When you’re on a healthcare assignment, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy eating patterns. Long shifts, a changing schedule, all on top of the stress of adjusting to a new environment, can mean settling for meals of convenience over nutritional value. Grabbing fast food or relying on vending machine snacks may save a few minutes in the moment, but over time, it can affect both your health and your budget. With a little preparation and commitment, it’s possible to keep your nutrition on track without adding stress to the day.
Here are some simple tips to help you eat healthier while on a travel healthcare assignment.
Plan Ahead
The biggest key to success in healthy eating is planning ahead. If you already know what your meals will look like for the week, you’re less likely to make spur-of-the-moment decisions that you regret later. One way to plan ahead is through meal prepping. Meal prepping can save you time, money, and help prevent food waste.
For those who don’t love the idea of eating the same thing over and over, meal prepping isn’t the only way to plan ahead. There are other shortcuts travelers can use, like a meal delivery program or utilizing grocery pickup and delivery services to save time. In short, taking a little time to prepare in advance makes it much easier to eat well, even when your schedule is unpredictable.
Snack Smart
It’s easy to have a love-hate relationship with snacks (hating how much you love them). Having healthy snacks available is another way that travelers can stay on track with their health goals. When hunger strikes in between patients or on your commute to a travel healthcare assignment, it’s natural to reach for whatever is convenient. So why not make what’s convenient healthy? Bagging up fruits and vegetables not only makes them more accessible for when the snack monster strikes, but it also forces you to use what you’ve purchased before it goes bad.
You don’t just have to settle for fruits and veggies either; you can portion out your own trail mix or jerky. The truth is, having healthier alternatives within reach is often half the battle. You’re more likely to make good choices when they’re the easiest ones available.
Keep It Simple, Silly
You don’t need to be a chef to eat healthy meals. The KISS acronym, or keep it simple silly, applies perfectly when it comes to healthy eating on your travel healthcare assignment. Your meals and snacks don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Just focus on whole foods and aim for meals that incorporate three to five ingredients. Prioritize lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy carbs and ingredients that will energize you throughout a long day.
Another way to keep it simple is by utilizing crockpots or one-sheet meals. These are meals you can throw together and clean up with minimal effort. The key is not to overcomplicate it.
Just Add Water
Nutrition isn’t limited to food; your hydration levels play an equally important role in your overall well-being. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps curb unnecessary cravings, stabilize your energy levels, and support brain function. All of these things can be crucial during a long or stressful shift!
The simplest way to stay on track is to carry around a reusable water bottle with you at all times. If plain water feels boring, try adding fruit infusions or water flavoring like Mio. You can also add reminders on your phone to help you stay accountable throughout the day. You can try making a game of it, and creating certain markers to hit at certain times of the day, like drinking 40 oz by noon.
Make It a Priority
At the end of the day, healthy eating requires commitment. It has to be something you want to prioritize and are willing to put the effort into. One way to stay motivated is to bring coworkers into the process. Sharing meal prep ideas or even just eating a healthy lunch together can keep things fresh. We also tend to make better choices when others are around, which makes a group approach more effective. It’s okay to lean on others for support. By treating nutrition as a non-negotiable part of your travel healthcare assignment, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever comes your way.
Travel with Ventura MedStaff
Eating healthy while on a travel healthcare assignment doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With some planning, simple meal strategies, and focus, you can stay healthy and energized. With you focused on fueling yourself, let us take care of the rest. Find a recruiter and your next travel healthcare assignment with Ventura MedStaff.
