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Physicians’ odd hours make healthy snacking tough, often leading to “rat snacking.” Instead, physicians should prioritize their health when making food choices.

Physicians often have schedules with odd hours, and having time to eat a healthy snack is challenging. According to an article in Advances in Nutrition, people working odd hours experience irregular meals and are likelier to snack at night. Medical writer Julia Ries notes that doctors participate in what is known on social media as “rat snacking”—scavenging for any available food.

Registered dietician-nutritionist Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDECS, CDN, cautions physicians against rat snacking, an inadequate substitute for eating well-balanced meals. Routhenstein cautions that rat snacking may cause doctors to lack essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies. Although Routhenstein recognizes that doctors need convenience for on-the-job meals, physicians should prioritize health when making food choices.

Nutrients pointed out that snacking is not unhealthy; it can provide energy and nutrients. The issue is how it is done. The best way to support healthy eating is to plan meals and snacks. Michelle Saari, MSc, RD, notes that rat snacking means physicians eat foods that cannot sustain them for long shifts.

Furthermore, the Nutrients study authors point out that the convenience of processed foods leads to an overconsumption of calories, triggering weight gain. An article published in the British Nutritional Foundation notes a link between shift work and cardiometabolic disease. A Journal of Advanced Nursing article found that nurses lean toward higher consumption of saturated fat on evening or night shifts, resulting in heart disease or type 2 diabetes. BioMed Central Public Health found that night shift workers had a 27% greater chance of developing diabetes and were more likely to be overweight or obese.

Routhenstein suggests that physicians focus on snacks’ nutritional value. This includes employing tactics like planning snacks or measuring portions. Nutrient-rich snacks should contain elements like fiber, healthy fats, and protein. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends snacks like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads, and nuts. Routhenstein suggests using snacks to complement meals and not as a replacement. Along with three daily nutrient-rich meals, she encourages physicians to use snacks to provide energy.