Healthy Diet for Doctors on Long Shifts
Being a doctor is not easy. You are expected to work long shifts, and you cannot afford to skip a meal as it may lead to serious consequences.
You should have a balanced diet that provides your body with energy and nutrition that will keep you healthy throughout the day.
That said, long working hours, night shifts, unsociable meal times and irregular schedules can make it difficult to maintain a healthy diet.
Here are some of the foods you can eat to ensure you are on a healthy diet that will make it easy for you to withstand long night shifts.
Bagels
Doctors say that eating one bagel every morning before starting work helps their stamina throughout the day.
As such, you may want to get a bagel instead of the usual doughnut as this will help you feel less sluggish with your busy schedule seeing as it keeps your blood sugar levels stable for hours at a time.
Salmon
Salmon is another food that doctors can eat during the day because it contains high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids which help keep them in check with their cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Many people who are diabetic can eat salmon regularly without worrying about spikes in their blood sugar.
Tuna
One of the most surprising foods for doctors to eat is bluefin tuna. Tuna is known to be very good food for improving brain function, as well as helping memory.
This type of fish has also been used in medical treatments for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Walnuts
This nut has been proven to be one of the healthiest nuts that you can eat. It is packed with different vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are good for your health, not just your brain function.
Eating walnuts can reduce the risk of different types of cancer, heart attacks and strokes.
Dark Chocolate
This may go against what most people think about chocolate, but dark chocolate is one of the best foods that you can eat as a doctor to improve your mental performance.
Researchers have discovered that people who consume this type of chocolate regularly have a better cognitive function and lower rates of depression than those who don’t.
Sandwiches
Doctors are always on the move and what better meal than a fast sandwich that is healthy as well? You can make your sandwiches by using whole grains bread, low-fat cheeses, lean meats, and crisp veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and carrots.
Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are great for your health since they come packed with nutrients. Spinach in particular can help you recover from fatigue after a long day at work.
This veggie has a lot of antioxidants that will help protect your body from diseases caused by free radicals like cancer, heart disease and even arthritis.
Fruits
Fruits are very good for doctors on long shifts because they provide energy and vitamins that will keep them energetic during their work shifts.
Fruits can be eaten fresh or they can also be made into fruit smoothies which will also keep the Doctor’s energy level up during the shift.
Non-Fat Dairy Products
Dairy products such as yogurt and cheese help doctors maintain a healthy heart and blood pressure level. They also prevent constipation, which is very common amongst shift workers because of a lack of fiber in their diets.
Doctors who consume these dairy products often also benefit from a reduced risk of colon cancer. The calcium in dairy products also helps doctors to maintain strong bones and teeth.
Water
Drinking water throughout the day will not only help ease stress but also keep your body hydrated, which is very important while working long hours in a hospital setting.
Treat yourself to a small glass of fruit juice or water flavored with lemon wedges to help stay hydrated.
You need to make sure that you’re drinking enough water because it’s easy to become dehydrated when running up and down all day.
Bottom Line
All doctors need to stay healthy during the long shifts. They should be able to provide the best service when they are physically fit and in good health.
They must always be ready to treat different kinds of diseases and injuries. To succeed in their job, they also need to eat properly and all the foods we have discussed here make a great diet.
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