As a nurse, you’re constantly taking care of others, but it’s also important to remember self-care! A great way to make sure you’re at your best is making sure you are eating nutritious meals. But that can be a bit challenging with lunch breaks being short and sometimes in the middle of the night. Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy lunch ideas for nurses to try out.
For a well-rounded diet, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommend a diet that:
- Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
- Includes a variety of protein foods such as seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), soy products, nuts, and seeds
- Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars
- Stays within your daily calorie needs
These lunch ideas for nurses are our favorite way to satisfy all of these requirements for a healthy diet – and leave you energized and full for the rest of your shift! They’re also meal-prep perfect!
Garlic Lemon Salmon
Longevity: Up to 5 days
Salmon is rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and decrease risk factors for disease. You can even add starch like yams or cous cous.
Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice
Longevity: Up to 4 days
Cauliflower rice is a great alternative to rice. It has a similar taste and texture as a texture similar to grain rice, a fraction of the calories. Cauliflower rice also has antioxidants like vitamin A and vitamin C.
Italian Chicken Bowls
Longevity: Up to 4 days
You can even add extra veggies to make it extra healthy. Spinach is a great superfood that is packed with Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that promotes skin health and immune function.
Vitamin K1 and Calcium.
Fajita Chicken Burrito Bowls
Longevity: Up to 5 days
Burrito bowls are an excellent option for eating healthy. They’re very versatile and you can add additional things (or omit some things to make it vegan/vegetarian friendly) to make it to your liking.
Quinoa Fried Rice
Longevity: Up to 4 days
Quinoa is a protein grain, making this an awesome vegan option whole grains like quinoa can help lower your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Quinoa also promotes healthy digestive and heart health.
Egg Roll In A Bowl
Longevity: Up to 3-5 days
The egg roll in a bowl is full of shredded cabbage, carrots, onions, and even ginger. Of course, you can also add additional ingredients like avocado or even more protein such as chicken or steak.
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