Gaining weight

[BSNinprogress22]

I'm finishing up my BSN prerequisites and during the process I have been gaining weight. I know I need to focus 100% on keeping my GPA up and getting into nursing school, but its starting to bother me. People have noticed and brought it to my attention (as if I didn't know). Anyone have any advice on how to deal with the stress school brings while keeping the pounds off?

I know this may sound like a silly post, but I'm just wondering if this happens to a lot of people...

[sbostonRN]

I gained a lot of weight during nursing school...a LOT! Mostly unhealthy eating, high levels of stress and not having time to exercise. I was taking 10 credits per semester, working 45 hours a week and between commuting and helping around the house, didn't leave much time for anything. I thought that when I graduated with working 8-12 hour shifts, the pounds would just melt off, but they didn't. Actually I gained a little more during my first year of nursing because of all the treats around. Plus, I didn't magically start eating healthy again, and I used the excuse "I'm too tired to exercise with my difficult job".

Four months ago I stopped making excuses, joined Weight Watchers and started running again. I've lost 30 lbs and have about 50 more to get to my goal. Gaining a few here and there while you're in school is probably not a big deal, but try to rein it in before it becomes a lot more than that. It's a lot harder to lose when it all adds up. 10 lbs a semester = 80 lbs by the time school is out!!

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Good day:

I'm glad the subject of not having the weight melt off when you get a job came out.

We need to develop healthy eating habits as early as possible; it's never too late as I started mine when I was 48.

Thank you.

[BSNinprogress22]

Thanks everyone for all the advice!!