Has anyone else gained weight in NS?

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Just a little vent here...

Since Nursing School started, I've gained quite an appetite... and not just for knowledge. It seems to me that I'm either a) studying non-stop and constantly eating while doing so, or b) relaxing from a stressful week a.k.a everything allowed attitude when eating out.

The above mentioned practices and lack of time/ energy (mostly energy) to go to the gym are leaving me out of shape with, dare I say, "Nursing 15" (though I've successfully managed to avoid "Freshman 15" a few years ago).

I'm normally a health-conscious person with a great body, which is getting replaced with rolls of fat as we speak.

Anyways, I was wondering if anyone else was experiencing similar problems and/or had motivation/tips for how you fit in exercise into this lifestyle and stop eating Ben and Jerry's.

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YES! :(

I did not have a problem until this year. In 4 nursing classes + Statistics, I have ZERO time for the gym. I'm eating terribly at clinicals, I snack constantly while studying. The cafeteria here has very few healthy options (there's only so much grilled chicken I can eat), oh and I'm a typical poor college student! Buying fresh veggies and fruits and such things is hard a) financially and b) time wise! I don't have time to go on a grocery run every 4 days. This is rough... I'm just praying December comes soon, hopefully I can get my butt to the gym and fix this.

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I know its hard, trust me I SO feel you...but honestly....its one of those things that you HAVE to make time for... The last thing you want to think about is the gym when your stressing about school and exams...but you've gotta make it happen if you want it. I've found that going to the gym actually helps me study better, feel better, do better all around. I also bring my notes with me... and run on the treadmill or bike while reviewing my notes.... kill two birds with one stone right? And as for food...honestly getting fast food is just if not as expensive as buying groceries at the store. It stinks cooking/preparing lunch but its worth it when you compare it to gaining weight and feeling ickey. I buy spinach and whole wheat bagel thins and pack my lunch..its actually helped me lose a few lbs...so I cant complain there. But yah...I feel you. Its a lifestyle change, and its tough but you can so do it! Good luck with everything!

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

I am a hardcore grazer. So that was a hard habit to kick when I was forced to do long study sessions and long hours at the computer doing research and what have you. I eventually just replaced the food with a big mug of ICE cold water and it works wonders for me.

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Unfortunately, I have lost 41 pounds since July. This is when I began to get ready for the nursing program. I stay so stressed that I can't eat. I may eat only one meal a day which consists of a cheeseburger from McDonalds.

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I had to write a self-care plan the first week of school where I promised myself to eat lunch every day from home. I said I would eat beans, lentils, hummus and split pea soup (I fix one thing each Saturday. I've been eating that for lunch for 4 weeks along with a tortilla, yogurt or a cheese stick and a fruit and I've lost 5 pounds. This is a good thing. Who would of thought that eating lunch instead skipping would help me lose weight. My 'movements' are also easier to pass. Ha ha I also have 1/2 cup of oatmeal every am. Dinner is usually the same as lunch I'm so lazy.

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Gained 10 lbs so far. Lots of stress eating and grazing while studying. I may try the ice water (or crystal light) trick. No time at all for working out between work, NS, and kids.

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100 calorie popcorn snacks + plus going to the gym whenever I can. You can track your calories of just learn how much calories are in your food at Livestrong.com (Myplate). Also work on eating fruits and vegetables and just don't have junk food around. Limit going out to eat because it's expensive. I pack all of my lunches/dinners on school or work todays, and always something healthy: a sandwhich, cheese stick, and fruit or vegetable. I have lost weight that I gained on my vacation

Oh yes I also eat Wheat Bran cereal or oatmeal every breakfast and have no problem with constipation. For dinner I often eat whole grain noodles and low sodium sauce with tofu, very easy to prepare.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

I gained some in the first semester but needed to watch it because lugging around extra weight while trying to lug around patients isn't a great idea. So I've been eating better, exercising and lost about 15 so far. I feel tons better.

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Yes, about ten pounds so far. I am trying to get it under control by cooking ahead and getting rid of the sweets. I am a big stress eater.

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My weight is the same but definitely not my BP. I finally had to go to the doctor about it. I guess I don't handle stress well. :(

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No, but I do feel your pain. Halloween candy in my house this week has been a bad thing!

To stay healthy, I meet up with friends for a run before class. It sucks getting up an hour early, but it's worth it to have 4-6 miles done before I head to lecture or the library. Plus, misery loves company. It's much easier to get out there when my friends are waiting for me.

As far as food goes, I have been craving some bad foods due to stress, and I do give in daily, but I don't go crazy. Everything in moderation. On the weekends, I make a ginormous salad and cut a bunch of fresh veggies and munch on those all week long. Also, before this semester started, I made a bunch of freezer meals, so before I leave for class, I take a meal out of the freezer, throw it in the fridge or crock pot and by the time I get home, I have only minutes of prep work before I have a hot, healthy dinner to eat. I plan on restocking my freezer with healthy homemade meals over Christmas break in preparation for winter semester. Freezer dinners have been a lifesaver!

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