How to NOT gain weight in Nursing School??

pockunit, ADN, RN · Jun 23, 2011

Bring food from home is the best thing I came up with. I lost weight before I started because I knew I would gain during the program. I eat when I study ;(

I have started cutting up veggies every weekend, then having them ready to grab when I leave the house.

My biggest challenge is always mindless eating, and that our teacher brought sugary snax in EVERYDAY. I got better at turning them down, but that much sitting and that much munching? Not so great for the abs.

I guess the most important thing is to be aware of what you're eating and why you're doing it. Are you really hungry? Are you just bored or nervous? Drink some water before you eat anything, because maybe you're just dehydrated.

Good luck!

texasbred · Jun 23, 2011

I would think just adding some form of exercise into your schedule. It would also help with stress.

Just my thoughts:D

pockunit, ADN, RN · Jun 23, 2011

Yep, I study on the treadmill. Sometimes I put on a podcast from school, sometimes I read. Time goes a lot faster that way, that's for sure.

Student4_life · Jun 23, 2011

Its not for everyone, but I am going to bike to school every non-rainy day.

Seas · Jun 23, 2011

I lost a lot of weight in nursing school. Stress caused me to lose my appetite. Maybe you may lose yours too. lol

motheringheart · Jun 23, 2011

Oh my! I usually eat when I am stressed and or tired. I thought about investing in a treadmill so that I coudl study and work out at the same time. :) The veggie idea sounds great!

studentLJinCA · Jun 23, 2011

We were told the same thing at orientation!

Some advice we were given is to take up a P.E. class in addition to your nursing classes. They are not hard, do not require a lot of time, but it motivates you to work out a little during the week and can also be a great stress reliever :)

Lilbit, ADN · Jun 23, 2011

Just a little thing but try parking in the lot farthest from your class so you have to walk it.

Music in My Heart · Jun 23, 2011

Hi All~
I was wondering if anyone has any tips for new to nursing school students on how to not gain weight in nursing school? We were told at orientation that we should expect to gain weight. I am already struggling with keeping the numbers on the scale in an acceptable range. I know life will be crazy but I really don't want to gain another 20 lbs.
:) Thanks

First off, don't accept that silliness that you should *expect* to gain weight. Rather, expect not to and then act accordingly.

Bring healthy food and snacks with you. I used to pack baggies with veggies and trailmix (the good stuff sans chocolate) and also ate a lot of dried fruit.

Simply choose *not* to give in to the fast-food mentality.

Look for opportunities to exercise wherever they present themselves. When you're walking to class - hustle. Take the stairs, not the elevator. Take a quick 10-minute power walk before you leave for school.

It's really no different than controlling your BMI in any other phase of life. Control your energy intake and up your energy expenditure.

Amy2gurl · Jun 23, 2011

I was able to watch my weight no problem the first 3 semesters.. but that last semester I gained 25 pounds. It was by far the hardest semester and I learned what stress eating is. Most people in my class gained also. I would try really hard to limit your food, you can join weight watchers online and track everything.. and keep in on your smart phone too.. I WISH I was more careful because now, 1 and 1/2 months post school I have been strict healthy and exercising and I only lost 2 pounds. 23 to go.. .... my trouble... I ate when I studied. DON"T get into that habit, it is hard to break! Go to the library and stick with water or coffee. Don't snack when eating. It becomes mindless eating and VERY habit forming. GOOD LUCK!!!

guavaturtle · Jun 23, 2011

I eat SOOO much when I'm stressed out. I swear, every midterm/final I gain a good 3 lbs in one week easily, and then try to work it off during the "downtime." My first semester I gained 6 lbs total, but I'm one month into summer and I've lost 5 of it already. I want my 6 pack back!