Teachers of MFP!

4th year teacher and coach year with a lot of weight to lose, it is not a profession that lends itself to healthy habits and each year you need to try to tailor your habits to your schedule. I teach 9th graders but thankfully I have the last period of the day off so me and another teacher try to walk on the track twice a week. It's not perfect but its something, all the treats are hard to avoid though!

Hey! I am a first year pre-k teacher in CT. I love my job but like some of you mentioned, it doesn't lend itself well to my weightloss journey. The hardest thing for me is that we aren't allowed to bring outside food into my school, so if I eat then I have to eat whatever our cook makes for the kids (which is usually bread, veggies in butter, something breaded or drenched in sauce, and a side of fruit). Before Christmas break I started just eating the veggies and fruit, but was starving by the time I left school. My Dr. Suggested taking a protein bar or something similar and either eating it during break or on a quick potty break, but to do so I will either need to eat it outside, in my car or in the bathroom (gross!). I get why they have this rule and our school is small enough to be able to provide breakfast, lunch and a snack for all our kids and staff, but it's not really a benefit for me.

Morning All, it is nice to "meet" you! I am a fifth year, middle school teacher, and I am in total agreement, I love my job, however... my 128, eighth graders, and 4 biological children make it very difficult to stay on the "fitness straight and narrow". I have managed to pack on 75 pounds in the last 5 years, by consuming way too many empty calories, like stress eating an entire bag of chocolate while grading My crazy busy school and home schedule should help me stay fit, but instead of fit I have settled for the convenience of fast food and vegging once we finally make it home rather than prepping, and exercising. It is a new year! I have decided to make changes rather than excuses! Happy New Year, and good luck to you all, I look forward to sharing this journey with my fellow teachers

Totally gained! First year was the most stressful and quite the learning experience. Before I knew it, there were some extra unwanted pounds. It is a battle each year and I have to consciously be aware of my weight. Last year on Feb. 1st was my turning point! Lost 50 pounds and have 35 more to go!

mwalle09 wrote: »

Did anyone not gain weight their first year of teaching?

The weight I did gain my first year, was actually a good thing. I made a wild choice and moved across the country with very little savings, and the summer before I got my first teaching job I lost around 25 pounds just because I couldn't afford to eat. But in the years since, I've just kept gaining. Not so good!

jesslynwo wrote: »

The hardest thing for me is that we aren't allowed to bring outside food into my school, so if I eat then I have to eat whatever our cook makes for the kids (which is usually bread, veggies in butter, something breaded or drenched in sauce, and a side of fruit). Before Christmas break I started just eating the veggies and fruit, but was starving by the time I left school. My Dr. Suggested taking a protein bar or something similar and either eating it during break or on a quick potty break, but to do so I will either need to eat it outside, in my car or in the bathroom (gross!). I get why they have this rule and our school is small enough to be able to provide breakfast, lunch and a snack for all our kids and staff, but it's not really a benefit for me.

I understand why they might have the rule for students but what is the reason that they will not allow teachers to bring in their own food? What if a student (or teacher) has an allergy or just doesn't like the food?

jesslynwo wrote: »

Hey! I am a first year pre-k teacher in CT. I love my job but like some of you mentioned, it doesn't lend itself well to my weightloss journey. The hardest thing for me is that we aren't allowed to bring outside food into my school, so if I eat then I have to eat whatever our cook makes for the kids (which is usually bread, veggies in butter, something breaded or drenched in sauce, and a side of fruit). Before Christmas break I started just eating the veggies and fruit, but was starving by the time I left school. My Dr. Suggested taking a protein bar or something similar and either eating it during break or on a quick potty break, but to do so I will either need to eat it outside, in my car or in the bathroom (gross!). I get why they have this rule and our school is small enough to be able to provide breakfast, lunch and a snack for all our kids and staff, but it's not really a benefit for me.

I'm a firm advocate that a school nutrition program is primarily to serve the students, but also staff. I think if you are forced to eat on the toilet, that's a sign that the rules need revisiting. Eww.

But this is an opportunity to look at what is being served. Things that are well within the guidelines for the national school lunch program in America can still be really unbalanced and unhealthy. (I'm at a high school that allows students to eat frozen yogurt for breakfast, WTF?!) And granted there are some differences between elementary aged students and adults, but not enough that you, as an adult watching your diet, can't eat there.

Or, find out more about the nutrition. What is the caloric content? Check with the head of the food services or the nurse.

That's a tough situation but I wonder if the cook could have some healthy options, even a salad or something?

Hey Teachers!!! I am in my 7th year of teaching 8th grade Science. I was an avid MFP user for a while and then dropped off. Back on track now!

I totally gained my first year, lost my next few years now its time to lose.