Working in a hospital on WW

  • I am a RN who works in a very busy maternity dept . We delivered 6800 babies last year. My question is how can you keep on the diet when you're on your feet all day and barely have time to pee? And when you have time to grab a bite it's very quick. I work 12 hr shifts , so when I get home late I'm tired and hungry. I haven't eaten 1/2 my points and I don't want to eat too much before I go to bed. I really want this to work. But it's frustrating at times. Anyone got any suggestions? Anyone been in this situation and found things that worked.
  • Well, I don't do 12's and I don't do WW but I do have a couple tricks.
    I take the biggest bag of food to work. Almost everything in it is in individual serving bags or containers so I can scarf a bite if I'm too hurried to go for break. I also use bars ... zone bars, pria bars, power bars.
    And I try not to drive home thirsty. Make sure I have a bottle of water in the car.
  • One other tip is eating a good pointy breakfast before you start your shift.

    The other tip is having your meals in a bag in smaller things. Make a sandwich but cut it into 4 triangles and bag them separately. Have your fruit and raw veggies already cut in snack size baggies and grab them on the run.
  • What they said. I'd add that protein will often keep you filled up longer, so something like a hard boiled egg (or just the whites), some turkey slices (if you can keep them cool). Like Susan, I take a large bag of food to work the beginning of each week. I have access to a fridge and a microwave, but seldom to a full lunch hour! It helps to have things that you can grab and eat in a few minutes. Planning is the key.
  • I have the same problem. I'm an RN in a NICU. Only I work straight nights. I agree with small portions of food that can be grabbed and scarfed quickly. I've found protein to be the best to keep me feeling full. String cheese, and lunch meat are quick. Also fruits and veggie bags, to get my 5 servings in. On busy nights where I know I won't get a full lunch break. I try to make sure I get a few small breaks and eat something fast, throughout my shift. I try to never let myself get to the point of starving. Sometimes I even eat while I'm charting to make sure I get my points in.

    I agree with the suggestion to eat a big breakfast. I also try to eat a good portion of my points before I go to work.

    I've also found that if I eat a small snack right before report or during report, that I'm not as ravenous when I get home.... less bingeing.

    I also try to make sure I drink plenty of water. Which is hard if you're not sure you have time to pee, but your body adjusts after a few days. I feel better when I've had plenty to drink, and I feel less hungry.

    Hope this helps. Our jobs suck when it comes to weight loss, but it can be done.