What do you eat for all-nighters?
This year I find myself doing some late nights to get my medical school applications finished up. Since I work full-time and have a long commute, all my work kinda gets packed into evening and night hours. I can't have much caffeine... two sips of coffee give me a headache. I try to avoid munching, but it does help me stay alert.
Do you have any favorite snacks to keep you going through the wee hours?
Thanks!
Add a comment:
Previewing your comment:
HTML Hints
Some HTML is OK: <a href="URL">link</a>, <strong>strong</strong>, <em>em</em>
Comment Guidelines
Post whatever you want, just keep it seriously about eats, seriously. We reserve the right to delete off-topic or inflammatory comments. Learn more at our Comment Policy page.
If you see something not so nice, please, report an inappropriate comment.
Start Talking!
Need a question answered? Have advice to share? Start a Talk topic now!
Sign up to get your questions answered and share advice.
55 Comments:
I can plow through snack crackers, but defrosted frozen peas and baby carrots are healthier snacks that keep the chewing going too. Good luck with the apps!
runnereater at 1:07PM on 08/23/09
I like crackers as well with cheese also celery with peanut butter.
pjracz10 at 1:38PM on 08/23/09
Are you sure it's the caffeine, or could you be allergic to coffee? I discovered that I got along a lot better taking no doz because coffee was putting me to sleep.
crunchy veggies. I love salty fatty snacks, but they, too, make me sleepy.
lemonfair at 2:34PM on 08/23/09
@lemonfair I considered that... but... tea, chocolate, and sodas have a similar effect one me in varying degrees. Also, I think the acidity of coffee upsets my stomach. Lordy.. I sound old...
engmcmuffin at 3:47PM on 08/23/09
vanilla yogurt with granola on top, yum!
DELICIOUS at 4:33PM on 08/23/09
@engmcmuffin: lol. If you're going to medical school you might as well start identifying with your patients :^)
lemonfair at 6:20PM on 08/23/09
The late-night eating situation only gets worse as you follow the trajectory through medical school and into being a doctor. Eating anything all night long to stay awake on call is directly correlated with increased scrub pant size requirement. Allowing you to identify better with the average American patient...!
Crunchy veggies, granola bars, trying to be less liberal with the the cookies. Trader Joe's stocks a variety of chip alternatives when you need something salty but want damage control. When all else fails, look forward to the call cocktail: one can diet ginger ale mixed with one foil-topped cranberry juice cup over copious amounts of hospital-issue ice chips.
marinelm at 6:39PM on 08/23/09
I always found that the single thing that sat well on a 4 a.m. tummy was warm soup. For years I could knock back stuff like liver & onions at that hour without even noticing, but suddenly around age 40, the tum rebelled. Soup always went over well with any of our ICU staff.
lemons at 6:46PM on 08/23/09
i always eat something cold to keep me awake. ice cream, frozen granola bars, etc. i was going to say monster energy drinks but alas caffeine doenst work for you! that really sucks. good luck with your apps!
listener at 7:28PM on 08/23/09
oooh i forgot - frozen grapes!!
listener at 7:29PM on 08/23/09
I still don't usually eat when working at night, unless I have big surgery to do after about 3:00 - then I'll have toast and peanut butter. Staying well hydrated is really the most important way of staying alert and productive. Pots of tea were my fuel for extended studying through undergrad, med school, residency, and fellowship. I should buy shares in Tetley...
Funny how the on call cocktail is pretty universal. If it gets really busy I make them for my team (although I like a bit of orange juice too with the cranberry and ginger ale). I arrange a time in the lounge and my residents all come for "Happy Hour". Usually lasts only 10 minutes. If they have been really good then I'll spring for a few bags of chips from the vending machine...
PeanutButter at 8:27PM on 08/23/09
i would suggest having something with protein -- omelette, smoked salmon, a piece of grilled chicken, a piece of cheese .... carbs or anything sweet will make you tired.
pooch at 9:46PM on 08/23/09
I'm not a dietitian, but I would go for small nibbles of protein for sustained energy and natural sugars from fruit for little boosts. So I'd put together some sliced mango to munch on and maybe a cheese with low fat/ high protein content. Or nuts. Maybe raw. Whatever would go nicely mango... Or another nibble-able fruit, and have little bits throughout the night.
I learned this from a study buddy whose mom always supplied us with plenty of sliced mango, papaya and pineapple.
I also had a friend you swore by sushi for all nighters, but that would make me too satisfied and consequently, too sleepy.
yayfood at 10:43PM on 08/23/09
When I was in college and I pulled all nighters, I subsisted on sugar free red bull and strawberry frosted pop tarts. I was a design major though, so staying up all night usually meant art project, which meant no messy food near the printouts, so I'd imagine the range of things you could eat would be much wider. Fresh fruit sounds like a lovely idea.
annabanannas at 8:59AM on 08/24/09
I like celery when I am up late for writing a paper or something like that. Either plain, as ants on a log, or dipped in a mix of sour cream and blue cheese. The cold and crunch of it keeps me awake.
I am so happy that I don't have to work nights anymore - that was a sad time for my belly.
eeels at 11:19AM on 08/24/09
I suggest extra protein.
Have you tried quinoa? Totally awesome and versatile.
Great source of protein while respecting most diets.
hungrychristel at 11:54AM on 08/24/09
Oh back in the day...
peanut butter toast
scrambled eggs and toast
soup
a small bowl of noodles with butter and parmesan cheese
cheese and crackers, apple slices
tuna salad on toast, crackers or stuffed into celery sticks
bagels with cream cheese and sliced tomato
Anything quick and tasty.
CJ McD at 11:55AM on 08/24/09
okay, I have definitely been there, many all nighters in college. As architecture majors we were the best at not sleeping for three days (and then playing with lots of sharp exacto knives...)
Here's what you need to do: drink LOTS of water. Tons. It keeps you hoppin' cause you'll need to pee constantly. I associate peeing with waking up first thing in the AM. Time it right and you can convince yourself that you really did just roll out of bed after a long night's sleep.
Since you will presumably be working while all-night-er-ing, food that won't rub off on med school apps is key. grapes are good and can be frozen for extra fun. smoothies are a yummy way to work in those messier fruits and you can add some kind of protein and just sip that fourth meal (also, insulated or non-condensation cup very important, don't want water all over that important document).
something small and crunchy in the car - nuts or maybe wasabi peas? They will definitely keep you awake and reaching for water!
avoid beer - any alcohol actually - and caffeine. I did not take this particular piece of advice, unfortunately.
nothing warm... no comfort food here. small, cold, crunchy.
wasliche at 12:07PM on 08/24/09
@wasliche - I agree about avoiding "comforting" or wam foods. It makes you sleepier.
Don't forget to turn the heat down!
hungrychristel at 12:12PM on 08/24/09
For an all nighter of studying?
Peanut butter on toast or saltine crackers.
Ramen Noodles.
Sardines.
Cold pizza.
joeqboo at 1:36PM on 08/24/09
I haven't had an all nighter in a long time, but in college I would make myself Bagel Bites (a favorite snack of the time). In retrospect, this probably wasn't a good idea.
Chew on That at 4:21PM on 08/24/09
Doritos and chocolate milk, and tums or prilosec. Yesssss.
omnomnom at 8:00PM on 08/24/09
I'm almost in the same place....going into 4th year in a science program. I'm going to grad school rather than med school....but still. Feeling your pain.
I eat TONS of baby carrots...
Peanut butter or nutella straight from the jar...these are good if you get a bad blood sugar crash...
Popcorn is a good salty snack, and if you don't get a super buttery kind you can eat tons before you can't fit into your interview pants...
Frozen grapes is a good idea already mentioned...
Yogurt....it is a meal if you are stressed and can't really hold down anything else.
Good luck!
katrina at 8:11PM on 08/24/09
I don't remember the last time I pulled an all-nighter, but I am working part-time on my master's degree, which does make for an occasional late night. My favorite study snacks fit in a little ramekin (good for portion control)--dried cranberries, dry cereal, chocolate chips, grapes, pretzels, etc.
thehostess at 9:30PM on 08/24/09
protein! a spoonful of peanut butter or a half cup of greek yogurt will do wonders for your all-night studying stamina :)
Ariel777 at 9:44PM on 08/24/09
THis is awful, but I used to mix dark cocoa powder with a little bit of sugar and cream, to make a kind of paste and have that. I kept telling myself the antioxidents would help...Yogurt was also good, it seemed to sit well on my stomach. Never had any greasy or hot food, it seemed like it'd trigger a food coma.
firni at 9:54PM on 08/24/09
Hmmm - just finished law school myself. I'm trying to remember what I ate to get me through the late late nights.
Undergrad: Diet Coke & Super Hot Tamales (possibly with a venti quad non-fat Starbucks latte, depending on the subject I was trying to cram into my head). I have NO IDEA how I didn't give myself ulcers with this.
Law School: No coffee/espresso past 9; it messed with my sleeping & dreams too much (some SERIOUSLY freaky dreams resulted a few times). I tried to stick to tea or London Fogs. As for munching, raw unsalted almonds were almost always in my bag, as well as dried (99% of the time, unsweetened) fruit from Trader Joe's. It was more the chewing/crunching I was after, less the actual food. I figured this way, I was getting some healthy fats, some proteins, and some fruit/small amounts of fiber with minimal sugar or additives. (And yes, Diet Coke if the energy levels were SUPER low.)
Good luck with your apps!!
SconnieGirl at 11:04PM on 08/24/09
I'm reading other comments suggesting tons of water. Have to agree there: I can tell I'm dehydrated when I start to get sleepy. Plenty of water helps with the fatigue!
SconnieGirl at 11:07PM on 08/24/09
I haven't pulled an all nighter since college. Asides from the vending machine crap like ramen and pop tarts, I recall eating canned tuna with relish and crackers. I called it brain food. Or there-is-nothing-else-to-eat-in-my-room food.
LHSK12 at 9:19AM on 08/25/09
Little known fact after midnight calories dont count, at 6 am they come back again, So I usually eat the worst things during that window.
CATERPILLARGIRL at 12:31PM on 08/25/09
I used to get a bag of Krystal cheeseburgers.
redfish at 3:09PM on 08/25/09
SUNFLOWER SEEDS! Truck drivers have been doing it for years. The concentration it requires to crack the shell open and remove the seed inside your mouth keeps your brain active. I keep a small bag of 'em in my glove box for long drives after dark.
cart7639 at 9:34PM on 08/25/09
The one all-nighter I pulled required several 20oz bottles of Mountain Dew and a lot of sour candy. I never did that again . . .
Now late nights require pots upon pots of tea. My fiance does the same, with the addition of ramen at about 3 or 4 am.
Skythe at 9:39PM on 08/25/09
Adderall. oh, wait.
coffee, frozen grapes, spoonfuls of PB.
Christina at 10:37PM on 08/25/09
I used to eat spoonfuls of freeze-dried coffee crystals. Ew.
shoneyjoe at 6:37AM on 08/26/09
Have you tried ginseng tea? My mom use to buy dried ginseng for me to chew on if I needed extra energy.
Sweetie at 12:47PM on 08/26/09
Being an insomniac, I've never had this problem -- I've written "A" papers on vodka and goldfish crackers. Not that I recommend this, of course.....
BreadAndButtercream at 2:54PM on 08/26/09
When I was in school and work full time, I love munching on cereals with cold milk. Nesquik worked for me as well. I just love milky stuff.
eviliciouz at 1:59AM on 08/29/09
Eggs! Trick yourself into thinking it's breakfast time. I would poach them to avoid a fat coma.
South River Miso or other "living" miso/probiotics/kombucha will give you an energy boost without caffeine.
ingabee at 6:43PM on 08/29/09
Wasabi dried peas, they are low calorie and few side effects.
yosemit3 at 12:44PM on 08/30/09
@ yosemit3 I completely agree on the Wasabi dried peas. I just graduated with a degree in biochemistry and they were my lifesaver! In addition, they help to clear up the sinuses if you're having allergy problems too
lwilz at 3:33AM on 08/31/09
I've only just started my degree, I'm in the first year if education, but trust me there are plenty of all nighters for us.
I recommend really sweet, really strong black coffee over ice. I make mine in the morning, before class, then put it in the fridge for the day, ready for me to drink it that night and through to the next morning.
I know caffiene's a no-no for you, but this works wonders for those who can stand it.
GegeMac at 9:11AM on 08/31/09
i second unsalted roasted almonds, and HIGHLY second sushi. once the sun starts coming up, drop the rice and just eat as sashimi. it's cold and protein-y. perfect.
i also recommend brushing your teeth in lieu of a snack. brush your teeth and then have some OJ. always worked wonders driving through the night.
ach6586 at 9:15AM on 08/31/09
healthy finger foods, my favorites are popcorn and grapes. I can eat vast quantities of both.
Meewlee at 9:15AM on 08/31/09
I'm a medical student and during late night work & painfully early mornings my boyfriend feeds me vegelettes -- 1-2 eggs packed with finely cut veggies of all kinds + minced garlic &/or finely chopped onion. They're quick to make, so much more flavorful than anything I make, and the variety is endless.
Top with fresh goat cheese and a slice of sprouted grain toast or half of a well-toasted whole wheat english muffin. Keeps me going strong in a way that caffeine can't. Complex carb plus some protein and bulky vegetables make for a satisfying & energizing meal (no post-prandial coma!). Oh, and I second the plenty of water advice, too!
Good luck on the med school apps!
verak at 9:30AM on 08/31/09
depends on what I crave (sweet or savory) and what I have on hand. Sometimes it'll be toasted english muffin with some nut butter (maybe a drizzle of honey), or maybe a mini-bag of popcorn, pita with hummus, a fruit chilling in the fridge or maybe a small piece of good dark chocolate.
LAOCfoodie at 12:52PM on 08/31/09
Smartfood white cheddar popcorn. But watch the cheese-coated fingerprints.
akk328 at 1:05PM on 08/31/09
I definitely agree with the teeth brushing, it's how I wake myself up. That and middle of the night showers, wakes you up and gives you a quick mental break. Foodwise cereal was my goto middle of the night food. Crunchy to keep you up and mentally associated with morning, plus there's so many different kinds that you can experiment with that works best for you. Sugary or fibery or filled with dried fruit or whatever.
semirose at 3:42PM on 08/31/09
pb&j on wheat ritz is a late night guilty pleasure for me...not the healthiest but yummy.
Gizmosma at 3:56PM on 08/31/09
So far from what I've tried I find that drinking tons of water works wonders. But the true magic combo for me is Coke and Peanut M&Ms. I don't know what it is about those M&Ms but they seriously help to keep me going. I've also tried sipping coke out of a Red Vines straw; worked well. However, if I don't feel like having anything junky like candy, then I do a mix of cold mangoes and frozen grapes or a pasta salad with feta. Oh! Orange juice is good too. Mentally I associate OJ with breakfast so when I drink it at 4 a.m it kinds tricks me into thinking it's breakfast time. I think that it's best to shy away from warm, comforting foods. Go for crunchy and cold foods.
SaltyDonuts at 5:55PM on 08/31/09
Toast two poptarts, preferably a fruit flavor, and spread them with peanut butter. make sure you have lots of milk or you could clog your esophagus.
delilah at 1:28AM on 09/01/09
in conclusion, Serious Eaters are maniacs for peanut butter.
Christina at 3:03PM on 09/01/09
If I'm okay for the calories, I'll eat 1-2 tbs natural peanut butter with a sliced apple, or some "hint of salt" wheat thins with sliced apple and slices of sharp cheddar cheese. I find that having a little protein, a little bit of carbs, and something sweet and salty cuts all my cravings- gives me an extra boost of energy- and keeps me from digging for change for the vending machine. I have enough added pounds from being a student for so many years- I don't need extra potato chips or M&Ms to add any more!
lilybythewaters at 3:33PM on 09/01/09
Also- a toasted English muffin with sliced banana, a little peanut butter, and honey is amazing at about 2 am when you get bleary eyed and all the words you've been reading start blurring together :)
lilybythewaters at 3:35PM on 09/01/09
Depends on the season for me. In the winter I eat a bunch of clementines 'cause they're easy to peel and it's a fruit, yayy so I won't feel as guilty if I had munched on chips. And during the summer....a nice bowl of cereal with cold milk so that I know I'll be fortified for the next day x]
esyooee at 3:24AM on 09/03/09