Dieting and nursing school

[Jennybrie]

I'll be the first to admit that I have put on a few pounds while in nursing school but I don't think loosing those pounds through dieting while in school is the best of ideas. I have several friends in school who are dieting and are getting by but I want to know your thoughts.

I feel that dieting will place more pressure than is needed and you will constantly be distracted by thinking of food, the fact that you're starved and/or not being able to stay focused.

Do any of you diet? If so how do you cope and is it working?

Thanks for the replies and good luck!!!

[Jennybrie]

Drink a lot of water

I actually agree with everything you said but this is seriously an underrated part of losing weight or simply being healthy. It's really easy to go on a 12 hour clinical and realize that you only have had 32 oz of water and went to the bathroom once. If any of our patients did that we would slap in an IV running fluids at 125ml/hr watching skin turgor and labs until we're satisfied that they are no longer dehydrated. I'd rather not work my shift pulling an IV pole or wearing a foley so I have to remind myself to drink more water.

On the weight loss side of why this is important....if you don't have enough circulating volume to remove toxins and byproducts of metabolism it just sits there in your body doing more harm than good. Often times when you are continually hydrated your brain is satisfied and cravings for food decline. When I studied a lot and felt the urge to snack I tried having some tea instead to see if that curbed the craving and it usually did.

Cutting things from your diet might be difficult so instead I would suggest living in moderation. If you absolutely cannot live without soda, buy the baby cans and cut down on intake instead of going cold turkey. The same can be done with any food/beverage. You'll be surprised how much the little things can add up to a healthier life.

[shamrokks, ADN, ASN, RN]

I love this post!

[zoe92]

@Jennybrie, love everything you said! Moderation is key!

[cas15]

Choose healthy eating habits now...start with small things like eating at least one veggie and one fruit a day. If you already do that then replace a candy bar with an apple or even a skinny cow snack or something. Start with small steps. Then exercise! I found a park on the way to school. On the days that I have late classes, I leave a half hour early and walk for that length of time. It invigorates me and makes me feel like I'm doing something productive.

Don't "diet" or take any big change on in nursing school. It's too much pressure!

Good luck!

[Kdrenee]

I recently lost 9 lbs in three days! I ate healthier and drank nothing but water, and I'm doing beach body.coms insanity! It truly works if you just eat a little healthier and a little less, but its the hardest work out I have ever done. I do love it though, it makes me feel good when I wake up in the mornings. I have so much more energy. Also, it's a video I can do at home so it's convenient.

[Jennybrie]

I'm doing beach body.coms insanity!

I've never heard of this before. What does the work out involve?

[Kdrenee]

I've never heard of this before. What does the work out involve?

It's a lot of cardio mixed with controlled body movements which build muscle. Kind of like using your body as weights.

You should go to beachbody.com or YouTube insanity workout videos. It is really awesome, but intense.

[Jennybrie]

Sounds interesting. I'll definitely check it out. Thanks for the reply :)

[Kdrenee]

Sounds interesting. I'll definitely check it out. Thanks for the reply :)

Welcome:)

It's kind of expensive though.

[OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN]

I think its always okay to diet but never okay to obssess over it. I think trying to be healthy is good and possibly offers you some amount of control over something during a time when you dont have very much control over anything else. If you want to do it if not don't stress you ahve plenty of time after school to lose it.

[Shorty11, BSN, RN]

Like some other posters have said, every time I have "dieted" I ended up gaining all the weight back over time. I am in my 3rd semester of nursing school. I recently lost 25 lbs (went from 175 to 150). I lost the weight over the course of three months. I didn't necessarily diet, but I did make some changes to the way I eat. First, I cut out all sodas and sugary drinks from my diet, opting instead for water with cucumber or lemon. I stopped drinking the 'occasional' beer. In the case of social settings, I will instead have a "skinny" type of drink. I cut out all fast food. I know that it is much easier to grab something quick after a long day of studying, but cooking doesn't require as much time as you would think, with a little planning. I buy large packs of boneless, skinless chicken breast and portion it out into individual portions using a kitchen scale. I then put the individual portions in ziplock freezer bags and freeze them. I get out one portion and move it from the freezer to fridge before I go to bed. By the time I get home the next evening, the individual portion is thawed and ready to cook with. The Internet is full of free recipes that are quick, easy, and healthy. I have found plenty of dishes than can be made in 20-30 mins with minimal prep, ingredients, and dirty dishes. I do my best to incorporate veggies and fruit into the day where I can as sides, snacks, etc. I also decided to use smaller plates to eat my meals on. When you have a larger plate, you tend to put more food on your plate! I also make sure I spice my food well. I hardly ever use salt, but I use pepper on almost everything. The more flavorful the food, the quicker I seem to feel full. I haven't started incorporating exercise into my routine yet, but that's the next step! Eating right and exercise are the best ways, of course, to lose weight and maintain the weight loss. Of course, it is much easier said than done. I think if you start by incorporating small changes into your diet/routine, then other changes will hopefully follow. Granted I am no expert on nutrition or anything like that, but these are some changes that have helped me shed a few lbs. Best of luck!

[BBRANRN2013, ASN, RN]

Study while running on the treadmill that's what I do! I make flashcards on my phone! Easy access! I have gained 45 lbs since starting nursing school in January 2011! My New Years resolution was to lose weight! I have lost 6 lbs thus far and it has been through no junk food, more water, and exercising!!!!!! We can do it! I WILL be skinnier for graduation in August!