Teachers of MFP!

Hey there!

I'm certain I am not the only teacher using this fabulous calorie tracker -- let's motivate each other to avoid the plethora of faculty room treats and throw away the birthday cupcakes! It's always, always someone's birthday in my elementary school!

Whether you've got a few to lose, lots to lose, or just want to maintain let's start a teacher support group!

-MamaPeaches, K-3 Title 1 Teacher
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Replies

  • mila_lova
    mila_lova Posts: 163 Member
    Hi! I just finished my teaching credential! In January, I'm going to start a long-term substitute teaching assignment in first grade. I'm SO excited!

    It's awesome to meet another teacher!

    During my last long-term sub, and during student teaching, I would come home from work, sit on the couch, and stuff my face because I was so tired. How do you deal with the fatigue? As a real teacher, you have way more responsibility than I do- how do you get through the day without tons of sugar? lol
  • kenyonhaff
    kenyonhaff Posts: 1,377 Member
    Former preschool teacher and current Individual Assistant/Paraeducator here!

    What I discovered is that protein was the key...too many carbs left me cranky and hungry through the day. So I keep high-protein snacks near me: protein bars, jerky, cheese sticks mostly. These keep me going in a more sustained way.

    Have a plan when you can't eat sitting down in the staff room. Meetings happen and even at the best of times some teachers don't really get to eat. Teaching while hungry is just not a good idea, and for me a meal replacement bar or something similar is better than nothing.

    In general avoid the school cafeteria. Even though some food programs have become better, they still tend to be full of carbs and fat. Of course, this will depend a lot. I know my high school has decent sandwiches and a respectable salad bar. But most of the hot lunches are harder to fit in my calorie allotment.
  • mila_lova
    mila_lova Posts: 163 Member
    Thank you! I have been making sure I get enough protein these past few days, and it makes sense that I should focus on that once school starts again. I'll make a list of my high protein snacks so I remember to bring them :)
  • Jaymefirst
    Jaymefirst Posts: 268 Member
    I'm in! I am a 5th-grade teacher in WA! I would love to join a group of like-minded teacher friends!! The staff room is always a struggle! In our building, we host a parent group weekly that is full of donuts, coffee cakes, and other delicious sugary treats to encourage parents to be more present in the building. Great idea, but I'm trying to encourage them to use something other than food to get them through the doors...I'm not winning this one!
  • suegil314
    suegil314 Posts: 33 Member
    I'm a school nurse from NJ, can I join?? My office is right next to the main office where random treats come in. Some days my lunch is cut short and I find myself eating the wrong things just to get something to eat.
    Agree with the protein suggestion, makes such a difference. As far as fatigue and eating when getting home- such an easy habit to fall into. I've tried eating a healthy snack (in the car) such as a baby bell cheese and carrots (get the protein and the crunch) and then if you can go directly to the gym or for a walk (stress reliever). Even if I go straight home, I don't find myself eating everything in sight! Good luck with your long term sub - very exciting!!!
  • eatyourbeets88
    eatyourbeets88 Posts: 1 Member
    I'm in my second year of teaching and have gained 15lbs. I too need to avoid the staff lounge and start meal prepping!
  • kenyonhaff
    kenyonhaff Posts: 1,377 Member
    Jaymefirst wrote: »
    I'm in! I am a 5th-grade teacher in WA! I would love to join a group of like-minded teacher friends!! The staff room is always a struggle! In our building, we host a parent group weekly that is full of donuts, coffee cakes, and other delicious sugary treats to encourage parents to be more present in the building. Great idea, but I'm trying to encourage them to use something other than food to get them through the doors...I'm not winning this one!

    Oh dear, and that doesn't encourage healthy family eating habits, either. And I would think that something like hot coffee or tea would be just as welcome and much easier to manage!
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  • vrosebegin2112
    vrosebegin2112 Posts: 8 Member
    Anyone have advice about how to up water intake throughout the day without having to pee constantly? My class has last lunch and an afternoon prep period, so I basically have not been drinking water (or anything) in the morning because I do not have a chance to get to the restroom.
  • Hi! I'm a secondary school teacher in Greenland, looking to turn things around this coming year. I need to drop about 30 lbs, seeing as it has begun to affect my back. I used MFP for a while and it worked wonderfully. I got lazy and stopped logging in my food, and the weight has returned. Now I'm determined to keep it off. Please feel free to add me.
  • KerrySmilesmfp
    KerrySmilesmfp Posts: 13 Member
    I'm a pre k teacher in Nj and I totally can relate I avoid the teachers lounge and all the treats there also I agree with the above can't drink too much water... Also I can only bring snacks that are easy to eat like a cheesestick because otherwise too hard to go wash hands touch the food get a fork etc. so any other peanut free ideas for snacks? Thanks follow me:) kerrysmilesmfp
  • rmbellew
    rmbellew Posts: 3 Member
    I'm in my second year of teaching (9th grade) and have gained 12 lbs since starting the job. In our profession, it's so easy to build routines that omit exercise and include "feel good" snacks and treats. Something's gotta give! I'm excited to start making some healthy changes. Feel free to follow/add me if you'd like. Planning to start posting again tomorrow.
  • rmbellew
    rmbellew Posts: 3 Member

    Anyone have advice about how to up water intake throughout the day without having to pee constantly? My class has last lunch and an afternoon prep period, so I basically have not been drinking water (or anything) in the morning because I do not have a chance to get to the restroom.

    I have a 40 minute drive to work, so if I slug a tall glass of water right when I wake up, I have to pee right about the time I arrive to school. Just don't forget to use the bathroom before that bell rings!
  • madelinecamille
    madelinecamille Posts: 1,131 Member
    edited December 2016
    Oh god I love that this thread exists!

    This is my second year teaching, and I have gained so much weight from stress eating (sugary treats in the office really don't help either). I switched grades this year and everyone on my grade level team is new to the grade or new to teaching. First quarter was hell!
    Anyone have advice about how to up water intake throughout the day without having to pee constantly?

    Not sure if this would work in your situation, but I have a teacher buddy who will come watch my kids for a minute if I really need to pee. My classroom is right by the drinking fountains so she'll just walk her kids down for a drink break and keep her eye on mine while I run to the bathroom.

    I also try to drink 3 glasses of water right when I wake up in the morning and then I drink the majority of my intake after work.
  • Nina424
    Nina424 Posts: 2 Member
    I'm currently doing my student teaching. I've gained so much weight, I'm at my heaviest. I have a friend's wedding in April and I graduate in August. I don't want to feel embarrassed every time I have to take a picture. My goal is to lose 40 lbs.
  • vespiquenn
    vespiquenn Posts: 1,455 Member
    Elementary art teacher here. I gained quite a bit my first year teaching, but thankfully have lost it all now that I'm in my 3rd. 40-45 min commute one way too, but I still manage to squeeze in gym time after dinner. If I didn't, all those break room treats would be the death of me.
  • MammaPeaches
    MammaPeaches Posts: 7 Member
    rmbellew wrote: »
    Anyone have advice about how to up water intake throughout the day without having to pee constantly? My class has last lunch and an afternoon prep period, so I basically have not been drinking water (or anything) in the morning because I do not have a chance to get to the restroom.

    I have a 40 minute drive to work, so if I slug a tall glass of water right when I wake up, I have to pee right about the time I arrive to school. Just don't forget to use the bathroom before that bell rings!

    Hey! I also have a long drive to school. I find it difficult, at times, not to want to stop at the drive through for a "snack" on the ride home.
  • Disneygirl23
    Disneygirl23 Posts: 3 Member
    4th Grade teacher here! Last year I lost 50 pounds (from Feb 2016 - Sept 2016) and was able to do it with the support of those around me at school. It is so difficult to avoid temptations at faculty meetings and all sorts of other events happening throughout the year. One great thing we did at my school was we did our own version of "The Biggest Loser." I didn't win, but loved being held accountable and pushed each week! With Valentine's day coming in the next month of so, I know the chocolate treats will be coming...oh to avoid those delicious treats. I need to get back on the horse and lose the rest of my 35 pounds I've been needing to get rid of! After 50 pounds, I plateaued for the longest time, I'm hoping with starting the C25K program, it will help get me to overcome this obstacle! Good luck to all and best of luck in your journey!
  • kenyonhaff
    kenyonhaff Posts: 1,377 Member
    rmbellew wrote: »
    Anyone have advice about how to up water intake throughout the day without having to pee constantly? My class has last lunch and an afternoon prep period, so I basically have not been drinking water (or anything) in the morning because I do not have a chance to get to the restroom.

    I have a 40 minute drive to work, so if I slug a tall glass of water right when I wake up, I have to pee right about the time I arrive to school. Just don't forget to use the bathroom before that bell rings!

    ALWAYS USE THE BATHROOM BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS! ALWAYS!!! :D
  • kenyonhaff
    kenyonhaff Posts: 1,377 Member
    I'm a pre k teacher in Nj and I totally can relate I avoid the teachers lounge and all the treats there also I agree with the above can't drink too much water... Also I can only bring snacks that are easy to eat like a cheesestick because otherwise too hard to go wash hands touch the food get a fork etc. so any other peanut free ideas for snacks? Thanks follow me:) kerrysmilesmfp

    For me:

    Rice rolls/cakes
    Protein bars (a lot of them have peanuts or nuts, though)
    Beef jerky
    Coffee/tea
    Premade sandwich (high fiber wrap with some meat and cheese--just like those Rev packs at the grocery store but far cheaper!)
    Carrot sticks/apples/celery sticks
    Yogurt (those in Go-gurt type packs aren't too bad...)
  • mwalle09
    mwalle09 Posts: 305 Member
    4th year teacher and coach year with a lot of weight to lose, it is not a profession that lends itself to healthy habits and each year you need to try to tailor your habits to your schedule. I teach 9th graders but thankfully I have the last period of the day off so me and another teacher try to walk on the track twice a week. It's not perfect but its something, all the treats are hard to avoid though!
  • feroshus
    feroshus Posts: 32 Member
    Great idea to start a teacher thread!
    I have been teaching the first grade for 6 years now (in Calgary, Canada.) My biggest challenge is actually when I get home - I am often way too exhausted to cook dinner. This leads to lots of takeout. On good weeks, I prep my meals on Sundays. I am hoping for a lot more "good weeks" this year. I start back tomorrow... heading off to the grocery store now :smile:

    Please feel free to add me! I have a lot of weight to lose total (just over 100 pounds) so I'm in this for the long term!!
  • jesslynwo
    jesslynwo Posts: 5 Member
    Hey! I am a first year pre-k teacher in CT. I love my job but like some of you mentioned, it doesn't lend itself well to my weightloss journey. The hardest thing for me is that we aren't allowed to bring outside food into my school, so if I eat then I have to eat whatever our cook makes for the kids (which is usually bread, veggies in butter, something breaded or drenched in sauce, and a side of fruit). Before Christmas break I started just eating the veggies and fruit, but was starving by the time I left school. My Dr. Suggested taking a protein bar or something similar and either eating it during break or on a quick potty break, but to do so I will either need to eat it outside, in my car or in the bathroom (gross!). I get why they have this rule and our school is small enough to be able to provide breakfast, lunch and a snack for all our kids and staff, but it's not really a benefit for me.
  • bbell1985
    bbell1985 Posts: 4,571 Member
    I just started teaching music at an elementary school. Previously I was teaching early childhood.

    I've gained 10 lbs or so since I started. It's horrible. The stress is like...crippling. Then there's pretzels and cookies around and I just smash them into my face for comfort. Sigh....I go back tomorrow.
  • abbi1017
    abbi1017 Posts: 7 Member
    Morning All, it is nice to "meet" you! I am a fifth year, middle school teacher, and I am in total agreement, I love my job, however... my 128, eighth graders, and 4 biological children make it very difficult to stay on the "fitness straight and narrow". I have managed to pack on 75 pounds in the last 5 years, by consuming way too many empty calories, like stress eating an entire bag of chocolate while grading :blush: My crazy busy school and home schedule should help me stay fit, but instead of fit I have settled for the convenience of fast food and vegging once we finally make it home rather than prepping, and exercising. It is a new year! I have decided to make changes rather than excuses! Happy New Year, and good luck to you all, I look forward to sharing this journey with my fellow teachers :smile:
  • mwalle09
    mwalle09 Posts: 305 Member
    Did anyone not gain weight their first year of teaching?
  • Disneygirl23
    Disneygirl23 Posts: 3 Member
    Totally gained! First year was the most stressful and quite the learning experience. Before I knew it, there were some extra unwanted pounds. It is a battle each year and I have to consciously be aware of my weight. Last year on Feb. 1st was my turning point! Lost 50 pounds and have 35 more to go!
  • whineosaur
    whineosaur Posts: 5 Member
    Hi teachers! I'm a special education elementary teacher in Georgia. This is my fourth year. I'm working on losing 85 pounds total, but I'm taking it 15 at a time. :)
  • whineosaur
    whineosaur Posts: 5 Member
    mwalle09 wrote: »
    Did anyone not gain weight their first year of teaching?

    The weight I did gain my first year, was actually a good thing. I made a wild choice and moved across the country with very little savings, and the summer before I got my first teaching job I lost around 25 pounds just because I couldn't afford to eat. But in the years since, I've just kept gaining. Not so good!
  • diwijo13
    diwijo13 Posts: 106 Member
    I teach (middle school) 6th grade math in Virginia. This is my 17th year teaching. I've been steadily gaining weight for years. January 15 will be my 1 year anniversary on MFP--I haven't missed a day of logging which didn't happen last time I used MFP. My school starts at 9 and ends at 3:49 and lunch is at 12. I drive at least 1 1/2 hours round trip every day