Add fuel to my dying fire.

July 10, 2007 8:54 AM

Through no fault of my own, I got 4 hours of sleep last night. What can I eat for lunch to make it through a long (and tiring) day?

I've got a multitude of restaurants (bring lunch is not an option, seeing as I'm already at work) at my disposal. Just about anything is within 10 minutes, including fast food, not-so-fast food, grocery stores of any kind, etc.

To make matters worse, I've got band practice tonight that cannot be canceled, and no nap time in between!

Ready, set, go!

posted by chrisfromthelc to health & fitness (22 comments total)

Can you take a nap instead of eating for lunch. Catch food on the way to band practice.
posted by JJ86 at 9:01 AM on July 10, 2007

I got four hours last night too. Don't eat lots of starchy carbs (bread, cake, pasta), they'll tire you out and weigh you down. Stay light - eat a salad with protein in it, or a veggie wrap, and snack on fruit. Avoid fried food. I'll take my own advice as well!
posted by iconomy at 9:04 AM on July 10, 2007

(Let's hope whatever happened last night was worth it!)

IANANutritionist.

I'd go with proteinaceous foods - a lean steak or a tofu stir-fry. I'd have lots of fresh-tasting stuff too - lemon-dill dressing on a salad covered with cold salmon, a non-turkey sandwich with sliced, sprouted (commercial site!) whole-grain bread filled heaps of lettuce and tomato and my favorite cheese, washed down with lots of minty iced tea.

Later, I'd go with a snack like hummus and tzatziki with carrot/celery sticks.
posted by mdonley at 9:07 AM on July 10, 2007

Or you can eat some good, slow-release carbs. A good-sized bowl of real, 4-grain porridge (not the powdery, processed rubbish) made with semi-skimmed milk will keep you going very nicely for a long time.
posted by mooders at 9:08 AM on July 10, 2007

For some reason, drinking cold, cold water helps for me.
posted by sweetkid at 9:18 AM on July 10, 2007

Tired + dehydrated is a killer combination, so drink lots of water, whatever else you do.
posted by escabeche at 9:19 AM on July 10, 2007

nthing the low-carb, higher protein + lots o water. Also, exercise. Maybe a walk?
posted by strangememes at 9:35 AM on July 10, 2007

Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and emphasize protein, veggies, and fruit in your lunch. Maybe a salad with some chicken on it.

Stay away from caffeine.
posted by tastybrains at 9:37 AM on July 10, 2007

Sushi! It's got the protein you need, plus a wasabi kick to perk you up. I don't think the amount of rice would be a problem carb-wise, but you could always do sashimi if it is.
posted by solipsophistocracy at 9:59 AM on July 10, 2007

That's what I always eat when I'm washed out from too little sleep or too much partying.
posted by solipsophistocracy at 10:00 AM on July 10, 2007

Thanks.

The problem wasn't too much partying (so, no hangover to contend with), but late night programming session. You know, when you're on a roll, you can't stop!
posted by chrisfromthelc at 10:08 AM on July 10, 2007

Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans!

Supplemented with protein and water of course... ;)
posted by gleea at 10:15 AM on July 10, 2007

Yoghurt is my magic food.
posted by rhoticity at 10:26 AM on July 10, 2007

Enthusiastically seconding sushi.
posted by desuetude at 10:28 AM on July 10, 2007

If you're dead by time for band practice... try Yerba Mate?

Some people love it, others think it causes heart palpitations. I'm in between (it doesn't have anything chemically which is any worse than tea), but it does give you energy without (as much of) the shakes.
posted by tmcw at 10:39 AM on July 10, 2007

Nthing sushi. It is a miracle.
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 10:41 AM on July 10, 2007

Can you possibly snag a 15 minute power nap? No need for an extended nap session - just close your eyes for a few minutes. If it doesn't perk you up, I'll eat my lunch.
posted by Addlepated at 11:15 AM on July 10, 2007

Matcha or a very strong cup of green tea (not on an empty stomach)
posted by solongxenon at 11:58 AM on July 10, 2007

Your body's natural rhythms will wake you up later this afternoon anyway. I suspect that by 5 or so, you'll feel fine. Regardless of what you eat.
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 12:41 PM on July 10, 2007

So what did you eat, chrisfromthelc? I made a smoothie out of banana, strawberries and blueberries, and then ate an avocado. I feel good, late afternoon.
posted by iconomy at 1:18 PM on July 10, 2007

The winner was a chicken salad from Panera. They've always got (seemingly) healthy-esque food that tastes good too.
posted by chrisfromthelc at 3:18 PM on July 10, 2007

sushi yes, and smoothies or fresh fruit are great energy boosters (YMMV etc. )
posted by rmm at 11:00 PM on July 10, 2007