New work schedule - don't know when to eat!

[bebyg]

I'll be starting a job as a server in a fine dining restaurant/lounge and the hours are a bit crazy. I'll be working either 7pm-3am/4am or 10pm-3am/4 am every Thursday thru Sunday. My big question is: how do I eat? I don't get set breaks, just whenever I have a minute or two. I'll obviously be sleeping in till around noon...working out and doing things normally during whatever day that I have.
Any ideas? I know I can't go without food AND be working for 8 hours and till that late at night. Btw, I'm not trying to lose weight, in fact, I'm trying to gain muscle and strength.
Thanks, I appreciate all answers!

[rubes00]

I work as a server and sometimes I have a hard time planning my meals around my shifts. Mine are usually short shifts (less than five hours). But I usually eat a normal meal right before I head to work and then have a protein shake with either half apple w/tbs pb or a mozz stick. These are quick to eat... especially the shake. Hope this helps a little

[BicepGurl]

I think a lot of us have just gotten used to eating wherever we are. You can try to plan around the "down" times at work. For example, you know the lunch rush will be from 11 - 1, so eat at 10:30 and 1:30.

Basically, just bust it out and eat it. People will get used to it. Hopefully your boss is okay with it.

[bebyg]

Thanks! I figured that I would eat before I start a shift, but it is during that shift that I am worried about. Plus, I work days mon-wed so I don't want to mess up my eating habits too much. I'll just try to snack every couple hours.

[polinutrigirl]

Thanks! I figured that I would eat before I start a shift, but it is during that shift that I am worried about. Plus, I work days mon-wed so I don't want to mess up my eating habits too much. I'll just try to snack every couple hours.

Keep bags of nuts around--a good protein/fiber snack that keeps well. Also, if you have a fridge, single servings of yogurt and cottage cheese. Also, if fridge, try bringing in celery sticks w/ pb or salsa to munch on.

[Bgkatz]

I have a crazy work schedule too so I know how ya feel! It takes some getting used too. As long as you plan your butt off, ya start to feel better. I would be lost without my cooler. I carry it with me everywhere packed with mini-meals, shakes, etc.

I kinda rock the construction worker look carrying it but Im always prepared...lol :)

[HzlEyezThikThyz]

aaaahhh i have the same problem! i started workin 3rd shift in december during christmas break from college. i'm home now for the summer and i'm workin 3rd shift again except i just started dieting in june and so now i'm all screwed up. i work 10pm-6am fri,sat,mon,tues. at my job we don't get breaks and we cant bring food from home so i go 8 hours without eating and it is horrible. plus i eat right after my shift but im so tired that i go home and sleep right away which isnt good cuz i just ate. when it isn't busy i go in the cooler and grab a cucumber and some tomatoes but it never holds me off. any other suggestions?

[rubes00]

aaaahhh i have the same problem! i started workin 3rd shift in december during christmas break from college. i'm home now for the summer and i'm workin 3rd shift again except i just started dieting in june and so now i'm all screwed up. i work 10pm-6am fri,sat,mon,tues. at my job we don't get breaks and we cant bring food from home so i go 8 hours without eating and it is horrible. plus i eat right after my shift but im so tired that i go home and sleep right away which isnt good cuz i just ate. when it isn't busy i go in the cooler and grab a cucumber and some tomatoes but it never holds me off. any other suggestions?

Um isn't it illegal for your employer to not provide you with a paid break and at least half hour for lunch?? i know in oregon it is!

[sportyhp]

Um isn't it illegal for your employer to not provide you with a paid break and at least half hour for lunch?? i know in oregon it is!
ya i just started working at the rec center i work out at, and the rule is if it's a shift longer than 6 hrs. i get a half hour break (that'll only be on saturdays for me). when it's less, i get 15 min. but yes i agree with the advice about working out snacks when it's less busy, that's exactly what i do.

[HzlEyezThikThyz]

yes it is illegal but he's Greek and he owns the restaurant for 20 years and nobody does anything about it. i mean people still eat food where the cameras can't see but they all eat french fries and **** like that that i don't eat anymore. so its a no win situation. however i've come to the conclusion that im going to bring a protein bar or some nuts or something and keep them in my apron and snack on them. but what do i do about eating right after my shift? because i fall asleep as soon as i get home. i try and try to stay awake but i always pass out. if i eat something small i wake up starving and my stomach burns.

[Khsmile]

It is ok to eat your meal right when you get home go to sleep..it doesnt matter when you get your cals..just cals in vs cals out. Right before bed everynight i drink a casien protein shake and some natural PB. That meal that you do eat...others say it doesnt matter..but i would eat protein and fat, with no carbs. Like some chicken with veggies cooked in olive oil. I feel more content not eating carbs at night even though people say it doesnt matter...just my two cents....

[MuscleMom]

I have a hectic schedule @ work. We are supposed to get a break, but are often swamped with Patients. So, I make protein "brownies" or bars ...or cut up chicken (something that can be cut into bite size pieces) and throw in some nuts. Stick them in a plastic baggie...put it in my pocket and nibble when I can.

It is really helpful some days :) If I didn't do it, I might end up going 5-6 hours w/o eating and that is just not happening ;)

(I have also been known...only to me...LOL... to sneak a few potty breaks in there and gobble down some quick food...)

[MissThing]

people have made good suggestions. you could also try and find a recipe for homemade protein bards or something so that you can down one in a few bites when you're really rushed