shift work and weight loss

rachaee

Hiya everyone,

Id really like your thoughts. Iv just started a 12 weeks hospital placement (student nurse) of 3/4 12.5 hour shifts a week. Iv got 30 pounds to lose and although im tracking as best I can, im struggling and found that iv been binging quite a bit because I just get so tired and hungry. Im up 4 pounds which is very annoying! Im trying to think of a plan and I can only come up with calorie cycling...so a weekly total of 8400 cals and more on work days and less on off days to make up for it. Today is my day off and im starving though so guess discipline will be needed! Im trying to exercise but i get very tired so its all a bit of a mess!

Do you think this is the best way to go about it?

KWNurse

I am also a nurse. I work 12 hr night shifts, sometimes 5 or 6 in a row. I have found you must pack your lunches and bring lots of snacks. Eat every 3 hours about 200 cal snacks. When you get busy at work, there is still time for a cheese stick or handful of nuts.

Don't miss your workouts. On work days at least 20-30 min of cardio, but don't eat back your calories. On non work days I usually workout at least an hour and that's when I eat my treats (like beer and pizza). You will find a routine. It takes a little while, but just keep trying.

Good luck!