Recent Weight Loss Related to Work Stress.

[justthatnewgirl]

Hi everyone! So I have been working on my own since the end of January on a cardiac step-down unit. At the beginning of February, I know I weighed around 152 lbs. Now it is June and I weigh 137. That is a 15lb difference in 4 months. I have not weighed myself between these time periods and am usually in stretchy clothes so I did not notice such a dramatic difference until I put on my jeans for the first time since March and noticed they were much looser. I would say that when I eat, I am eating healthier than I did before and I definitely don't drink alcohol as much as I used to but this number kind of shocks me. I have had such a decreased appetite while at work that I may eat a yogurt and some grapes if I am lucky to get a break. It is more common that I have to skip my break while working day shift which is a little over half of my scheduled shift. I feel like my stomach has shrunk due to not eating scheduled meals and now even when I am home, I just do not have much of an appetite. I am sure the stress that I experience while at work does not help with maintaining a healthy weight. I am just hoping you guys might have some tips on eating or stress management while at work or some recommendations on nutritional supplements that I can drink on the floor on those days I cannot make it back to the breakroom. I am really open to any advice. Thank you!

[barcode120x, RN, NP]

I'm unfortunate and have the eating bug when I get stressed out. 15lbs in 4 months actually isn't too bad. I mean the stress itself is to be expected. But I'm sure you've heard, but 1-2 lb weight loss per week is on the healthy end. Although yours seems to be stress related rather than actual active weight-loss related, I think you're okay. Plenty of my coworkers have shakes and drinks that get them through the work shift. I weight lift a lot so I'm always drinking protein drinks (protein powder + water) while at work. If anything, I think shakes should be your go-to meal if you cannot get your meal breaks in. I'm sure you'll have time to take sips of a shake here and there.

My personal recommendation for a shake is 2 scoops protein powder + 3/4c gerber baby rice cereal (yes, baby rice cereal, basic carbs and fills you up and makes the drink more like a shake) and 1-2tbsp peanut butter. Tastes freaking amazing. Also, in terms of just ready-to-drink protein drinks I recommend Premier chocolate protein drink (high protein, low carbs/sugars). Don't forget to drink plenty of water!