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?
I'm in the last semester of my LPN in my ADN program and I remember on the very 1st day of class our instructor told us that the average nursing student gains 25lbs during the program. Not what I wanted to hear but I see how easy it happens! Between classes, studying, family, and working (if you work) it's very easy to reach for quick junky foods.
I fell into that trap my summer and fall semesters I always found myself eating at Vend-O-Land (the vending machines in the student lounges). When I got home after loading up on high calorie chips and soda I was still hungry because there wasn't any nutrition in the crap that I was eating and would then load up on more junk because I was too exhausted from class to make something healthy.
As my new year's resolution I made it a point to eat better and so far I have stuck to it. I do my best to only buy healthy foods when I shop. I bought a LARGE refillable water bottle that I take to class everyday so I don't buy a soda. I sometimes bring vita coco to drink if I want something sweet but don't want the empty calories or added sugar. I've started making my own Lara bars and they are amazing and when I take them to class it keeps me full for the whole 4 hour lecture. Now I'm not starving when I get home so I can rest and make a healthy meal later.
For me I found that I need to plan ahead a bit and pack my snacks/lunch the night before because I won't do it in the morning (I love to hit the snooze button). I'm not on a diet per say but am more mindful of the quality of the foods that I eat. So far I've lost 5lbs since Jan 1st so I'm pretty happy so far :) I don't exercise like I should but when I do it does a great job of clearing my head! I love the Bodyrock website because many of their exercises take 30 mins or less which is all I have time for!
Sorry this was so long and good luck you can do this! :)
I do weight watchers. I have lost like 25 lbs (last spring). I still have more weight I want to lose. I have no boyfriend, so I can exercise as much as I want with out the distractions :). My favorites are Zumba, Pilates, and Cycling! Cycling will kick your butt literally! The days I don't do my classes I will go on the elliptical and read my class notes and what not. Exercise is the one thing keeping me sane in my hell week.
I always found myself eating at Vend-O-Land (the vending machines in the student lounges). When I got home after loading up on high calorie chips and soda I was still hungry because there wasn't any nutrition in the crap that I was eating and would then load up on more junk because I was too exhausted from class to make something healthy.
KayyyT
13 Posts
I have no problem maintaining my weight while in nursing school. I find exercise helps me release all by pent up tensions.