CALLING ALL EDUCATORS/TEACHERS!

Kagard11

I taught high school Biology for 5 years but left the classroom last year to work in the administration. I still have the same breaks and summers off still, but have another challenge. I'm at a private boarding school which has a cafeteria with YUMMY FOOD!!!!! I eat breakfast when I get in and eat lunch at noon. I don't eat dinner there, but I can smell it being prepared. I smell food cooking all day! I walk over to the cafeteria hall to get water and sometimes tea during the day, and maybe a piece of fruit, but I stay away (or at least try to) from the desserts. I love the campus, it's really pretty, and I like to walk around campus. The students are awesome, and the staff is great, and I just love being there. I went there as a student in the 80's and love being back there!

arsonsmom

Ten years teaching 6th grade math in a middle school. Love every day of my job!!!

I actually find it easier to stay on track during the school year than during breaks. During school I know that I only have certain windows when I can work out so I do it, but in the summer there is always time to procrastinate. Additionally, during school I am not hanging around a fridge and snacks. I order a salad from the cafeteria every day and keep protein bars in my classroom for when I need a snack. Can't wait to hear from everyone else!

-Nancy

That is so me during the breaks I am hungry, unpredictable, and scattered...During the school year I am a on schedule so much that my students will get my snacks out lol...I have to be or I will stress eat which means over eating... Does anyone else hate staff meetings its like an eating fest of chips and sodas...Uhh nice to know other teachers struggle!!

ahober

I have been teaching for 19 years. Mostly in Kindergarten and First grade however, moved to 5th three years ago. I definitely do better during the summer break. I can get a morning run in or workout video sometime during the day. During the school year, I am too exhausted to work out or get up early on the weekdays. I don't know about your schools, but my staff room always has food on the table and I have very little will power. It's easier to stay away from snacking at home. Started 30 day shred yesterday, we'll see if I can make a difference before heading back to work.

coachreyes

I have been teaching and coaching for 23 years. I do MUCH better during the school year when I am on a routine. My planning period is at 10:00, which is perfect for a Shakeology break and lunch is at 1:00. I will eat a snack at 3:30 before football practice and it all falls in place.

I do exercise and seem to be more active during the summer, but I tend not to be as disciplined nutritionally during the summer. I travel 3 weeks out of the summer visiting my parents, in-laws and then we take a family vacation so it is a little more dificult when travelling.

jluter925

I am in my 5th year teaching and I know that the summer is easier for me to lose weight than during the school year. I wanted to join now so that I can have a good grasp of this before the school year started If anyone has any ideas I would greatly appreciate them as well and good luck to us all on this journey!

k2quiere

I find it easier to control my eating, or to at least eat more consistently, during the school year as there is a set schedule; I had a real hard time this past year exercising though because I was taking 3 courses each semester to finish my master's. I prefer working out in the morning, but found myself so exhausted after class and study time that I just couldn't do it. For the upcoming year, I am moving into a somewhat administrative role in a new school. The first thing I did when I decided to take control of my life and body was to drive from the new school to all the gyms in the area to find the closest one, and then I joined. I'm moving to middle school, which has the earliest start time in my district, so I will have to work out in the afternoon. I am getting myself used to that schedule by not working out this summer until at least 11am; I don't want to lose my whole summer day, but I don't want to get used to the morning workout and then feel sluggish halfway through the day when school starts and I can't. I plan to bring my clothes to work with me and head straight to the gym because if I go home first, I will NOT leave again.

My best suggestion is to find a routine you can live with and make your eating and workout habits a priority. If you are finding that additional responsibilities are impeding on your YOU time, then find a way to fix it or adjust your routine, but don't let those things be an excuse to stop caring for yourself first.

MrsJax11

I will be starting my 5th year teaching, and my 3rd year teaching HS English to freshmen in August. I always pack a lunch, but think the school breakfasts were part of my downfall last year. I was health conscious as far as adapting a much more whole foods/clean eating approach to my kitchen and quitting smoking...however, I really lacked in the exercise department. Even though I am pretty active, not working out regularly paired with other things packed some pounds on me!
My one big health tip is that I keep a Pur water pitcher and refillable bottles in my room. I also pack healthy snacks like a piece of fruit and nuts...but darn, to those kids like to eat my apples!
I am enjoying my break, but also like routine. I have been getting up early (between 6 and 7) every day to take advantage of the cooler temps outside and get a jump start on my day. I am hoping this will make my transition back to the work schedule (we have to be logged on/in our classrooms at 7:00 AM) easier. I had been working out first thing in the morning, but found that exercising after school seemed to curb my hunger in the evenings. I am contemplating doing c25k Tues, Thurs, and Sat AM, and then a 20 - 30 min cardio every day around 3:30. Another possibility to mix things up is to do pilates/yoga videos in the afternoons on the days I do the c25k.
I am considering a pedometer...any recommendations?

ladygloria

I've been in education in some form since 1998, but only officially employed as a school psychologist/school counselor for the last 8 years. The stress in insane.

Two things that have helped me: avoiding the teachers lounge where the free junk food is donated and participating with other teachers in our own version of the biggest loser. I'm new to the exercise game, but my commitments so far have been made to classes and routines I can keep during the school year. Maybeyou all can help me keep that in line.

stc74

It been 15 yrs in high school for me now. I have to kindly accept the goodies the kids bring in, yes the high school kids do this in small schools. Then I later give them to my children or just toss them quietly. I try not to be in the workroom when there is food. School lunch is such a bad example to kids about nutrition. Corn chips count as a vegi! I brown bag it for & my children.

I wish i knew the answer to the stress thing. Every year I think I've got it figured out then....always something. It's hard to schedule workouts with all the sponsorships and tutoring and my kids activities too. That is my goal for this year to find another couple teachers to be workout buddies & we are gonna drag each other to the gym!!

hasturm

I recently graduated and am currently facing the worst job market in decades in my province. There have been over 1000 lay offs in the public school district, so it is difficult to even get a job subbing. Icruelly hope that soon my struggle will saying no the bday cake in my class (I am so weak when it comes to cake) and facing the stress and hard work I know you all put in. You are all very special people to do what you do. I can't wait until I am in your positions.

Melodie
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Melodie, The job market is the same down here in Seattle. Not a single position I'm qualified for open in the 14 districts nearest to me. I'm working at a private school for peanuts...don't get discouraged about the market; so many of us recent grads are in the same position. Don't get stale, and keep checking those district sites!

MrsJax11

Hey out there:)
I was a little sad...OK -- very sad - when I realized I go back to work in a week and a half! I will go back to waking up at 6 AM next week to get back on track. I am also going to eat my meals/snacks on the school day schedule. As far as work outs go, my thoughts were to do the the C2K on Tuesday and Thursday mornings (which will mean getting up at 5:20 AM), and yoga/pilates in the afternoons; on the days when I don't do C2K5 in the AM I will do my elliptical when I get home. I think the hardest part will be the 5:20 mornings, and might have to tweak that....like maybe a 20 minute program instead of 40...
What do you guys plan on doing when school starts back up?

LauraLove85

Wow, SO many great comments and advice!! THANK YOU!!! :flowerforyou:

I am NOT a morning person I know I definitely will not be getting up any earlier than I already have to in order to exercise before work. I'm probably going to do the "pack your gym clothes in your car and drive straight from school to the gym" thing.

However, there are INEVITABLY those evenings when I won't be finished with work until late and at that time, I'd much rather be at home with my husband than the gym...
so...
www.BODYROCK.tv!!! FANTASTIC work-outs for at-home!!

Food wise -- just planning meals and packing food early on in the week. I'm so grateful to be married to a foodie who loves to cook in the evenings when I'm so exhausted, I'd much rather make a PB&J and call it a night, LOL.

Jamazurunner

First year elementary PE teacher here!

I would love any tips and advice- us teachers need to stick together!

Jam

frida001

I've been teaching for 11 years. Summers are so much better for me as far as getting workouts in and having healthy meals. This year will be especially challenging because I'll be going from middle school to elementary for the first time. I'll be out of my comfort zone and I tend to stress eat.

I'd appreciate having more teachers on my friends list. Please add me!

yaddayaddayadda

My suggestions for stress eaters & new to teaching...

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS:laugh: make your own lunch... NEVER NEVER NEVER:noway: eat cafeteria food!! Pack healthy snacks and drinks for between classes or during planning time.

Don't buy candy that you like to give out to the kids for treats/bribes... (I used to bring caramels and chocolate, but guess who ate most of the candy... ME)

Eat an apple or drink tea before you leave to go home or in the car... that way you will have something in your stomach when you get home. (This prevents me from GRAZING in the fridge upon my arrival home.)

Try to find time to exercise... its a great stress reliever:happy:

Have fun in your new positions!!!

Karen
feel free to friend me if you would like to "chat"

tiffwhit16

I've been teaching highschool Cosmetology for 2 years now and my husband teaches Auto Tech. I have to admit that I didn't do very well the last two years with diet or exercise. (Which is why I'm in the current shape I'm in!!) I am going to try my hardest to stay with the healthier lifestyle we've started this summer.

One thing I did last year that did help a little was to keep 100 calorie packs in a drawer and bottled water in the fridge. Kept me from running to the snack and soda machine.

yaddayaddayadda

Hey out there:)
I was a little sad...OK -- very sad - when I realized I go back to work in a week and a half! I will go back to waking up at 6 AM next week to get back on track. I am also going to eat my meals/snacks on the school day schedule. As far as work outs go, my thoughts were to do the the C2K on Tuesday and Thursday mornings (which will mean getting up at 5:20 AM), and yoga/pilates in the afternoons; on the days when I don't do C2K5 in the AM I will do my elliptical when I get home. I think the hardest part will be the 5:20 mornings, and might have to tweak that....like maybe a 20 minute program instead of 40...
What do you guys plan on doing when school starts back up?

Wow... sorry you are going back so soon!! I haven't thought much about what I will do when I go back. I'm starting at a new school that is closer to home, so I will be saving about 90 minutes each day. My plan is to walk after school at least three days each week and take yoga the other two days. Enjoy the time you have left.

MrsJax11

I was up a six this AM...ate breakfast by six forty....don't know how I will manage to work out! I am aiming for a walk tomorrow am at five forty five...we'll see!
I just put together the pacing guide for one of my classes...that is enough work for today! We have so many meetings next week that it will be insane...with 3 new teachers on my team I predict that I won't have a boatload of time to get plans and stuff done...so I will work a tiny bit this week to prevent the overload next week.
Gonna hit the elliptical!

ActiveTami

Thanks for this LauraLove85!
"However, there are INEVITABLY those evenings when I won't be finished with work until late and at that time, I'd much rather be at home with my husband than the gym...
so...
www.BODYROCK.tv!!! FANTASTIC work-outs for at-home!!"


It looks like fun and it's exactly what I have been trying to find. I wanted something that gave me variety and was already planned for the day. Love it!!! Thanks!

This will be my 10th year of teaching. I did about five years at middle school and now I am back teaching 4/5 grade. Love it all but I think I was healthier when I taught middle school. I walked the room a lot more often and I kept to a better eating schedule. Now I am in an elementary program that includes a lot of parent involvement, small group teaching, and a lot more sitting and missing meals for me. I do love the community of this school though. The past three years I have had to move classrooms during the summer, which is a large process for me since I have way too much stuff. I teach with very "hands on" activities. It has been nice having the summer to myself this year and I highly recommend that teachers really enjoy their time off.

Suggestions for what I have learned in 10 years:
- keep a large glass/bottle of water near by where you can easily access it... I drink about 100oz of water per day
- go to the bathroom at all breaks even if you don't need to pee... I am still on my peeing schedule this summer :blushing:
- do what you can to keep work at work and work more efficiently... the person working the most is learning the most
- having your own refridgerator in your classroom is a huge help to bringing your own meals/snacks
- use your weekends/breaks for yourself (time to rest and exercise, plan/prepare your meals for the week, etc)
- try to move throughout the school day

What i want to try this year:
- get back to a regular eating schedule... smaller meals more often
- bring my own food instead of relying on what is at school
- get my students involved in fitness planning... they have to train for the PE testing anyway

I'm sure I will come up with more when the school year starts. Thanks for all the great posts and suggestions here. I look forward to getting to know you! Thanks, tami

danibee41989

It's almost August....you guys know what that means. Summer went by way too fast. I student teach this fall. I'm excited/nervous. I worry about staying fit and keeping up with exercise, especially since I'm training for a 10k. I at least want to maintain my weight, but well see. I'm student teaching in a 1st grade classroom and I'm sure the students will keep me active and on my feet all the time!

CasperO

I'm 'sort of' a teacher,,, I'm an MSF certified motorcycle safety instructor. I teach 16 hour classes on motorcycling safety about a dozen weekends every summer. This includes 4 hours of classroom and 12 hours out on the range riding motocycles. Youngest student was 15 years and about 183 days and had just gotten his learners' permit. Oldest student we 88 and was returning to motoring after 50 years away from the sport.

Lots of fun, lots of work. The neatest part is that I get to see your high school kids in some of their very first interactions where they have adults as fellow students and peers. It's neat to watch them adjust to it and teach & learn and form friendships with folks old enough to be their parents or grandparents. Most of the kids are alright BTW.

I've been doing this for 6 years now and I've seen a lot of stuff. If anybody wants to learn to ride I've got the scoop. :-)

karlajohnson123

Wow! Glad to see so many educators on here. I actually go back for Preplanning TOMORROW!! All in all, I am excited about it-especially when it comes to eating and exercising. My advice would be1) skip school lunch. No one ever got skinny by eating that.2)SKip the lounge. Bring your own lunch and snacks. 3) try to arrange or trade with someone so that you can have your planning time mid morning to allow for a healthy snack. I find I do better with 3 meals and at least 2 scheduled snacks.4)get a teacher buddy to exercise with you after school. 5)If there are any extra classrooms just sitting around, ask your principal about turning one into an excercise room. Our school even put in a couple of treadmills and bike machines. It wouldn't hurt to ask.6) FInally, pray! As the school year begins, I always pray that I can be the best I can be for the kids(for the Lord). Let's face it. It is a calling. Have a great year!
Please feel free to add me. I would love to talk to fellow educators. I teach first grade, This is my 24th year.

kimi131

I am going into my sixth year as a high school English teacher. I have been eating great this summer! I am a bit worried about the transition back into the school year, but based on my workshop days, I think I will be alright. I plan to pack snacks, plan my meals as much as possible, and use my workouts to relieve stress (because I know I will be stressed). Oh, and chew gum when the kids or the office offers us food (why is it always cookies and cupcakes?).

mathlete99

I actually find the school year easier to plan meals. I use a menu planner I downloaded free from moneysaving mom. Portion control is easier than during the summer. What I eat during the school day based on what I bring each day. Summer is by far my struggle But, MFP has helped with changing my lifestyle for the good. I try to ride my bike when possible to school. Last year, the kids could not believe it was mine until they saw my helmet and bell..hahaha.

mverastegui

I have been an educator for 21 years now. Taught everything from preschool to 6th grade. In a short 2 weeks, I will be taking over as my school's Education Specialist, basically I will be the Special Ed Department. My new "office" will be a corner of our library, wherein the Librarian has a HUGE candy jar, way to tempting for me! In the back of the library is the teachers' lounge with the dreaded snack hole! I have worked very hard to begin to take off the 25 lbs., I have gained in the last 4 years since I joined the staff at my school. I use to be the furthest classroom from this area and still I gained so much weight, now I am going to be right in the middle of it. I am hoping I will have the willpower to continue the healthy habits I have established this summer.
I know what I need to do, its just a matter of doing it!