Appealing to all shift workers, night shift workers, police, firemen and paramedics!!!

Guys I have not been on here for a long time so welcome to all the newbies etc. I have started back on shifts being a police officer after having a nice cushy office job for so long and wonders what you shift workers would advise:

My shifts are generally:

7am to 5pm for 3 to 4 days then
2 days off
2pm to midnight for 3 to 4 days (some times 5pm to 3am at weekends)
2 days off
10pm to 7am night shift for 3 to 4 days then
3 days off.


So as you can see my shifts are all over the place and eat as and when I can. What I am wondering is if I get up at say 3pm to 4pm after a night shift would you guys who are experienced at training around shift work have breakfast or lunch? If lunch woul you have breakfast when getting in before going to bed.

Any advice etc would really be appreciated in regards what to take to work for convenient meals etc when I'm on the go and having to eat in the car and not have time for a break.

Guys I'm desperate to get back into my training on a serious note and all advice and help would be appreciated!

@davycarrick

Anyone give me a dig out here please?

Hello mate,

I'm in the RAF and am in the SAR branch. My shift pattern is very similar to yours.
When I wake up after a nightshirt I will always start with a shake to fuel the muscles from sleeping. With regards what to eat next I tend not to focus on "breakfast" or "lunch" I just make sure I'm getting a meal with protein and carbs so I suppose that could be breakfast or lunch. I'm trying to do a lean bulk so I cut out carbs about 5-4 hours before bed. For example I will eat all through my nightshift but as I finish at 8am iI will make sure I don't eat anymore carbs after 3 or 4 in the morning. This is just because carbs near bed time won't burn off and will just store as fat. You probably know that but my body reacts bad to pre-carbs!! Then just before bed I will have a protein shake to keep my muscles satisfied during sleep.
I know that probably didn't help but just thought I would share my views on someone in a same boat as me.

All the best

Ram

as ram says, try not to look at it as breakfast lunch and dinner, just think about  what time you wake up as time for meal 1, then space the rest out evenly through your day.  i'd go for meal 1 being the same if its breakfast time or lunch time it shouldnt make a difference. 

Those shifts can't be healthy surely?

Probably not very healthy, no. But as a cop I have to do as I'm told eh? This is apparently the VSA shift pattern which is apparently tried and tested as the most effective shift pattern. Anyway I'm not one to bitch and moan about shift patterns and how much it effects my social life and training, I am just grateful I have a job in this economic climate and a we use to say in the marines......just have to crack on!