Hi Nadia! My name is Rachel and I'm just starting my PhD in Molecular/Cell Bio. I'm hoping that I can establish a pattern of healthy eating and exercise now, before I have to deal with teaching and prelims. I was on a good path this summer, and then I started taking classes on top of lab work and got a bit overwhelmed and backslid. I particularly struggle with stress eating and making exercise a priority when I have an irregular schedule or an overwhelming amount of work. Good luck finishing up, both with your thesis and your weight loss!

Hi my name is Marquita and I'm a third yr grad student in Jackson, MS (the most obese state in the US) studying pursuing a PhD in Chemistry. I have been overweight all my life but still active. In undergrad, I stayed in amazing shape bc I was always dancing and I didn't have a car so I walked everywhere lol. But I have gained about 25 lbs since I started grad school. I am in the process of now losing that and more. I enjoy working out and eating healthy but being constantly on the go makes that VERY hard.

Hi everyone!

I am a second-year student in a Clinical Psychology program in Los Angeles... I have been on MFP for a while, but not consistently, and I really need some support! I would love to support you all as well. Being in a grad program = crazy schedules, exhaustion, and little time for healthy cooking and exercise.

I am looking to lose about 15 more pounds. I am a vegetarian who indulges in fish once every few weeks or so, and when I have time (or when I am procrastinating), I LOVE to cook and bake. Go grad students! We can be smart, fit, and healthy!

Hi Everyone! My name is Jessica and I'm in my final month of my PhD--my final defense is on 4/25!

I had lost 42 lbs between 2007-2008 (in grad school, but only a masters program), but during my dissertation stage (the past 2 years) I've gained about 12-15 of those back. Stress REALLY seems to have played a role in my gain back. I try to eat as healthy as I can and get in as much yoga and kickboxing as humanly possible. But, alas, certain school deadlines and requirements have gotten in the way.

I know that I can succeed with getting rid of what I gained back and a bit more, but sometimes I lose faith in myself.

I hope that we can all help each other and I'm looking forward to being a part of this group!!

Thank you!! I am excited...and a bit anxious to just get it over with . I'll let you know how it goes on Thursday--eek less than 2 days away!

Fingers crossed for you!!!!

I passed unofficially Dr. Jessica, PhD! (my degree will be officially conferred on 5/22!)

Thank you!! And in MFP news...I really started devoting more energy to preparing meals, making the right choices, etc. on Sunday. I actually restarted phase 1 of the South Beach Diet--it's something that always works for me. Today's only day 6 of 14 and my bf already says that he can see SUCH a difference in me.

Perhaps it is SBD or perhaps it is that I'm not SUPER stressed anymore....idk, but I know it's good!

Hi all,

I've just finished my first year in a PhD program in the humanities. With the stress of school and a fairly bad back injury last year I've gained 60ish pounds over the past few years. I'd love to share tips and motivations with y'all, I know my biggest struggle is eating junk to try and steam through stress and project deadlines.

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Hello all.
I am starting my 11th year as a middle school theatre teacher. I have been married for 21 years. I have an 18 year old daughter and a 20 year old son (today is his birthday). I am also working on earning my Ph.D in curriculum and instruction at the University of North Texas in Denton. I am starting my Quals semester.
I tend to be a work / study addict and never spend enough time on my body. It is time to regain some balance.

Hey Everybody, I'm beginning my fourth year of my PhD in Anthropology with a concentration in Archaeology. I've had what I describe as grad school weight gain. I gained 30 pounds during my masters degree, and managed to loose it during the first year of my PhD. I spent the next 2 years of my PhD gaining it back with interest. My comprehensive exams year was especially bad! Now I'm hoping to be a bit healthier by the end of my fourth year! I'd also like to be at least half way through the data collection for my dissertation, but at this point I'd settle for just finishing my proposal!

Hi, Jessie. I'm Liz, and I'm working on a poli sci PhD. I, too, am yo-yoing due to school-related stress. I promised myself I would have a more balanced semester, and it's working out well so far. It's hard, and sometimes I fall behind in class because I spend too much time cooking, but it's worth it. The tricky part for me is being healthy, thrifty, and timely all in one week. I'm looking for a little online support myself. I'd love to connect and keep track of our progress together.

Hi, I just found you guys. I am in my 2nd year of a PhD program in Health Policy and the weight is creeping on. Sadly, I think this might be because I'm getting older more than the stress (I turn 34 in June - yikes!). I am married and we have a 4-year old son and now that I passed my preliminary exams (woohoo!!) we are thinking about another baby. I want to lose weight before I get pregnant. Easier said than done, especially when there are all these *classes* and *papers* to do. They really get in the way of my fitness schedule ;-)

-Marika

Hi, I'm currently writing up a doctoral thesis (EngD) on modeling jet engine operation and maintenance costs. I struggle with severe back pain from lumbar spine damage, and make an effort to stay fit and active target minimum 30 minutes per day 5 days a week (cycling/walking/swimming) - but have recently started trying to monitor and manage my diet as well (mostly portions and healthier options). I've lost 10 kg since june, and want to drop another 10. I'm looking for some help and motivation from others who understand the workload and it's effect on diet, exercise and mental health.