College Finals... Help!

T0RIEELIZABETH
T0RIEELIZABETH Posts: 376
edited September 26 in Health and Weight Loss
So this next week is called "dead week" at my college. basically it's the week before finals, all the projects are due (since I'm a design major) and the teachers are not allowed to give pop quizzes and homework, etc. and then next week is finals week.
Any current, or former college student knows that those two weeks are extremely stressful, and I tend to pull multiple late nights and at least one all nighter. I drink a lot of coffee and sometimes have to eat more than 3 meals.

What I'm wondering is, since I have a feeling I wont be able to come in under my 1480 calories allowed, should I change my weight loss to 1/2 lb a week, or even maintain, so that I dont stress myself out even more, and constantly feel discouraged and disappointed?

Replies

  • wildkiger
    wildkiger Posts: 25
    Firstly, good luck on your final projects and exams!

    I would not change the goal, but if you think it might help you stress less and still hit a calorie goal, go for it. Take a moment to plan out all your meals. Be sure to eat lots of protein and fats (eggs are great!) to help your brain work well and do your very best not to snack on junk food. If you know you're going to want to snack while you study, have some healthy snacks prepared ahead of time...I'm talking easy to grab yogurt cups or little baggies of carrot sticks or grapes or something. Make it simple and easy for yourself.

    I know how very stressful the last two weeks of school are, but I have to say it's so very important to get enough sleep. Try to plan out a schedule that allows you enough time to sleep at night (I know this is tough), but it will help your body recover from the stress. Also try to plan times to take a break. Watch a favorite TV show (but just one episode!) or take a 10-20 minute walk (let your mind rest + some good exercise).

    Hope this helps, and again, good luck with finals!!!
  • TS65
    TS65 Posts: 1,024 Member
    Instead of eating 3 meals, divide up your meals into 4 or 5 smaller (high protein, complex carb) meals. Not only will this help keep your energy up (no sugar/caffeine crashes), but it will keep your mind focused as well. Plan ahead for best results (Plan a menu, go to the grocery and the weekend before fix a bunch of meals and either freeze them or put them in individual portions). If you're still feeling stressed that you'll gain (it's possible, stress does crazy stuff to our bodies), change your goals to maintenance.

    If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. :o)
  • meg0013
    meg0013 Posts: 102
    i'm in college too so i know how much stress you're under right now .. we unfortunately don't have a dead week so i have 2 tests this week and all 5 finals next week. not looking forward to it.

    what worked for me last semester was, as cliche as this sounds, exercising. not just to burn some calories but also to reduce my stress level & release some badly needed endorphins. i know it seems like you don't have time, but i think you'll find that you can take a 30 min break. it'll also help you to not feel so bad about some of the extra food & coffee you'll be consuming.
  • CookieCatCatcher
    CookieCatCatcher Posts: 324 Member
    So this next week is called "dead week" at my college. basically it's the week before finals, all the projects are due (since I'm a design major) and the teachers are not allowed to give pop quizzes and homework, etc. and then next week is finals week.
    Any current, or former college student knows that those two weeks are extremely stressful, and I tend to pull multiple late nights and at least one all nighter. I drink a lot of coffee and sometimes have to eat more than 3 meals.

    What I'm wondering is, since I have a feeling I wont be able to come in under my 1480 calories allowed, should I change my weight loss to 1/2 lb a week, or even maintain, so that I dont stress myself out even more, and constantly feel discouraged and disappointed?

    I'm doing it here this coming week too, finals I mean. I'm leaving it alone, going to opt for as many healthy options as possible. I made a bunch of salads, and snacks tonight for the freezer and fridge. I also made all of my husband/son dinners ahead of time and froze them, cut up a bunch of fresh veggies and fruit, sent out an email to all of my clients (I own my own business, that I run from my home) to let them know that I would be unavailable this week. With 3 essays, and two projects due this coming week, I'm def feeling the pressure as well, but, and I'd like to preface myself by saying that this is just my humble opinion - I don't think relaxing on the calories is going to help me or you at all. What's going to help is to stick with your plan, continue to make the best choices possible. Lord knows its hard to do your best when you are so stressed out, but in times of stress I'm way more likely to reach for comfort foods, and if I relax at all on my calorie limit, its like an open invitation to binge...

    You can do this. It's only a week or two at most, and you can do anything for that small amount of time. And, just think about how great you'll feel when you're done with finals AND you've lost weight!
  • alexis92
    alexis92 Posts: 64
    It's dead week at my college this week too, luckily I've pretty much finished my projects though. I'd suggest trying to plan your meals/snacks in advance as much as possible. bring snacks (small portions!) with you, and maybe eat 4/5 smaller meals during the day instead of a few large ones. good luck on all your projects and finals, and feel free to add me as a friend!
  • T0RIEELIZABETH
    T0RIEELIZABETH Posts: 376
    Thanks guys. I cant really go grocery shopping since I'm trying to finish the food I already have since I have to move home next weekend and I dont want to bring it all with me.
    but I will definitely try making a meal plan, and getting things ready ahead of time. I'll try to make time to workout and sleep :)
This discussion has been closed.

Categories