Taking care of ourselves

stpauligirl · Feb 26, 2006

I don't think I'm projecting my own woes when I say that I see a common theme among many threads here of not taking care of ourselves.
I used to go to the gym 4-5 days per week. I used to eat healthy. Hydrogenated fats, sugar, and simple carbs were not frequent guests in my diet :rotfl: like they are now. I realized that since starting school, I'm not getting out enough. I've stopped going to my various social groups. I've stopped working out. Now I tell myself that I've cut these things out so I can study more. I actually ate a box of crispy cremes for dinner one night. Fact is, at this point, I feel blah physically, I've gained 5 pounds in one month. My energy is low. I've realized that some days I don't even see the sun, because I stay indoors all day and don't go out until my 7:30 pm class.
This is not a healthy way to live. I know intellectually that I will be more effective if I take the time to exercise, eat well, and spend time with those I love.
I went to the health food store for my groceries last night (like I used to, as opposed to heart-attack central, I mean the donut laden chip loaded regular grocery store). I am now, in two minutes leaving to go to the gym.
So, I am committing to 1) work out 4 days per week and 2) quit the sugar fat-a-thon that I am horrified by, and go back to my usual healthy diet plus 3) get back to socializing with those I love, like my weekly breakfast meetings
What are you all going to do to better take care of yourselves? Small changes can make us feel so much better. Post a small (or large) change you commit to making now (or tomorrow!) to take care of yourself better here.

Exercise is a big part of my life. On the days that I don't make it to the gym I fall back on some home equipment and I love taking walks through the neighborhood. I need to eat better though, I am such a carbohydrate addict! I also gained some weight over this winter and need to eat less calories. So I need to make some serious adjustments in the food department. I hate Slim-fast or anything similar :barf01: so please don't suggest anything like that

Good for you to resume your exercise routine!

Kathyz · Feb 27, 2006

I've been rationalizing that I've been too busy with school to eat healthy. This week alone we went out 6 out of 7 nights!! I need to slow down and realize that A's aren't everything (well....they're a lot!), but you know what I mean! If I don't feel good physically I certainly don't feel good mentally.

One thing that helped me lose 20 lbs last year (this may sound drastic but....); make a list of all the foods that you can't eat in moderation. For me it was candy, chips, cereal, crackers, pizza, fries, Diet Coke, and ice cream (some I can eat in moderation but I threw them on there!). Then say you're not going to eat those foods. It works amazingly well. On December 31 I had a few of the items and they weren't even as good as I remembered!! I'll probably have a few more around July 1 just to reinforce the fact that I'm not missing anything.

I get up at 5am to study instead of working out. I think this week I'll get up and work out first so that I don't have it hanging over my head all day!!

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Feb 27, 2006

You will not find me recommending Slimfast, or any other sludge in a can that has lost any semblance of food or natural nutrients:nono:. I have been called a nutrition nazi before. I don't like the casual use of the nazi word, but oh well. For years now I've been super good on nutrition. No trans fats, very little sugar, no soda, no refined flour, no simple carbs. After so many years, things like fast food tastes like sweet and salty lard to me. Bleh, nauseating! That's why I was so shocked at my recent descent into dietary ick.

Anyway, I just got back from the gym. Honestly, if I hadn't posted here that I was going I would have found excuses not to go, just like I have for the past 2 months. But I went, because I posted that I was going to go .

And now I feel great! All those endorphins. Sitting here eating a green salad with olive oil and salmon. Back on track.

Other people may not wish to focus on diet and exercise at this time, so maybe something like taking 15 minutes a day to take a bubble bath (make the time!) or 10 minutes to meditate would be good ideas.

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Feb 27, 2006

Exercise is a big part of my life. On the days that I don't make it to the gym I fall back on some home equipment and I love taking walks through the neighborhood. I need to eat better though, I am such a carbohydrate addict! I also gained some weight over this winter and need to eat less calories. So I need to make some serious adjustments in the food department. I hate Slim-fast or anything similar :barf01: so please don't suggest anything like that
Good for you to resume your exercise routine!

Luckily I don't need to lose weight now, but a few years ago I lost 30 pounds. I did it by ridding my diet of all bread, sugar, and grain based stuff. What do you think? After the first few days the cravings for those carbs go away. Although I did 'jones' pretty bad for bread at first. Then I was fine. I know what you mean about the carbs. I swear there is something about studying that makes me reach for carbs. Last week I was telling myself that my brain needed glucose so it was ok to eat cookies :uhoh3:

Ernestine · Feb 27, 2006

Exercise is a big part of my life. On the days that I don't make it to the gym I fall back on some home equipment and I love taking walks through the neighborhood. I need to eat better though, I am such a carbohydrate addict! I also gained some weight over this winter and need to eat less calories. So I need to make some serious adjustments in the food department. I hate Slim-fast or anything similar :barf01: so please don't suggest anything like that
Good for you to resume your exercise routine!

Wow! You and I are just alike. I exercise almost everyday. But my problem is cutting down on my food intake.It's the primary reason why I'm still the same size although I'm medium.I try, but I always slip.

missninaRN · Feb 27, 2006

I could have written your post. I used to follow a diet of no caffeine, sugars, artificial sweeteners, or refined carbs but lately have been scarfing on Coca Cola and all manner of sugary things. I've had about 3 servings of vegetables in the entire week, and very little water. I've also felt like crap. You'd think I'd figure it out. For some reason, I feel like I have to drink a Coke to get through my early morning classes. I know this has got to stop and that there is no way that I'm not going to make it through NS if I don't start taking care of myself.

stpauligirl · Feb 27, 2006

You will not find me recommending Slimfast, or any other sludge in a can that has lost any semblance of food or natural nutrients:nono:. I have been called a nutrition nazi before. I don't like the casual use of the nazi word, but oh well. For years now I've been super good on nutrition. No trans fats, very little sugar, no soda, no refined flour, no simple carbs. After so many years, things like fast food tastes like sweet and salty lard to me. Bleh, nauseating! That's why I was so shocked at my recent descent into dietary ick.
Anyway, I just got back from the gym. Honestly, if I hadn't posted here that I was going I would have found excuses not to go, just like I have for the past 2 months. But I went, because I posted that I was going to go .
And now I feel great! All those endorphins. Sitting here eating a green salad with olive oil and salmon. Back on track.
Other people may not wish to focus on diet and exercise at this time, so maybe something like taking 15 minutes a day to take a bubble bath (make the time!) or 10 minutes to meditate would be good ideas.

You CANT tell a German not to eat bread or cut out the beer

Sludge....:rotfl:

I am glad that you went to the gym. I couldn't go yesterday but worked out in my garage....I love weight training and read another article yesterday how important weight training is to beat osteoporosis!!!!!

Keep up the good work.

stpauligirl · Feb 27, 2006

Wow! You and I are just alike. I exercise almost everyday. But my problem is cutting down on my food intake.It's the primary reason why I'm still the same size although I'm medium.I try, but I always slip.

I a medium also, it just has to be good enough, hey as long as we are healthy! :)

Stdy2BaNurse · Feb 27, 2006

I'm so glad you started this! I joined weight watchers last June and was faithful until around December. Then finals came, and the holidays - well, I quit going. I quit working out long before that, though I loved it thoroughly!!

So, over the weekend I committed to rejoining WW TONIGHT and on Sunday afternoon I ordered the FIRM step aerobics system. I have me an accountability partner. She goes to WW and also ordered the FIRM equipment. We are making plans to meet 3x a week together and every Monday night for weigh-in.

I am afraid to see what the scale says tonight, but that's okay. I have to do this for me first and then for my family. I want to be the best I can be in every area of my life - and I know that I can't do that if I continue on this binge eating - junk food lifestyle that I've picked up again! ARGH!

So THANK YOU! I know there is a thread for accountability in weight-loss/taking care of yourself in the breakroom, but not everyone can post. Maybe we should continue this for support.

Good luck everyone! We have to take care of ourselves because no one else is going to.

T

Fun2, BSN, RN · Feb 28, 2006

The only thing good about my body right now is I think I'm 'pear shaped' and not 'apple shaped'. :uhoh3:

I'm not "overweight", but I am bigger than what I'm used to being.... Age, school, laziness....whatever the reasons/excuses, I'm going to have to start watching my 'study snacks' and going back to the gym. (My daughter and I have started going back about 2 x WK....hopefully I can manage to continue at least 2 X WK throughout nursing school.)

Good luck to us all. We need to practice what we will soon preach.

bullcityrn · Feb 28, 2006

Wow, I'm really happy to find this thread... all stuff I've been thinking about lately regarding self-care (or lack of it) but managed to conveniently disregard. :uhoh3: I'm a SAHM right now, about to wean my 11 month old baby next month and finishing up my science pre-reqs. Haven't been taking care of myself lately and I'm beginning to feel it. I lost a lot of weight a couple of years ago and don't want to gain it back! Plus, I just don't want to feel "ick" again. Anyway this thread might be the push I need to get back on the right track, thanks! And good luck to all of you!!