How to NOT gain weight in Nursing School??

Published

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

Specializes in Med Surg - Renal.

I lost 65 pounds the last 7 months of Nursing School. I did all the things reasonable people tell you to do and it worked. (Drink water, eat fruit/veggies/lean meats, avoid processed foods, don't overeat, and exercise).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.
See you should move back to CO :D I hear The Fort is a great area!

Actually, my good friend here that I work with came here to do the Versant program and is from FoCo and we decided we want to go back there! And you dont even have to persuade me to come back. Im itching to have my mtns back!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

Yea my town is pretty kick butt, doesn't take much persuading!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in cardiac-telemetry, hospice, ICU.

2 simple things helped me actually trim down in NS. #1 don't drink ANY sugary soda. #2 exercise on my recumbent bike when studying. That meant I had to learn to do two things at once, but I pulled it off. Maybe I'll try to walk and chew gum next.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i love this thread. it is so true the only way to not gain weight, lose weight or whatever is to eat a bit less, exercise more... make snacks and treats fruit, yogurt as much as possible, and slowly but surely it should come off. There are really no magic bullets. Now, I need to stop making excuses and start exercising!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Don't bring any cash for the vending machines. That's my advice. Otherwise, bring healthy food for lunch and to snack on. I buy those greek yogurts when they are on sale, specifically for snacks during breaks. Raw almonds, pack a salad with leftover chicken or canned tuna, hardboiled eggs, lots of fruit, cottage cheese... I bring my own coffee in a cup (no high calorie Starbucks drinks). If your school has a gym, schedule a time to go. Plan on say, working out there and showering before class. Or going right after you are done.

I don't know how I'll get through my next year-it's 5 days a week, with clinicals, and a huge commute... and our school does not have a workout facility. I'm planning on utilizing my weekends and bringing healthy foods to minimize the damage.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

oh, I live in CO too! Most of my fellow students struggle with exercise/fitness during school. But I know some nurses who ride their road bike 25 miles to work, work the night shift, and ride home again in the morning! :up: I consider myself fairly athletic and I like to exercise...but wow.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

So next challenge is when you graduate and before you work. I am SO THANKFUL I started work today. Since I graduated I got a job right away so didn't have to keep looking, just went on vacation and waited to start orientation so I sat around with nothing to do. I have gained back 7lbs. All I have done is sat around and ATE!!!!! I am not used to having nothing to do in so long. So I got back on track today. Started my job and back to being busy. Thank Goodness.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

Out of sheer curiosity last night at work, after my pt decided to lay me out in the corner, I went and weighed myself. Down another 7 pounds. This sucks, it has to stop. I cant lose any more weight!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.
Out of sheer curiosity last night at work, after my pt decided to lay me out in the corner, I went and weighed myself. Down another 7 pounds. This sucks, it has to stop. I cant lose any more weight!

I found your 7lbs, by all means you can come take it back!!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

try making small cuts on your arm everyday instead. (not really). nursing school sucks, so people tend to live off of sugar foods as a source of comfort and fast energy. Use your summer breaks to slim down.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was reading a blog about a lady that uses an attachment of her foodsaver to vacuum seal jars of freshly washed lettuce. She makes up about ten at a time and cuts her veggies and keeps in separate bags. She buys those small restaurant containers and measures salad dressing then each morning she grabs a salad for her lunchbox. Pretty smart idea. I think I may try it. You could grill up some chicken on the weekend and put that in a baggie and you'd be set. I am all about the home cooked meal. We will see how I manage once I start. I also plan on making an easy meal plan and rotating it every other week. Just going to focus on the first 20 weeks of getting through as unscathed as possible.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion