Change is a big part of life, and if you’re a traveling nurse, you already know how important it is to adapt and be ready to go. With your job calling you away to new places and contracts, the last thing you want to stress about is your morning breakfast.
You already have to put in long hours and experience new places often; you shouldn’t have to worry over what you have time to eat and if your breakfast is going to give you the nutrition you need to make it through until break. With your job demanding so much out of you, it’s important to take care of your mental and physical energy. Save yourself stress and time with these breakfast tips to keep you going throughout your morning.
Healthy breakfast tips for traveling nurses:
Focus on Protein
Mornings are hectic enough without needing to pause and figure out what you have time to eat. More often than not, it’s easier to grab something loaded with sugar and less substance as you walk out the door. It should come as no surprise that what you stock your pantry with is what you’ll likely reach for on your way out the door.
Substitute sugary cereals or meals you won’t have time for with to-go items that are packed with protein and taste. You could opt for a peanut butter snack bar instead of your grocery store granola bar. Your energy levels will thank you, and you’ll likely find yourself not suffering from the sugar crash you would have with your standard granola bars.
Prepare the Night Before
Take time to prepare for what you want for breakfast the night before. Planning ahead and shopping for items that will give you the right boost in the morning is key to helping you feel alert and ready to work.
For each new location, take time to find a grocery store the night before. Focus on loading your cart with protein bars, instant oats, quinoa, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and quick snacks you can pack on the go. Load up your fridge and pantry and set to work deciding what you want to eat in the morning the night before.
You can choose a variety of easy and healthy breakfasts by mixing up your morning routine from breakfast bars to protein shakes and even yogurt parfaits. Load up greek yogurt with nuts, berries, and granola, or fill your oatmeal with chia seeds, peanut butter, and fruit. Quick breakfast doesn’t mean you forgo deliciousness. Prepare ahead and stock your pantry and fridge; you’ll find you have everything you need to enjoy breakfast on your way to work.
Make it Count
It would be easy to forego breakfast or choose a sugary cereal in the morning if you knew you could count on your breaks or lunches being on time, but with a nursing job, routine and on-time breaks just aren’t a guarantee. You know you need protein and something that will get you through the day without feeling hungry, but don’t stop at protein alone. Your body will thank you if you give it some complex carbohydrates too.
Carbs equal energy, but simple carbs are quickly burned through, leaving you lackluster and feeling a dip in your energy. Whole grain bread and oatmeal will help you feel full and curb that hunger a little longer.
If you make time to eat a larger breakfast that includes protein, dairy, and carbs, you’ll find yourself feeling satisfied and alert. Don’t forget the importance of meal prepping the night before. You can make and stock your fridge with egg and sausage muffins, oatmeal cups, parfaits, and shakes. Grab your protein bars along with an egg muffin and find yourself feeling more alert for the day.
Whatever you enjoy eating, remember to give your body the nutrition it needs. After all, you do a job that requires so much out of you. Treat yourself with kindness and fuel your body with what it needs.
We hope you enjoyed this article on simple healthy breakfast tips for traveling nurses. Do you have any tips for a healthy breakfast for your fellow travel nurses? Comment them below.
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