Back by popular demand are my easy meal prep ideas, residency edition! I told myself that I would carry on the tradition of eating healthy, simple meals, even with my busy residency schedule and I am proud to say that I have thus far been able to accomplish my goal. Residency has also been a time where I have been thankfully supported by my program and institution to eat healthier given that we are given a very fair meal stipend in addition to the free meals in the physician lounge! So let’s get started with the easy meal ideas that anyone with a busy schedule can hopefully utilize.
Breakfast: Usually this meal is something small for me because I am not the type to be starving in the mornings unless I have worked out. So I usually just get the oatmeal from the physician lounge with added raisins, cinnamon, and granola. Given the rare times that oatmeal is not available, I usually bring boiled eggs and one of my favorite bars to eat on the go!
Lunch: For lunch, I usually like to have something light so that I don’t fall into a coma during the afternoon crash. I usually like to have a salad, one that I have made or one that I can pick up in the cafeteria. Salads are easy meals to prep because they can be bought already made or consists of some greens, veggies, and your favorite dressing. If I bring my own salad I usually like to add some protein (eggs, chicken, or tofu) depending on what the cafeteria has that day.
Snacks: Snacks are an essential part of any day especially when you are running around the hospital. I usually snack on nuts, fruit, or even a small chocolate chip cookie–hey don’t forget to treat yourself!
Dinner: For dinner, I eat a hardy meal because I usually work out when I go home so I am STARVING. My favorite meals so far have consisted of salmon with some greens or rice. I also love to make taco salads in bulk and eat them for 2-3 days as I have leftovers.
I usually end the night with some tea and go to bed! Hope that was helpful!
Read more meal prep ideas from Kimia.
