How Can I Fit Healthy Living in With Starting a FT Job & Com

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jenniferlspies
jenniferlspies Posts: 75
in Health and Weight Loss
I start my first full-time job next Monday and am looking for tips on how to fit in my healthy lifestyle in with it. I've only been working part-time as a cashier before this, so I've had plenty of time to work out and I didn't have a lot of stress. But now, I'll be working 40 hours a week (8-5 with an hour lunch) and commuting (which could take anywhere from 1.25-2 hours one way depending on traffic). How can I make it easier to be healthy?

I'm hoping to take a short walk during my lunch break, but it will just depend on the weather (I live in MN and the winter is suppose to be as bad as last year). I'll also be bringing my own lunch, and cutting back on my exercise a bit (right now I exercise every single day and I'll probably go to every other day to give my body a rest). Any other tips?
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Replies

  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
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    Take an hour before or after work and exercise. The eating ... well, you're going to eat whether you're working or not, so eat healthy foods.

    That is a long commute, though. Yuck!
  • hooma
    hooma Posts: 124 Member
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    If you can, try to work out before work. I know that after a full day of work, it's really hard to drag myself to the gym. Congrats on your new job!
  • Fairysoul
    Fairysoul Posts: 1,361 Member
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    Well you can do the weekends, and always walk farther, like parking farther away from the door, or taking stairs instead, be sure to strech often ( I am not sure what your job is) especially if you sit at a desk, try to keep portions in mind, hope this helps!
  • PhilipByrne
    PhilipByrne Posts: 276 Member
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    There is no easy solution. I get to the gym at lunchtime most days, but that won't work if you only have an hour. The main thing is to prioritise exercise over other things. Make it something that has to be done no matter what else gets cut. That's the only way I manage it. Good luck.
  • christy_frank
    christy_frank Posts: 680 Member
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    It will now be more important than ever to watch your intake. I also work FT. I don't have that long of a commute, but I do have 4 young children so it can be challenging. I would maybe get some DVD's to work out at home with.
  • chocolateandvodka
    chocolateandvodka Posts: 1,856 Member
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    most of us do this. i eat breakfast before leaving or at work, take snacks/lunch with me, (and i only have a 30 minute lunch!!!!), cook my dinners at home (or reheat *gasp* LEFTOVERS for dinner) and then...

    and then....

    guess what?...

    and THEN after working a 40 hour week? i work 30 -*more*- hours in a busy ER. and guess what else??? i still make time to hit the gym at least 3 times a week - whether i log it on here or not.


    you will always make time to do the things you WANT to do.
  • My1985Freckles
    My1985Freckles Posts: 1,039 Member
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    Is this a desk job? Can you keep snacks at your desk? I have some healthy snacks so I can eat something small every few hours. Always PACK lunch. Then you know exactly how many calories are in it. Is there a gym close to your work? My office actually has a workout room so I can fit a workout over lunch with no problems.

    That is quite a commute. Any chance of moving closer to your new job?
  • donne103
    donne103 Posts: 20 Member
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    I have a full time job and two children (5 & 2). I bring both my breakfast and lunch to work, and make sure to pack healthy snacks for throughout the day. I plan dinners ahead of time so I know what I'll be making when I get home and I eat a lot of meat + salad. So, I'll grill something and then make a hearty green salad to go with it. It's quick and easy and still plenty healthy, plus I can vary what's in the salad so I don't get bored.

    As far as exercise, I walk 4 days per week on my lunch break. I get a 1 hour lunch break and I can eat and get about 1.2 miles (increasing this as I go) into an hour. I also do the 30DS at home every other day and do what I can on the weekends with my kids (I don't live in an area where it's easy to walk with them). When it starts to snow, I plan on snowshoeing and towing my kids in a sled on the weekends, which I think will burn a ton of calories.
  • ArtificiallyBalanced
    ArtificiallyBalanced Posts: 44
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    First let me say its great that you are committed to staying healthy even though you will have a schedule change! This really shows dedication and I love that :) In my 2 years of weight loss/maintanence, I have worked up to 3 jobs at once and am a full-time student. It comes down to just MAKING the time. I work out more than I ever have and my schedule is crazier than ever because I live in NYC so I understand the commuting. Fortunately I make my commute part of my workout most days of the week.. its a 4.5 mile roundtrip walk to work and back, so I walk most days. This is in addition to running 3-6 miles most mornings at the gym, 2 zumba classes per week, and 30 day shred dvd and/or weights and pilates 2-3 times a week. I would have no energy if I didnt make the time for this. I am up at 430 AM to get to the gym by 515 AM and have to be make sure im back at my apt by 7 to shower. So i would say try to start getting your workout done in the morning, at least cardio. Weights can be easily done at home but cardio is harder unless you own a treadmill. It will jump start your metabolism and you wont have to worry about making excuses after work because it will already be done! :)
  • allenlisa
    allenlisa Posts: 96
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    When I worked FT I would get up early to exercise or I would run on my lunch break and also at night. If it's important to you, you can make the time! Just DO IT! Good luck and congrats on your new job!
  • servilia
    servilia Posts: 3,452 Member
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    most of us do this. i eat breakfast before leaving or at work, take snacks/lunch with me, (and i only have a 30 minute lunch!!!!), cook my dinners at home (or reheat *gasp* LEFTOVERS for dinner) and then...

    and then....

    guess what?...

    and THEN after working a 40 hour week? i work 30 -*more*- hours in a busy ER. and guess what else??? i still make time to hit the gym at least 3 times a week - whether i log it on here or not.


    you will always make time to do the things you WANT to do.

    Agree with this.
    While it will be a big change for you, most people already work full time and still make it work. I work 9-5 every day and don't get home until 6:30 most days. I still make it to the gym or take an hour long walk. It really doesn't feel like a sacrifice when you consider all the benefits (health, looks, etc). Good luck!
  • tmiqueen
    tmiqueen Posts: 254 Member
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    If you're on your feet as a cashier, that'll help you workout-wise, as opposed to if you sat the entire time.

    If not, I'd take a 1/2 hr walk and use the other half hour to eat. It's amazing how much you can burn in just 30 minutes!

    I usually get two 15 minute breaks and a 1/2 hour lunch, so I walk on my 15 minute breaks. Then, when I get home and while meat is cooking in the oven, I'll go take another 15-20 minute walk. However, if your energy is in the morning, you might want to try a quick exercise first thing in the morning. (I'm never that ambitious, but you might be).

    Definitely bring your own lunch from home.
  • melsinct
    melsinct Posts: 3,512 Member
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    I work about 45 hours per week with a 30-45 minute commute each way. A few things that keep me on track:

    1. Always bring lunch. I go out for lunch once in a great while with coworkers but as a general rule I try to pack my own so I control the calories.

    2. Exercise in the morning. I am not a morning person AT ALL so I know how much this sucks. However, some days I get home from work and am so wiped out that I would easily say "Meh, I'm too tired, I'll exercise tomorrow." If you get a quick workout in during the pre-work hours, you get it out of the way. I don't go crazy, usually just bring the dog for a brisk 1-2 mile walk as soon as I wake up. But it is something even if I end up slacking the rest of the day.

    3. As you mentioned, walk at lunch. I live in Connecticut, so I also get the 4 seasons and brutal (not as brutal as MN!) winter days. However, most of the year it is agreeable walking weather, so do it when you can.

    4. Exercise before you get home from work. I recognize that at least for me, home is where I get lazy. I take a pilates class 2x week and have scheduled them as such where I stop by on my way home, go to class, then go home. Again, that way once I am home for the night, exercise is completely done and I am allowed to be lazy!

    Good luck with your new job. It will take time to get into a good schedule but it is totally doable.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
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    Depending on what kind of job you have and what type of environment you can fit some exercise in during the day. If you have any office where you can shut the door for privacy, you can do desk pushups, squats, lunges, resistance bands, etc. on your breaks and/or during lunch. You could also see if there is a nearby gym to go to at lunch if there is time. If you work in a building with more than one floor, make use of the stairs instead of the elevator. And try to get a workout before or after work a few times a week.
  • GoyaMommy13
    GoyaMommy13 Posts: 80 Member
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    i'm working a FT job but i work from home so it's a lot easier. but before i worked from home, i was full time at the site. (i've only been at my new job since june). a couple of tips:

    1. definitely bring your own lunch-- but don't stop there. bring snacks and keep a reusable water bottle with you. at my old site, they had water fountains, a cafeteria (complete with corn dogs and cheeseburgers) and vending machines everywhere....which means a lot of temptation.

    2. Use breaks and lunches to walk. not sure if you can walk within the building or if you would have to go outside but if you're inside- take advantage!!

    3. Potlucks or spreads are so popular!! its hard. i would bring something healthy and then bee line to the veggies and whatever lean meats that were brought.

    hope this helps!
  • jsjaclark
    jsjaclark Posts: 303
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    Maybe you can find a gym close to where you work and go in early (or stay late) which would (1) give you time to workout and (2) maybe make your commute easier if you go before/after the busiest part of rush hour.
  • lynn1982
    lynn1982 Posts: 1,439 Member
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    In addition to what others have said, it might also help if you can find a gym located close to where you work. That way, maybe you can go at lunch time or right after work. (If you go right after work, you might also miss the worst of the evening rush hour...) Unless of course you're a morning person, then before work might be better. It's so easy to fall into a rut of not working out when your schedule changes and you find yourself busier than you used to be. I have found that working into my schedule (I prefer first thing in the morning since that way I get it over with) helps immensely.


    Oops, jsjaclark had the same suggestion!
  • maureendonahue
    maureendonahue Posts: 468 Member
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    Great question! I am making that change myself in two weeks (after being home with my 5 kids for 30 years!) and was wondering how I was going to do it all. My commute isn't quite as far (60-90 min depending on traffic) but I will be driving all over the place visiting clients and offices. These tips will help me too!

    Good luck with your new job!
  • edorice
    edorice Posts: 4,519 Member
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    That possibly two hour commute that you're going to have is going to build up cortisol in your body. The stress that you will now have NEEDS to be off-set with regular exercise. You definitely should walk at lunch or on breaks. Also, the rest of us workout in the morning before work or after work. Just get it done.
  • jenniferlspies
    jenniferlspies Posts: 75
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    Thanks for all the replies everyone! I've skimmed over them and have some more thoughts to add on.

    First of all, yes I know other people have full time jobs and other responsibilities and still manage to live a healthy life. That's why I asked for tips from those who are already living this way.

    Secondly, working out before I leave is out of the question right now. I live with my parents still (hence the long commute) and I'm already going to be waking up at 5 to get ready and leave by 6:30. So, I'll be working out when I get home from work (Jillian Michaels will be my friend again). There is also a gym at where I will be working, so I'll keep that in mind too once I get a hold of what my days are like. Weekends will be saved for longer workouts, especially so I can get some sunshine!

    My job will be a desk job (Online Fundraising Specialist) with lots of time in front of the computer. So I'll be trying to get away from the computer and stretch every hour. I don't know if I have my own office or just a cubicle yet, but I'll be bringing a water bottle and healthy snacks. I've had two internships, so I've got the eating part down pretty good. It's just trying to figure out how to get it all down a shorter amount of time.

    Once I'm able to move closer to my job (hopefully soon, I've just got to figure out my take-home pay and a monthly budget), it will be a lot easier because I won't have the commute to deal with (or the stress from it).

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