[LydiaC]

This is my umptenth trip to the beach but I need to live here.

I have a problem that I hope one of you can help me with. I work in the operating room. I do not get regular breaks which makes it impossible to eat at regular intervals. I eat breakfast when I get up and often don't eat until 1. Sometimes I don't get to eat again until 6 or 7.

Any and all suggestions of how to manage will be appreciated.

Lydia

[jekel383]

I can relate. Somedays when all goes well, I eat frequently. Others I am grabbing a quick and I mean quick snack to hold me over until I have time to eat. Do you have enough time to take a bathroom break? If so, extend it by a few minutes, eat some nuts, a low fat cheesesteak, veggies or maybe a yogurt. You might be able to eat a "full meal" in stages. Would that work for you?

[LydiaC]

Thanks Jennifer. I often don't get a bathroom break and then it's difficult getting a few extra minuets. It's a large department so getting back to my locker is time consuming and I can't bring food into the OR.

[Brandis]

Maybe you could just eat large meals when you aren't so pressed for time? Many folks here on 3FC follow intermittent fasting, and there is a lot of information supporting its benefits. I don't see why you couldn't modify it to go with SBD foods.

[LydiaC]

Thanks Brandis. I read up on intermittent fasting and that looks like the way for me to go.

[Xan]

I'm starting back this Sunday -- good to see so many returnees! I have trouble with scheduling meals, eating enough at one meal, eating at odd times, etc. It's one of my challenges (I'm a teacher. Snacks aren't possible.)

We'll work it out! Good luck to you, Lydia.

[Pattience]

You need to eat meals which are a lot bigger. If i had to go 6-7 hours without food, i'd be packing in the nutrients. I know its not easy if you've just woken up so get up earlier. Also eat well the night before.

And when in the operating room, drink water.

All that said, why not take it up with your hospital and get a discussion going about it. Its sounds like an unhealthy practice to not allow people to refuel. They should have enough people in the theatre to enable people to have short breaks.

Another idea is to put a stash of something quick in a place near or even in the toilet. It won't hurt anyone really, or you. Toilets are not actually places full of disease i think. And they are kept clean aren't they.

Stilil think the best idea is to eat a bigger breakfast.

Also getting fitter outside of work may help you cope better too. I've just started an easy running program. It doesn't take much time, its only twice a week and you start by walking 2 minutes, running 2 minutes. Gradually you build your running distance and speed. This will help you because your muscles will get bigger and you will hold more energy in your muscles. That said, resistance training is the one that builds muscle best.