A healthy nurse is an efficient nurse—this is a proven fact. And to keep yourself in tiptop shape, you need not only effective exercise routines, but also a diet rich in energy-dense nutrients.
Struggling to keep yourself energized without adding extra pounds on your weight? No problem! Here are eight must-know nutrition tips for a healthier you:
1. Start slow.
Do not attempt to change your diet abruptly in one day, and expect results the next. Do this and you’ll be more likely to cheat or give up easily.
Also Read: Eat This, Not That! Top 7 Best and Worst Power Snacks for Nurses
Start slowly by adding something that entices you to eat healthily. Use olive oil instead of butter when you’re cooking. These little changes bring immense results over time. If you’re at work, choose foods that are not only healthy, but enjoyable to eat as well.
2. Always eat breakfast.
You must have heard this a million times, but it’s true that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This will keep you energized all day, and keep you from being tempted to grab a cookie in between meals.
Nurses tend to forget eating breakfast, especially when they’re on a rush to go to work. If this is the case, then fix yourself a healthy sandwich and eat it on the way!
3. Fruits and vegetables are your best friends.
Also Read: 7 Super Snacks for Night Shift Nurses
We all know that fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients, so make sure to include them in your diet every day. You can try a new fruit or vegetable every week, or opt to fill half of your plate with vegetables at dinner.
4. Never skip meals.
Nurses are always busy working around the hospital that they tend to skip meals. If you want to become healthy, you should make sure not to skip meals. Eat your lunch during lunch breaks. Find time to eat even just crackers when you’re starting to get hungry.
5. Cut down on fat and sugar.
Everyone needs some fat in their diet, but you should cut down on saturated fat, which is fat that may increase your risk of developing heart diseases.
Also Read: 8 Easy Weight Loss Tips for Busy Nurses
Sugar, on the other hand, is high in energy, but may contribute to weight gain. As much as possible, try not to drink too much carbonated drinks and alcoholic beverages, and cut down on foods that contain added sugars such as cakes and pastries.
6. Minimize your intake of caffeine.
Nurses love coffee, not because they want to, but because they need it for them to stay active and energetic all throughout the day. On this note, caffeine should be taken in moderation, because this is also one of the major causes of heart disease.
If you are an avid coffee drinker, try to limit your daily caffeine intake to only two to three cups.
7. Don’t eat too much.
Just because what you’re eating is low in sugar doesn’t mean it is also low in fat. How much you eat is just as important as what you eat. Although it is important to choose the right food for you, it is also equally vital that you determine the necessary calories you need in your diet.
8. Get active.
An active lifestyle will not only increase your metabolism as you go, but will also help you maintain a healthier body and mind.
Also Read: 10 Best Exercise Routines to Make You A Better Nurse
Maintaining a healthy physique will help you stay energetic any time of the day. Nurses need this to be able to give quality care to their patients. What other nutrition tips do you know of? We’d love to hear from you!
About the Author: Mary Elizabeth Velarmino Francisco earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Philippines. She is always happy to share her passion for writing and blogging. With coffee running through her veins, she enthusiastically battles each day, one article at a time.
