I've noticed here how a lot of people talk about how much weight you gain in nursing school...so I'm curious: If you have yet to start NS, do you think you'll put on weight? If you're already in NS, have you put on weight?
I'm starting in a week and a half...and I think there's pretty much no way I'll gain weight. I didn't gain the freshman 15 last year at school (I didn't really gain much of anything, unless you count like 3-5lbs which was probably mostly muscle and bone since my figure finally started filling out)...and honestly, I'm pretty sure that I haven't gained any real weight in like, 3 or 4 years (as in, I still weigh within 5lbs of what I did at the beginning of high school or so).
So, considering this and what I've heard the reason for people in gaining weight in NS is stress and stress eating along with the fact that when I'm really stressed, I eat nothing...if anything, I think I'll lose weight.
Wow after reading thread I just noticed that some of you guys are size 0, 1 or 2 and worried about losing weight....um...ok. BACK AWAY FROM THE VOGUE MAGAZINE PRONTO! Breathe...eat healthy and exercise you guys do NOT need to focus on your weight. Intervention time.
I only read one post like that on this entire thread...
I lost about 10 pounds over my first year of nursing school, then this summer i have gained it all back! I was so busy I really didn't have a lot of time to sit around and think about eating. I also ALWAYS brought my lunch to school, something like a salad.....Things that a lot of people do is go for fast food between classes and that will really pack on the pounds. Also people don't make time for working out. Very important to exercise to keep stress levels down.
Oh yeah, just like another person said, When I start RN school my kids will have to attend preschool/daycare so we will be on a tight budget also, so eating out wont be a common thing for us anymore. Im sure that will help
I gained weight during nursing school, maybe about 12 pounds. I also do not eat when I'm stressed, but that wasn't really a problem for me during nursing school. It was more of a time thing in me case. I was always crunched for time, so I would grab whatever was convenient at the time. There was never any time for meal planning and prepping healthy things it seems....so instead it would be chips from the vending machine and a coffee.
As others have said, it's my budget that seems to determine my weight more than anything. When times are good, I can justify going out to eat with the hubby for much needed alone time away from the kids or doing drive thru for dinner when I feel too busy or lazy to cook. But when times are thin, and I have to watch where every dollar goes, meals get cooked, lunches are packed and food choices tend to be healthier, by sheer portion control if nothing else.
first of all, nursing school isn't about completely letting go of yourself...it shouldn't be a "trend" to gain weight in nursing school. In addition, it is NOT healthy to plan on "losing" weight either just because you don't have time to eat or you are too stressed to eat. Come on everyone, and please realize that you have to take care of yourself, first and foremost. Your brain can't function enough without food to nourish it, so all that "study" time you will be wasting if you don't supply your brain with energy. You can gain weight by eating or NOT eating too...
Overall, yes nursing school is stressful, but my best suggestion is to plan your lunch every single day. Obviously with healthy choices, veggies, yogurt, water, wraps. Easy stuff that you can munch on.
Don't overindulge, but please don't underindulge either. Supply your brain with energy, and you'll make it through nursing school just fine.
I always loose weight during school because I am more active, away from home, and more distracted. I have to remind myself to eat when I am super involved in my schoolwork.
Just like that's been said, please do eat, and eat healthy. I have a low appetite and used to not eat enough because I was so busy, and when I did it was carbs & sweets. My hair thinned & started to fall out. Now I eat regularly whether I am hungry or not and also include a lot of protein in my diet. Hair, skin, and nails now look fabulous and I feel great.
I really wish I could gain weight. I'm very petite, and when I became a health care aide, everyone was constantly bugging me as to how i'd be able to lift and turn pts when I'm so tiny. I went from eating 3 meals a day to 6 or 7... I work out on an almost daily basis (yoga, weight lifting, running twice a day, nevermind the 8 hours at work that i'm on my feet constantly!) But I haven't gained anything. My boyfriend says all the food I eat goes to my shoes... There was one month I gained 7 pounds, and lost it a week later. If anyone has any tips for weight gain... I'd gladly love to hear it!!
I lost about 10 pounds first semester and gained about 10 pounds second semester! So there's no telling! :) I'm getting married after two more semesters, and I'm waiting until my last semester to get fitted for my wedding dress because i'm not sure what i'll weigh! It mostly depends on your eating habits. If you can keep a balanced diet, you should be fine! But second semester I ate a lot of fast food (including burgers, which were a rarity for me before!).
I got the kids bento boxes for their school lunches, and they come as a 3-pack, so I'm going to use one, too. Just the right size for lunch/snax, and it will encourage me to bring my food. Plus, since I'm still nursing my toddler and she's got a few food intolerances, I have to watch MY diet. I don't think there will be a lot of food I can eat at school.
Betwen WW and the baby's restrictions, I've lost 12# in the last few months and hope to drop another few before school. Then I just hope to maintain my weight through the program. I think it's probably also going to be easier when I'm not home and bored and faced with lots of leftovers.
I started in January and during school I lost about 15 pounds from stress and forgetting to eat while studying.
While obviously not the best way, I too was told by many a friend that nursing school is the Best. Diet. Ever. I'm eagerly awaiting if I can help to support that hypothesis.
I too was told by many a friend that nursing school is the Best. Diet. Ever. I'm eagerly awaiting if I can help to support that hypothesis.
SingDanceRunLife
952 Posts
I only read one post like that on this entire thread...