Schedule changes and motivation loss - any advice?

StoutYeoman

Hello everyone!

I have been quietly using MFP as a weight loss tool for about 5 months now, in which time I have managed to lose 35 lbs - though my weight loss began shortly before that and the real number is 39. In any case, I have come to a point where I'm having some issues keeping at it and I would love to get some constructive help from the community at large.

I recently changed jobs and went from working during the day to working in the evening - this schedule change has wreaked havoc on my already waning motivation. When I get home at night it's usually around 2 am - and trying to get up in the morning and get to the gym is quite the challenge! I find myself short on time during the day, since I usually have to leave the house before 3 pm.

Making it all that much more difficult is that in spite of carefully planning my meals, I find myself hungry after work - and there are few healthy choices available so late at night. Lately I've been getting beef jerky, which is low in calories and fat and still coming in under my goal.

Does anyone out there have any constructive advice to help me manage my exercise time and my late night hunger? I still have a long way to go and I don't want to lose the progress I've already made by falling off the wagon entirely.

wftiger

I don't know about you but I feel so much better after the gym. I use that for motivation on the days that I don't want to go (which is most all of them). I also have a bunch of favorite songs on my iPod and don't let myself listen to those outside of the gym. Music is a huge motivator for me so that really helps.

As far as hunger after work, if you are not opposed to using protein shakes they are good for getting rid of the hunger and being quick and easy as many you can get in ready to drink. I rely on them almost every day as I am not a breakfast eater and this way I actually eat breakfast. There are many good brands. I like Premier Nutrition and EAS. You can do a search and find a bunch of threads on the subject and get some other good brands to try.

Good luck.

fancycupcake

I'm in the same boat as you are. On top of being a full-time student during the day, I work a full time job from 3-11 in the evening. I joined a gym that's 24 hours during the week, but not during the weekends (which is when I would like to work out more, don't have to get up for classes)...I am definitely not a morning person, so getting up early and going to the gym sounds just horrible to me. I have found that on the days I do go to the gym after work, even if I have to get up for classes the next day, it helps me to get out the stress from work and I get to have a little me time. I just got a kindle fire and can't wait to bring it to the gym, set it up on the elliptical and play a show as I work out - it will make the time go way faster and double my me time woohoo! lol

I have trouble with late night hunger, too, though, and have yet to find a solution to it...

StoutYeoman

Thanks guys! wftiger, I am not opposed to protein shakes at all - in fact, I usually drink them before going to the gym in order to build more lean muscle. I am currently using Dymatize ISO-100, which is only like 112 calories per scoop. I will try having some at night. Fancycupcake, I have thought about going to the gym after work, but I am hesitant because I don't want to get up too late the following day. I would much rather go in the morning, because I have read that working out in the morning makes your body burn more fat throughout the day. Of course, I suppose going at night is better than not going at all!

nightsrainfall

I work in construction and my schedule often shifts. I have worked both days and nights. I would advice packing your own food (it should be allowed). Cook in bulk and then pack the meals plus snacks - or however you eat. Exercise is the difficult thing. I generally can't get a good routine going until after 2-4 weeks of the new shift (day vs night) because my body is adjusting and I'll be overly tired until then.

Eating healthy & getting into a routine (whether that includes exercise or not) is important for adjusting to the schedule shift in my opinion.

prism6

wow, your post sounds like I could have written it. I have the advantage of living alone with a small place. I go to bed as soon as I get home,eat nothing after 8pm. I generally get up and do whatever needs doing until an hour and ahalf before work. boring? yeah , but thats how I manage

prism6

oh, sorry, I go to the gym during that 1.5 hrs before work, plus I use breaks and lunch to walk.... good luck to you!