I'm awake so much, I have to eat to keep moving!

Ktrue92

I joined MFP to help myself monior my eating habits. In high school I never ate sweets the way I do now, I did drink, I didn't cook for myself.... and I have gained 20 lbs with my new habits. I don't necessarily want to loose all of that- I was too skinny to begin with. But I want to be healthy again and shed about 10 lbs so I can fit into my clothes again.

Here's what I think is a real problem and tell me if I'm wrong. For the last couple years, I have had to work at 5 or 6 am depending on the time, then I go to class or go to another job... then I come home and take care of a house full of pets or do homework and cook dinner. I fall into bed around 11 or so, somedays I'm better and get there around 9. Most of the time I live a 19 hour day. I have to eat at least two breakfasts, and after lunch dinner and a snack, I am way over on my calorie intake!

I am guessing this is a struggle for other college students and moms and just busy people in general. How do I get it under control? I can't skip meals... I get too grouchy! I need to start excersizing and making that a priority. Otherwise I will run out of energy. Anyone have any strategies or tips?

Thanks!

MB1967

Hi,

I`d sit down and try and plan a typical day, look at what time you have between jobs and then pick the foods that best suit the needs of the next couple of hours coming up. If you are about to start work, try some slower burning carbs that keep you fuller for a longer period of time. if you are on "free time" then focus on faster burning protein and move around a bit more.

Bbest of luck!

You can change!

Michael.

megruder

I'm with you on the long days. I work night shift and sometimes I have 20+ hr days. On those days, I try to be super conscious of what I'm eating and strive for more nutrient rich foods. Salads can be great since they can be quite filling with minimal calories. I also do more nutritious snacks rather than add extra full meals throughout the day. Also, I usually cut back my meals to approx. 300 cal or less. It can be really difficult and some days I'll go over by 100-200 calories, but I try not to let it get me down. Sometimes though, I'd just rather get some sleep than another meal.

aoifebr

Hey there

MB had some great advice re planning out a day. I'm very impressed that you fit so much into one day - wow!!

It seems like you have a similar problem to most shift workers even personal trainers. Are you a member of a gym? Try talking to one of the trainers about how they manage their day/what they eat when; a good trainer starts their day at 5am, are busy all day with back to back sessions & dont get home until 9/10pm so have to be very organised plus they know all the right stuff to eat/not to eat. Maybe you could have a big cooking day so you have healthy options to bring with you every day.

Good luck

Aoife

drvvork

If you are just starting... don't 'worry' about how much of what you are eating or what... just start logging everything you eat and drink throughout your day... get into the habit... then you can sit and look at where you could have made a better decision on what you ate. It helped me starting out... I learned so much from just doing that for the first month or so. Good luck... I know what the long days are - still doing them... but I worked nights (with overtime) and took care of my mother. Can we say "sleep deprived"? LOL.... anyway, it will help you just start good habits and you will start seeing the nutritional values and it will all click.