As a busy nurse, life can get hectic and stress from work or family can lead to self-sabotage, whether we mean to or not. Perhaps you hit snooze button because you just needed ten extra minutes of sleep, but that led to skipping breakfast. You should only skip breakfast as often as you skip putting oil in your car – NEVER.
Never miss breakfast before your shift again. Four simple ingredients will create an energizing breakfast that’s less than 400 calories and it takes only ten minutes to throw it together.
– 1 whole grain English muffin
– 1 Tablespoon of peanut putter
– 1 teaspoon of honey
– 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced (yes, dig out that egg slicer you have never used)
Toast the English muffin and spread the peanut butter on top. Then add the honey and slices of hard-boiled egg. While the initial thought of this pairing may seem unappetizing, once you taste how well the flavors compliment each other you’ll be challenged at finding a tastier and simpler breakfast. However, if you still can’t get behind the idea, you can always eat the egg separate. Whichever way you choose, this is a protein packed option that is certain to lead you right into the lunch hour without wishing you hadn’t hit the snooze button.
It’s amazing how some busy nurses will opt for a chalky protein drink or a tasteless power bar to get them through their lunch hour. If you are that busy, and must eat sporadically or between patients, here’s a great option that is flavorful and able to be eaten one-handed, if that’s all you can spare.
Mix the following ingredients together in a bowl.
8 oz. fat free cream cheese
1 1/3 cups chopped green olives with pimentos
4 scallions, minced
¼ teaspoon Frank’s hot sauce
Spread on 12 whole grain crackers. Serve with a small apple and 1 cup of seedless grapes. While it may seem that this option wouldn’t be enough to feed a bird, it absolutely delivers a satisfying lunch of less than 450 calories.
Making healthy changes to your diet can be easy if you start small and stay consistent. Sometimes it’s easier to follow healthy habits away from home. Dinner can seem like a daunting task after a hectic shift. Don’t let a long day ruin your efforts. There are many ways that you can make some of your favorite dinners healthier.
For instance, if you are a taco fan you can simply swap your ground beef for lean ground turkey. You can also swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt. The texture is similar to sour cream, but it has less fat and adds more protein. By mixing it with some spicy salsa you have created a healthier taco topping.
Do you love Italian, but you’re watching your carbs and counting calories? By substituting spaghetti squash for the pasta noodles you can cut 3/4 of the calories and carbs. Plus, the spaghetti squash adds to the overall flavor.
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be a chore and you don’t have to wait for the perfect time to update your diet. You just have to be willing to experiment with flavors, textures and allow your taste buds to take you on an adventure once in a while.
Teri
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