How Does Your Occupation Affect Your Exercise/Diet

jesspi68

The last place I worked I had a desk job and no one there cared about being healthy and it's kind of catching. I didn't have a real desire to change anything so we would have two for one slices on Tuesdays, Moe's discount Wednesdays and Friday chinese food... very bad.

Now I work in law enforcement and a lot of my coworkers are very health conscious, trying to get or stay fit and that has been catching for me also, that's when I decided I was going to make a change. I started working out with no results, and then I found MFP and since then have finally gotten back into the 180's!!

Elzecat

reading everyone's stories and how they fit exercise and healthier eating into busy lives is very inspiring and reminds me that I have a lot of opportunities to make this healthier lifestyle work for me.

I am single, no kids (although I do have a dog so I can't be gone endlessly from home) and work a slightly flexible 8:30-4:30 office job--I use my half hour lunch break to walk at a nearby park with coworkers and then eat lunch at my desk; I pack lunch the night before and rarely eat lunches out except for a rare special occasion with coworkers. I am not a morning person so most of the time I go home after work (30 minute commute), walk my dog, clean up a bit around the house, and then go to the gym or running group or bootcamp fitness class (at the local running store). I eat dinner around 8 pm when I get home. Once a week I meet a friend at a local park and we walk and talk for 30 minutes while her 5 year old rides her bike. On weekends I get up earlier than I do for work (!) for running group or long runs at local parks...and I try to take my dog for extra long walks--she doesn't like other dogs too much so I don't take her to running group, but try to make up for it with extra exercise near home.

Some weeks I have to fit workouts in with concerts, special events, or volunteer work, but I try to not skip too many workouts, I like staying on my routine.

If I ever date again or have more of a social life, I know that I will find a way to keep eating smart and working out, I'm getting some good ideas from all of the other posts.

kit8806

I work in an office were I sit behind a desk all day. Bad part is that I have little to no movement unless I leave and take a walk. Good thing is I can do that, but if it's crappy weather, I'm so not walking outside! I used to work at a grocery store as customer service/cashier, so I was ALWAYS moving, now I just sit....

sleepytexan

I am a ballroom/latin dance instructor and spin instructor. I dance about 15-20 hours a week and spin 2 hours a week. Aside from that I do road cycling (usually 2-4 hours on a Sat.) and paddleboarding (1-2 hours/week). When not training for an endurance cycling event, I train with heavy weights 2x week -- squats and deadlifts up to 135#; also presses (overhead and bench) and rows (instead of road cycling).

I've always been active and worked out 6-7 days per week.

Ironically, my dancing so much negatively impacts my weight loss. The more I dance, I the more my weight is stalled. Granted, I've never been more than 15 lbs. above my goal weight, but when I'm dancing a lot is when the weight creeps upwards; usually 6 or so lbs.

My weight is cyclical and has ranged from 127 - 142 lbs. Right now, I'm smack dab in the middle. I'm 5'4, 44 years old, and a mom of 4 kids under 14, so I do plan and cook most meals, including their lunches to ensure they are healthy. I do have one overweight 11-yr-old, and it is infinitely frustrating to me trying to figure out how to get that under control without making him self-concsious.

Goal_Driven

I'm a bank teller, so I sit from 9-6 everyday, in front of a computer. lol, just like I am now I get motivated on MFP though so it gives me the drive to be active when I get home on most days and eat right and stay on top of my calories throughout the day. It gets a little tough here and there because of chips, cookies and pizza that are sometimes available within arms reach lol. But I have really trained myself to not eat any of that while it's here and bring my own snacks instead!!

crystalflame

I'm a mechanical engineer, and I work 8:30-5:30. Some days I'm at my computer the entire day doing models and drawings, while other days I'm on my feet the whole day running tests or putting something together in the lab. On my sedentary days, I try to find excuses to get up and walk around. Foodwise, vendors are the biggest problem - some of them bring Taco Cabana burritos and assorted ice cream bars every single week. Just had to learn how to say no! I used to exist on Lean Cuisines and it did me no favors, so now I cook healthy meals for the whole week and bring my lunch every day.

I get home around 5:45-6, so I have about 5 hours in the evenings to do whatever I need to do. When my boyfriend was away on a work assignment I'd cook ahead for the evenings too so I wouldn't have a problem fitting workouts, household chores, dinner, and a little relaxation into my evenings, but since he came home a month ago I've been struggling to find a balance. He likes a fresh dinner every night and hasn't gotten a gym membership yet, so my workouts have suffered.

semperfit1823

0400-0600 workout can work anywhere all the way to 2200 usually 1800 tho so yeah it dictates my life lol

WarriorCupcakeBlydnsr

I work in a lab, normally 7-4 (with an hour drive each way) but some days we get a call that a particular type of sample is coming in and I can be in the lab for 6-8 hours (or more) with just long enough to run to the bathroom, or we get a call after hours that one of these samples are coming in and have to come back to work for another 4-6 hours.

When we get these samples in, I often end up not eating during the day because I can't get out of the lab long enough. It's almost funny, when people (especially the "diet" people I used to go to) ask why can't I take something to eat in the lab with me (uh, hello, this is a laboratory... in a medical facility.... with body fluids and blood and microorganisms-I work in microbiology- no, I really can't take food in there with me,) not even a piece of cheese or a hand full of granola (really, you want me to eat in a laboratory? Since you're the one that made the face when I told you what I do, would you eat in a laboratory?) Some of the tests are time sensitive, I don't want to have to repeat a 3 hour test because my 5 minute incubation lasted 7 minutes so I could exit the lab (a procedure that takes 5 minutes in and of itself... no I do not work in a traditional laboratory) to have a hand full of granola.

Since I am at work so early , I generally work out after work so my workout plans can get derailed when these samples come in to play. But I just reschedule for the next day so I get it in

Fozzi43

I'm pretty lucky, my main job is as a power plate personal trainer and I do lots of exercise with my clients so if I don't have time for a proper workout,mim at least moving

gissalm

I work in food and beverage developement which is pretty awesome but very hard on the diet at times. We have 8 scheduled tastings a year for new menu items and a whole lot of chefs cooking up some awesome lunches in between. When I first started I would pile my plate high, go back for seconds (these are REAL CHEFS cooking delicious things, how could I resist!)...after a year in position I packed on 10 lbs...from not paying attention to what I was eating and not exercising regularly. I still have to taste as part of my job...but I try not to make it a 3 course meal anymore!

I also used to work 7am-6pm with an hour commute and had every excuse in the book not to exercise. I did not have a good work life balanced and worked with my boss to let him know that I was going to be in from 7:30-5:30...thanks for MFP for helping me track what I am putting into my body (even on the bad days) and scheduling time to exercise (I put it in my outlook calendar!) I am on the right track and back to where I was (a little less even) from when I started!

i would love!!! your job hahahaha

DaveRCF

I run a small office and since I am the boss, I provide fresh fruit for everybody during the week as snacks. The job is very sedentary so I try to get up and do a walkabout every hour or so and if I don't have a lunch on, I'll get out for a walk over the lunch hour.

It is a 10-hour day and by the time I get home I am ready to have a nice meal and spend time with my family. So I usually work out at the gym at 8:30 pm. I am lucky in that I sleep like a log so no problem going to bed shortly after working out. I also like to cycle and kayak but reserve those for the weekends given my relatively long work day and then commute on top of that.

Most of the guys my age and in my business slowly add the pounds over the years because of their busy schedule, sedentary existence and business-related entertainment. In fact that is how I ended up on MFP! But I've dropped 30 pounds to the weight I was at almost 20 years ago when I had my active job as an exploration geologist

alvalaurie

I'm a paper pusher for the state (a.k.a. administrative assistant) and commute 1.5 hrs each way to get here. Leave home at 6:15am & get home at 6:15pm. Upside to a desk job is I can eat at my desk anytime, therefore am able to schedule my meals & snacks as needed. Another upside, since I work for law enforcement, they promote & encourage fitness & good health (contrary to popular belief). They offer free crossfit classes 3x a day, yoga twice a week at lunch & personal training anytime you want to squeeze it in. So I am able to work out at lunch, walk the track on break & all at no cost to me! All in all, I have it pretty good (except that darn commute!) :grumble:

rubyautumn4

I sit at a desk all damn day! Very sedentary. In my last job, where I also sat at a desk all day, there were a ton of client lunches/post work drinks/client dinners/breakfast meetings....it was endless and the hours were super long so I was exhausted and surrounded by food. 25 pounds and three years later I've moved into a new role where there's maybe one client lunch a week, it's 9-5, I can take the stairs between floors and I'm much more committed to my health now!

maedoll18

@DaveRCF: Exploration Geologist sounds like that was fun when you had that career!! I have a degree in geology but ended up writing lol

DaveRCF

@DaveRCF: Exploration Geologist sounds like that was fun when you had that career!! I have a degree in geology but ended up writing lol

It was a great job when I was young, single and no kids! Flying around in helicopters, living in tents (basically camping all summer), doing science but being outside. It was fantastic. But then the burdens of life come along and your priorities change...

Sammyjo4486

I have a desk job scanning paper all day from 8-430pm. I am lucky and get two 15 min breaks a day and my half hour lunch at 1pm so I eat at 1230 while i work to prevent from eating too fast and not feeling satisfied. I make sure I bring my own lunch to avoid the take out being ordered (and spending money) and as long as it is not raining or 0 degrees I walk on all my breaks. I also started do small streching at my desk. My legs and sides, I contract my stomach muscules and butt. No one notices these things and I keep alittle chart of how many reps and times a day to do it. I found being active at my desk keeps my energy up and I am not stiff so I want to do my walks or zumba on the playstation move when I go home. I exercise at home either zumba or walk away the pounds and yoga on demand exercise videos. I fit in my at home routines after I am done making dinner , cleaning up, setting myself and my 3 yr old for daycare the next day, and showering him and putting him to bed so I am pretty tired by and would still like to have some quality time with my bf who I live with. So I am grateful for being able to walk at work to help keep me active.

Lindseysund8

I lost most of my weight last year when I was a full time nanny and could work out while she napped, run with her in the stroller, and take daily walks. She loved it so I was doing something she enjoyed and getting a workout in. In August, I moved home to Chicago to take an office job. I lost my student gym membership with the move and didn't get going on that for a couple of months.I didn't work out from May to August! it was bad. When we moved, I left my car at home too. So public transportation is my new BFF. I was almost 2 miles altogether to and from the L station. But the Chicago pizza got me and I gained a bit back. I joined a gym 2 blocks from my apartment and got up at 5 am twice this week to get in a before work workout. I bring healthy snacks and avoid the candy at the front desk. Lunches are a struggle because I am horrible at packing lunches or saving the time in the morning to do so. My boyfriend goes to law school downtown so we try and eat healthy when we meet for lunch. I usually eat half of a potbellys or portillos salad. Occasionally, i will treat myself to an NYC Bagel sandwich. Love those! I am learning that you have to want it. I am happy to have my motivation back!

Terryism

I'm a stay at home mom now, I work out a lot more than I did when working. I used to be a vet assistant and was just exhausted from running around, lifting and wrestling dogs and cats, and/or standing while grooming all day.

rainwalkerSK

My work hours are really flexible, so I usually head to the gym in lieu of a lunchbreak. My boss doesn't care if I take a two hour lunch (that's how long it usually takes to drive to the gym, change, work out, shower, dress, and drive back to my office), so it works for me. I eat lunch out 4-5 days a week (too lazy to pack a lunch), but I know how to make healthy choices at the restaurants close to my office. The challenging days are the ones that I'm traveling for work, since, for some reason, my self-control doesn't travel well.

Mcmilligen

I try to schedule strength training 3x during the week, and run on most of my off days (not counting recreational hiking, swimming and biking). However, the stress related to my job is like a roller coaster. I try my best, but especially times like now where deadlines and pressure from higher management can be enough to cause a breakdown... overtime is at its peak. I work as an animator, so creative instruction isn't always the easiest to follow... Especially when directors change their minds, 80% of the company are currently new fresh from school animators needing mentoring, and quality is higher than ever before. Needless to say, I do a LOT of overtime. Although health is my #1 priority, there's only so much if I want to remain in a good position at my job as well.

There are things I CAN control however, and that is my diet. On good days, I have all of my meals pre-logged, pre-made, and sitting in my fridge at work. I eat a plant based diet, and even with the healthiest foods it is still easy to over-eat. Pre making food really helps me with that.

On days I jog, I usually go during my lunch hour as I rarely have the energy after work. However, there are times I go during lunch and after work just to release stress! It's much better than snacking.

Jalyst79

I get up at 415am to go workout now that I have an 8-5 job. I hate sitting at my desk, wish it was more active. When I worked other hours like 3-11, I went right when I got up around 9 or 10am and when I worked overnights 11p-7am, I went at 8 pm. It gave me a boost of energy to work through the night, especially because I worked 3-11 three days a week and 11p-7a two days a week.

rybo

I sit at a desk all day so other than being sedentary for a long time, its not too bad. I pack a healthy lunch. so my eating is fine. I workout right after work, and occasionally before. I guess it would be nice to workout at lunch, but there's no showers here, and I would hate running downtown during lunch, it's way too crowded.

helyg

I teach a nursery class.

In many ways it is a good job to have as most days involve at least some activity - ball games, walks, stories told using yoga etc etc. I am on my feet pretty much all day. I also teach them about healthy eating and it is good to practice what I preach!

I work close enough to home to walk there and back too, which helps. I walk 3 miles a day doing this.

The down side is that I come home exhausted and it is very easy to grab the first thing to eat rather than making something nutritious.

Determinednoob

I work for a boss that believes in working out at an office with a gym in it which is where I started. Unfortunately there is no squat or power rack, and I am not squatting every workout, so I can;t workout in there right now. Instead I go in early Mon and Wed and work through lunch then leave at 2 to workout, go home, and finish the day from home. Fri I just work from home and go the the gym in the afternoon. I let my boss see my before and afters from the link below along with the one in my weight ticker and thanked him for letting me work out

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/699445-zomg-my-first-big-cut-is-over

Cappicorn

I have a desk job that I work 6am-3pm, 40 hours a week. We just recently moved into our new facility which I love as it's right next to a nice 2 mile nature trail that I run during my lunch break.

Legs_McGee

I work at a law firm 8 to 5, so I have a sedentary desk job. But my cubbyhole is upstairs and the bathroom is downstairs and since I drink a lot of water I run the stairs all day long.) I've also had to put on my running shoes and sprint to the court house on more than one occasion when we have a last minute filing.

I go to boot camp 3x's a week before work, run at lunch, and go to classes (yoga, spin, core) after work a few times a week.

BamsieEkhaya

about 4hours of aerobics a week, one day cycle...trying to fit in gym slots now so by oct should be about another 4+hours of gym and when possible studying at the gym !also job on the weekends...I basically don't have a real life at this current moment in time...and any other spare time is dedicated to studying !

froeschli

working from home (graphic design and artwork reproduction), i can exercise whenever i like, just have to get any clients orders done for their specific deadlines. i don't complain when i am too busy though. it always pays :happy:

mlb929

I work in a really stressful environment. I typically put in 12 hours a day and work at least one day on the weekend. That said - I also put exercise first - get up earlier, do what I need to to work out at least 6 days a week. I also end up out to dinner a night or two a week with clients, I've never let that get in my way. Since going vegetarian, I have a little more trouble eating. Since most of the evenings out are for drinking with clients, I'm not a drinker, I still am able to get up early to exercise. And there is nothing like excusing myself early because I have to run 20 miles the next day for training Jaws drop, they stand there amazed at the statement and everyone generally wraps it out out of pure guilt. I also do a side job that I have done for years that brought money in and there are some client's I didn't want to give up when I went back to work full time, so I will work on those via computer when I'm not at the office.

My kids schedules really effect me more than my work does, but fortunately for me - I also have a boss that lets me put my kids first, piano lessons, early release, sports, open house, etc, I will leave to take care of them, then return after hours or when they are in bed to finish up.

Really - long story short - it's 1-3 hours a day of exercise for me 6x per week, it's my priority, I feel better, work harder, and am way less stressed by doing it.

Ridoe87

Currently I am working Midnights at a Hospital. And have an hour drive each way.. This completely throws my schedule out of Wack... Half of the time getting a lunch break never happens.. Usually when I get home I am so exhausted I go straight to bed and spend a good hour and a half actually sleeping sound before my brain repeatedly wakes me up during the remaining 6 hours...and by the time I get up out of my bed I end up eating one meal a day. Horrible pattern to fall into. This week I'm going to be trying to fix my 6 small meals ahead of time and exercise straight after work before I hit my bed.