I am a new grad working my first job on a subacute unit in a nursing home. I am extremely busy throughout the day, with anywhere from 18 to 21 patients that I need to medicate, do treatments, and any admissions or discharges. I literally do not sit down until I do my notes at the end of my shift. Some days all I eat from the time I wake up until the time I go home is an ice coffee with milk. When I started this job I thought I'd start losing weight because I'm constantly moving. But it's just not budging. I gained a LOT of weight in nursing school and want it to start coming off. It's really hard to motivate myself to go to the gym after a long day of being on my achey feet.
So what do nurses do when they want to lose weight but are in too much pain to exercise? Do you count calories? Exercise anyway? I need some tips! I've lost weight before, but that was when I was younger and had more time on my hands. Now I'm working 12 hour shifts 5 days a week, so I treasure my down time at home. I don't feel like I'm at my healthiest though being 50 lbs overweight.
Yes it can be very hectic working in some places. I am not overweight but to keep my weight down I eat a boil egg and a slice or two of whole grain bread or cereal in the morning. I take pre-wrapped cheese, nuts or snack or proein bar in my pocket that I can easily eat very discreetly to keep my energy level up. Also, I carry protein powder in a ziplock bag and pour it in my water bottle and make a quick shake for lunch or for late evening snack. Stick to eating small healthy meals about every 2 hours or so and drink lots of water. All the best!
Yiggs
76 Posts
Yes it can be very hectic working in some places. I am not overweight but to keep my weight down I eat a boil egg and a slice or two of whole grain bread or cereal in the morning. I take pre-wrapped cheese, nuts or snack or proein bar in my pocket that I can easily eat very discreetly to keep my energy level up. Also, I carry protein powder in a ziplock bag and pour it in my water bottle and make a quick shake for lunch or for late evening snack. Stick to eating small healthy meals about every 2 hours or so and drink lots of water. All the best!