As a healthcare worker, taking care of others’ health is a part of the job. Yet, sometimes our own health takes a back burner. Throw some travelling into the mix and we tend to find ourselves reaching for whatever is available to us at the time. Sure, we have an array of options. “Healthier” spots like Panera Bread or Chick-fil-A are on the table, but on those late nights where we’ve just finished a huge shift, places like Del Taco, McDonald’s and Wendy’s could really hit the spot. That’s one of the many reasons why staying healthy as a Locum Tenens is so essential.
Firstly, it’s great to know what our body works well with and, basically, rejects. Some people struggle with dairy and wheat or gluten, while others don’t seem to have a problem. Maybe red meat gives you pain, and you need to work more towards white meat or fish. Also, where are the vegetables? Many Americans don’t intake enough fiber on a day-to-day basis so make sure you’re getting your daily dose is also vital. When you can figure out what works best for you, along with what you need, you allow yourself the opportunity to make better choices. So, if we’re trying to take fast food out of the equation, what should Locum Tenens be eating in order to support their health?
Grocery Store Run
What you purchase on your grocery store run will be very important and will inevitably set you up for at least the week. If you are someone who isn’t familiar with arranging your own food and tend to venture more for food on the run, there are a few different ways you can go about this.
What To Consider While Shopping For Healthy Meals:
Firstly, the most cardinal rule is to never go grocery shopping when you are hungry. A huge red flag that makes you buy everything and anything you would want to eat at the moment. Not necessarily good things for that matter.
Secondly, bring a list. It will help you navigate what you NEED over what you want. To help you prepare your list, it’d be great to come up with some dishes you enjoy. Maybe you are happy to eat some chicken with broccoli and rice. Maybe you’re more of a pasta fan. Figure out what dishes you enjoy and start to make your way from there. If you really don’t know, check out some foodie influencers on social media. There are plenty of “easy eat” recipes available that can not only provide you with ingredients but also step-by-step videos on how to prepare it.
Lastly, take snacks into account. Not just for when you are at work and need a little pick me up, but also for when you are home sitting on the terrace or watching a movie. Snacks don’t always need to be unhealthy, and there are plenty of options in stores to help you pick the healthier options.
Once you have a firm grasp on your shopping list, you can venture out to new territory. Finding new meals you want to try and buying those ingredients, checking out different snacks or even finding products that are on sale. When it comes to grocery shopping, it’s all about getting used to the layout of the land and knowing what you want. A great skill to not only develop for your travel work but for the rest of your life too.
Meal Prep For On The Run
Preparing your meals beforehand can take “fast food” up a notch. Many people swear by meal prep as it allows them to eat healthier meals on their busier days. In saying this though, the concept is that you prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner for the week and keep them in the freezer. Allowing you the opportunity to grab and go as you please. However, if this is not something you prefer to do, you can just meal prep for a shorter amount of time. For example, three days. This can help you in the moments that you need a quick meal, but also gives you the freedom to cook and eat what you choose in other moments. Either way, it is a great way to get your meals in without deviating from your health or hurting your wallet.
If the thought of meal prep could be helpful, but you are not one to have the skills or time to do so, there are other people you can call upon. Meal delivery services have popped up almost everywhere and do exactly the above, but for you. All you need to do is inform them of what meals you would like and they deliver to your door ready to eat. It’s a great system for those busy, like yourself, and provides health-conscious meals. Exactly what we’re looking for!
A Piece Of Helpful Equipment
If you are someone who enjoys cooking, but can’t seem to get it done because of time, bringing or buying some equipment could help out immensely. While slow cookers are a fairly common household staple that allows you to cook meals while you are out of the house, the air fryer has taken the world by storm. An Air fryer is a countertop convection oven that creates a deep-frying effect on your meals. The perk is it circulates the hot air around your food creating crispiness similar to fried foods. Immensely popular due to the deliciousness of the food, its ease and simplicity and how you can maneuver healthy meals with one easy machine.
Healthiest Fast Food Options
Though we can make all of the necessary adjustments in order to provide ourselves with the healthiest foods that we can, sometimes it’s just easier to grab some fast food. There are always going to be days where we’ve had a hard shift and just need to hit that sweet spot with a good meal. If these days come for you too, know that there are healthier alternatives in each fast-food restaurant.
With every state having their own lineup, it’s going to be up to you to give your fast-food choice a quick google search and find out which options are the best. For instance, At Panera Bread, you can find the Strawberry Poppy seed Salad with Chicken to be a great option. At Chick-fil-A, the grilled nuggets and superfood side. Where there is a will there is a way and when it comes to fast food, we can still try and make better choices.
Taking care of our health is complex. Throw in a busy schedule with not much wiggle room for preparing meals and you have yourself what feels like almost an impossible situation. Don’t be fooled by how easy fast food can be. Meals can be just as simple, as well as easier on the wallet, and can provide you with nutrients that help you be the best doctor you can be!
