A Nurse’s Guide to Eating Well at Work

As a nurse, healthy eating on the job can be a major challenge. Limited time during a busy shift combined with few healthy options in the cafeteria can mean your body doesn’t get the fuel it needs to stay energized. Still, there are ways to eat healthfully no matter the situation. Use this as your cheat sheet to getting the best nutrition possible in the time that you have.

Salad bars are typically the best option to create a quick meal that features fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. But what if your cafeteria doesn't have a salad bar? Here's how to navigate the cafeteria:

• Avoid anything that's covered with cheese, deep fried, or swimming in a thick sauce.
• Choose lean protein and cooked veggies that have been broiled, boiled, steamed, or baked.
• Think of quarters when you fill your plate. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the healthiest plate consists of one-half fruits and veggies, one-quarter protein, and one-quarter healthy carbs (such as whole grains).

Tip: Keep portion sizes in check by using a salad plate rather than a standard dinner plate.      

If your cafeteria has a salad bar, start by filling your plate with lots of leafy greens and crunchy vegetables and a serving of lean protein. Choose oil-based dressings (rather than creamy varieties) and use them sparingly. 

Picks: Romaine lettuce, spinach, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, grilled chicken, chickpeas, walnuts, green olives, oil-based dressings

Skips: Iceberg lettuce, salads made with mayo (such as cole slaw or tuna, chicken, or potato salad), croutons, creamy salad dressings

Tip: Avoid sodium traps like canned vegetables. Canned beets, green beans, and corn usually have more added sodium than fresh options.

The healthiest option is often to bring your lunch or dinner from home and stash it in the fridge. Salads are one easy way to eat in a hurry and sneak more veggies into your diet. Try filling your container with spinach, pecans, and strawberries for a light, refreshing meal under 300 calories, or mix up a bowl of tomato asparagus salad. Top it with strips of leftover grilled chicken for a complete meal.

Make use of tasty leftovers with these cook-once-eat-twice recipes:

• Simple salmon: full of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids
• Zesty quinoa salad: high in protein and gluten-free
• Roasted chicken breasts with Brussels sprouts: filled with fiber and vitamin C

In a pinch, grabbing a small snack from the vending machine may be better than not eating at all. But finding healthy snacks can be a challenge, since most are stocked with candy bars and high-fat chips. Look for these options:

• Nuts or seeds
• Trail mix
• Whole grain crackers
• Baked chips
• Raisins

Tip: Avoid any snacks with more than 4 grams of added sugar per serving. 

What you drink is just as important as the food you eat. Soda is often filled with sugar and empty calories and doesn't hydrate as efficiently as plain water. In fact, drinking one sugar-sweetened soda each day could add up to a 15-pound weight gain by the end of the year.

Don’t be fooled by diet sodas. They may have zero calories but they may still fuel sugar cravings. If you're looking for a little variety in your beverage, try seltzer water or unsweetened green tea. Studies suggest that the theanine in iced green tea helps improve mental alertness—just what you need on a busy shift!

Tip: Energy lagging? Ditch energy drinks for water. Water is an all-star at quenching your thirst and if you’re dehydrated, it gives you a natural boost.

Preparing healthy snacks to bring to work is a good way to prevent cravings, which can lead to overeating. Good-for-you snacks also keep your blood sugar levels steady and metabolism high. A healthy snack is fewer than 200 calories, combines a protein with complex carbs, and avoids trans fat, saturated fat, added sugar, syrups, and any grains that are not 100 percent whole grains. 

What to bring:

• Hummus and veggies
• Apple and peanut butter
• Almonds and a serving of fruit
• Apple slices and cheddar cheese
• Slices of turkey and whole wheat crackers
• A crunchy salad with seasonal produce and a handful of walnuts