Staying on track while in University?

Making_changes7
Making_changes7 Posts: 194 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi! This is my first post ever, although I've been on mfp for a few months now. This summer has been pretty relaxed in terms of a work-free time balance, so I've had a lot of time to work out and focus on healthy eating. However, in September I will be back as a full time student in university and I need some help to determine realistic weight losses and gym time, as well as to stay on track. Ever school year I end up gaining 15+ lbs due to stress and lack of caring about working out and eating healthy.

My question for you is, does anyone have any tips on how to stay on track while I have a heavy course load, and how many times per week would be reasonable to hit the gym so that I can maintain my muscle mass as well as continue to shed weight?

Thanks!!!

Replies

  • andiebaco
    andiebaco Posts: 211 Member
    Research about sports clubs, exercise classes or activities that you can do as a student.

    I used to love my all girls boxing class twice a week my whole 4 years of University. It was fun, I was in my best shape ever and it was free!! I loved it!

    Edit to add: Exercise also helps you with stress.. so you should try that to be less stressed during exams!
  • swingsintherain
    swingsintherain Posts: 121 Member
    I'd say focus more on the food than working out. Make sure you have a few quick, easy, healthy meals to fall back on when you have two exams and an essay due in two days lol, or when you're exhausted.

    Not sure how often you work out now, but try to make working out part of your weekly schedule (I used to go on Tuesdays and Thursdays after I finished class for the day, for example, and then tried to make it once over the weekend). Adjust as necessary.
  • FerretBuellerr
    FerretBuellerr Posts: 468 Member
    Bump


    Also, I'm a student too! But I'm not going back to classes until January (currently working co-op until the end of December). Feel free to add me if you like!

    I'm also nervous of what I will do when I'm back in school, but moreso nervous for when winter comes and I'm not outdoors being active like I am now. I also find I always eat more in winter out of boredom.

    Here what I've been thinking of for when I'm back in school:

    1. Pack a lunch/dinner to avoid eating all the fast-food on campus as much as possible.
    2. Focus on eating the right amounts, and always ensure having low-calorie but energy boosting snacks handy for those late nights and for in class (for me this means fruits and nuts, and always lots and lots and lots of water!)
    3. School is stressful, but make sure you're getting enough sleep...at least when you can!
    4. Join a fitness class on campus. The ones at my uni you can pay to go for one, once a week, thus it's not too much of a commitment but still adds activity if you don't have time to fit in the gym/other workouts!
    5. Working out does decrease stress. If you have a big assignment you're working on and it's starting to freak you out, that might be the best time to go to the gym or go for a run, whatever you like to do, so you can clear your head and think about it in a different atmosphere - and you'll be getting the exercise you need!
    6. As said before, drink lots of water - I found it helped me curve my hunger when I was in class, so I could avoid just going to Timmies to get a muffin, or whatever other go-to craving food you normally have when stuck in class.

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