What Healthy Living Looks Like for a Resident Physician

Welcome to What I Eat in a Day, a blog series that showcases the daily lives and meals of Thrive Market members like you. Today, we’re talking with Shirley S., a Family Medicine Resident Physician in Brooklyn, New York.

What’s your job title and what are your main responsibilities in that role?

I’m a family medicine resident physician. I work inpatient, which means in the hospital including the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Room. Family medicine doctors treat all types of patients—from children to seniors. We are their primary care doctors as outpatients, so when they get admitted to the hospital we can continue care. We take care of all types of medical issues.

I’ve been a resident for three years, and I’ll finish residency this summer! Then I’m moving to Palm Springs to do a one-year sports medicine fellowship.

When you’re not super busy, how would you describe your eating habits?

I usually eat healthy with an occasional splurge—I have a weakness for a good bowl of pasta and chocolate cake!

What’s your biggest challenge with healthy eating and healthy living?

Healthy eating can be hard because it is not always the cheapest. But I always remind myself: A good home-cooked meal with quality products can taste better and be more economical than eating a meal out. Healthy living is important to me because it makes my body feel good. But sometimes it’s hard to practice healthy eating, especially when there is so much junk food around you.

How has your work life changed during the COVID-19 pandemic?

I’ve been doing a lot more shifts in the emergency department and ICU. I’ve also been doing a lot more telephone and remote visits in the clinic.

How has your life outside of work changed during the COVID-19 pandemic?

I used to do workout classes, but now I’m opting to do online workouts at home with a yoga mat. Also, I enjoy exploring NYC! But that has now temporarily stopped with the pandemic.

Which moments of your day bring you the most joy?

A simple clean meal brings me joy. Also, a nice chat with a friend or family member. I also try to meditate daily and work out. I’ve been loving Instagram Live workouts from @charleeatkins, @camnorsworthy, @lindseyharrod, and @aubrewinters. Meditating has helped me tremendously, especially in staying focused when I’m stressed out.

What do you eat in a day?

For breakfast, I’ll have a piece of veggie frittata or a bowl of granola or cereal. I like the Bear Naked Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Granola with almond milk and bananas. I usually try to eat protein, like eggs, and a piece of fruit in the morning. I also have a few sips of Dunkin Donuts iced coffee with a shot of sugar-free blueberry syrup and a splash of almond milk.

As a snack, I like Vegan Rob’s Cauliflower Puffs—they are so delicious!

For lunch, I’ll have a kale salad with cherry tomatoes and off-the-bone deli turkey with sliced cheddar cheese and raw pecans. I like to use the Primal Kitchen Ranch Dressing. I typically have two slices of wheat bread with a handful of purple grapes as well.

As an afternoon snack, I like the Thunderbird Cashew Fig Carrot Bar—they are very yummy. After a workout, I’ll make a smoothie with a cup of Califia Almond Milk, half a spoonful of vanilla Orgain Protein, a cup of frozen mixed berries, and a dash of cinnamon.

For dinner, I love making pizza using whole wheat dough and tomato sauce. I marinate chicken breast, onions, and red peppers in Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil, and throw on some swiss and cheddar cheese.

For sharing her experience, we’re gifting Shirley Thrive Cash to shop healthy essentials at ThriveMarket.com. Interested in sharing your story? We’d love to hear from you! Please email blog@thrivemarket.com with your name and occupation.