Weight loss in Nursing

Published

Specializes in LTC.

I have generally been a larger nurse through most of my career, though not all of my life. My current motivation for weight loss is not purely aesthetic anymore. I take care of people daily who are suffering the culmination of a lifetime of not taking good care of themselves, and the thought of becoming one of them scares the crap out of me. That being said, it seems that families happy with our staff love to bring treats. Cakes, cookies, candies, etc. Even the facility will on occasion provide less than healthy "rewards" for a job well done. I usually exercise my ability to make a choice and forego the treats, but my does their presence make things difficult! This is not a rant or anything of the sort. It is more of an observation on how food seems to be the primary reward for good deeds and a show of appreciation. I feel like one of Pavlov ' s Dogs some days lol. I understand the motivation behind the gestures and am grateful for it. Just please don't drop a cheesecake on my desk. It's my kryptonite. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

One thing that has helped me defeat my sweet addiction is simply looking at the labels: preservatives, hydrogenated and partially-hydrogenated oils, and ingredients that I can't categorize at all. I can't even eat Jif peanut butter anymore because of the trans fats! I decided I'm not going to let corporate America continue to poison me for their profit. Then, I can easily say no to homemade treats because people are probably using these same poisonous ingredients in their homemade foods. The food guru Michael Pollan says you can eat anything you want, as long as you make it yourself from scratch (because how many of us have time to bake brownies and cake on a regular basis?) I feel so much better, both mentally and physically.

Keep up the good fight! Your body and spirit will thank you in the long run.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in kids.

I have just found my way back into the pool (was a competitive swimmer waaaay back in the day)....finding I am feeling better, clothes are loosening up and I am more aware of what I am eating....feeling like it is finally time for me. I have a tendency to work too much, resent that I am at my second job and eat garbage the whole time......So here is hoping things will improve...it has a been a month now and I am in the pool at least 3x weekly.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can totally relate to how you are feeling. I'm in my forties and it seems like I have been aging in dog years starting in mid 30's. Lack of consistently taking care of myself has begun to take its toll. I, too, look at patients who are not that much older than me w/ multiple morbidities. I feel like I'm on a cliff, standing over an ocean of health problems and if I don't take care of myself starting NOW, I'll be plunging into it in the not too distant future.

I've started walking/jogging and doing Weight Watchers. Anytime I am tempted by treats I remind myself that I need to be healthy for my kids so they won't be burdened w/ me when they are older. I literally get a picture of them in my head and it makes the treats not so tempting.

I've started losing weight and my clothes are getting a little looser (or should I say they are now fitting me b/c they've always been snug.)

Not sure I really helped here. However, I wanted you to know that you are not alone. ?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

I had never had peanut butter until i came to the States

and then i found out about peanut butter cups

as well as all other sorts of candy - bam -instant addiction, tried to make

up for lost time

two things that helped me

the onset of GERD - i don't recommend that one

growing my own fruits and veggies - it's just a lot more appealing when you grow it

yourself and when faced with the enemy, just pull out your own tray of treats

there is a ton of info on the web on how to grow stuff all year and in small spaces

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have had no luck with diets. I tended to lose 10 lbs and then would stop. I had no will power at all and working nights just packed the weight on. In January I saw the gi/nutrition doc and she figured out how many calories I burn a day and how many calories I needed. After about 9 weeks she put me on phentermine (I know I am going to get flack for that). It's been great. It curbs my appetite and I get a little extra energy. I also find myself thinking about food less and more will power to turn it down. I have been losing about 5-7 lbs a month in a 1375 cal diet and walking. I know it's not how your supposed to lose weight but it's helping me be successful.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

there are several good internet sources to help you, sorrry i almost violated TOS, in recommending one i have found very helpful :banghead:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

I'm doing pretty well with my diet, having lost 76 lbs in about 14 months. It's just that at work it gets crazy/stressful (no kidding, huh? Lol) and I'm caught off guard by the goodies at times. I'll be hungry and down the hall, come back to the desk and oh lookie! Brownies! Ack!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

I guess what I'm trying to get at is that as nurses we care for others mind/body/spirit but tend to neglect our own. Then along comes well meaning people who feel food rewards are the way to go and that makes the challenge of self-care that much more difficult. I realize that my weakness is my own failing and not the fault of the kind people who want to show their appreciation for what we do for their loved ones.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School Nursing, Public Health, Home Care.

As a nurse in multiple school buildings, it seems everywhere I go it's "treat day" or "salad Tuesday" ( which means pasta and potato salad!) or somebody's shower or something. I swear, the teacher's lounge is a nightmare. So I've just made a decision to skip it all. I do admire the spread but I just can't stop if I get started. I have not had one treat this school year, including the ridiculous candy dishes on secretary desks. ( how do they not eat the whole dishful in one day?). I feel proud and like I'm giving a good example. I'm not saying I haven't had anything yummy this year, but it's on MY terms, not just because I walked past it! Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac, ER, Pediatrics, Corrections.

I always brought healthy meals/snacks to work. I would purposely leave my money at home or ion the car so I couldn't hit up the vending machine (my weakness). ;)

I also try to stand/walk as often as I can! I hate to sit!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

love the idea of no money on me, vs. the vending machine ))smiles((

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion