll be working - EEK!

Another idea I learned from an old pro is to keep a dozen or so almonds in your pocket. They are almost the perfect food and I think a dozen (please check your WW materials) is 2 points.
If hunger strikes, reach in and grab one or two of them.

If you can keep water with you and drink often that will be helpful as well.

You also need to consider a very filling food before starting a shift. I would consider oatmeal made with milk vs. water before a shift. You can use 1% or 2% milk. I find oatmeal to be very filling and it stays with you longer than other foods. Milk to me is a treat. One thing I learned over many years with WW is that when we are trying to cut points/calories, our milk servings are often something we sacrifice. But, studies have shown that dairy satisfies our hunger and that our bodies need it. So, some oatmeal made with milk and a piece of fruit is a great choice. 2 points for oatmeal, 2 points for the milk and perhaps one point for an apple or a half banana. This will give you the energy you will need.
Another important high protein item is peanut butter. Gosh, it's high in points and I have looked at my measured tablespoon sadly at times and thought it wasn't worth the points, but it is so good and it sticks to your ribs. I often have a tablespoon spread between two slices of light wheat bread.
I wish you well with your job and I think you are on the right track. Good luck!

Hi Everyone!

Just thought I'd come back to this thread and update! I finished 2 8 hour shifts at a Trauma Unit in Detroit. Every hour I was there was chaotic and I only got to sit down for dinner, other than that I was running around like a mad woman! I managed to eat some Kashi Cereal, skim milk, and a yogurt. I know it wasn't a great dinner but I needed something to tide me over until my shift ended.

Now I have pretty much lost my appetite due to the things I've seen and smelled. I don't think I'll ever forget anything I saw, it's completely burned in my memory.