Struggling with healthy eating during shift work? Dietitian tips for police families.
Episode Summary
In this episode of Code4Couples, Cyndi sits down with Raina Beugelink, a registered dietitian and police spouse, to talk about the real-life challenges of nutrition for first responders. They explore how hypervigilance, disrupted circadian rhythms, and fatigue impact digestion and food choices. Raina shares simple, practical ways to prep meals, time eating to support better sleep and energy, and work as a couple to protect long-term health. If you've ever struggled with fueling your body while managing the demands of law enforcement life, this conversation is packed with strategies you can use right away.
Hosted by Cyndi Doyle, LPC-S, founder of Code4Couples®, licensed professional counselor, author of Hold the Line, and proud police spouse.
📖 Grab Cyndi's book Hold the Line → https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Line-Protecting-Enforcement-Relationship-ebook/dp/B08TPRTY9G#customerReviews
🎤 Book Cyndi for training and speaking → https://code4couples.com/training/
Guest Links
🌐 Learn more from Raina Beugelink → https://shiftworknutrition.com/
00:00 – Intro & why nutrition matters for officers
02:00 – Common traps of eating on shift work
07:00 – Hypervigilance and digestion explained
14:00 – Shift work as "jet lag" for first responders
21:00 – Smart meal prep strategies for busy families
28:00 – Cold lunches vs. hot meals on the road
32:00 – Night shift eating & circadian rhythm tips
36:00 – Rethinking caffeine and energy drinks
42:00 – Raina's resources and The Shift Fix program
45:00 – Closing thoughts & how to connect
