[KimberlyP]

Hi Everyone

I've been really stressed lately about how I'm going to stay on plan! I start my Paramedic Class Wednesday which is 3 days a week, 5 hours per class. I'm also working and my shifts are usually 10/12 hours with hardly any breaks. I've learned very quickly that working as an EMT, you have to eat when you can and that's hardly ever. On a recent shift I worked I didn't eat at all because my partner and I were slammed with back to back calls! So not only am I working and going to school but I also have 3 kiddos to take care of. Both of my boys play hockey and my daughter is doing both Volleyball and Softball at the moment. My husband also works long days so I'm really really worried about going way off track and gaining all of my weight back.

The other dilemma I'm faced with is the gym I currently go to. I've been there for almost 2 years and LOVE it but unfortunately it closes by the time I'm off work or school. There is an Anytime Fitness by me and I was seriously thinking about joining. Does anyone go there? If so, how do you like it and what is the monthly fee? Also, any advice would be so appreciated!

[shanhat81]

I'll tell you one thing ... if I track, even if I have a horrible week, I lose pretty steadily.

I feel your pain -- I'm not anything as cool as a paramedic -- just a writer on a HUGE deadline -- so there are times when I work out at 5 am or midnight and times I track everything at the end of the day.

[KimberlyP]

Originally Posted by shanhat81

I'll tell you one thing ... if I track, even if I have a horrible week, I lose pretty steadily.

I feel your pain -- I'm not anything as cool as a paramedic -- just a writer on a HUGE deadline -- so there are times when I work out at 5 am or midnight and times I track everything at the end of the day.

Are you kidding me?! Being a writer is AWESOME! That is something I would have loved to do but for some reason I ended up in the medical field.

I'm going to track the best I can and am probably going to go ahead and switch gyms for now. I'll miss my Zumba Class but at least I'm still working out.

[MrsD2008]

Can you get a thermal lunch bag to keep in the front of the squad with you? Pack protein filled snacks, fruit and veggies, etc. that are easy to eat on the go. Cheese sticks, almonds or nuts, apple and peanut butter, crackers, pretzels, protein bars, fiber bars, grapes, bananas, dry cereal, granola, yogurt cups, etc. Throw a frozen ice pack in there and it should be good for at least 8 hours. I leave mine in the hot car and for 5 hours and in my work place, out of the fridge, for 5 hours. By the time I get home the ice pack is only 1/2 way melted.

Can you stock the freezer at the station with Smart Ones or Lean Cuisine? Mark your name on it and give yourself a variety. Also, Healthy Choice makes canned soup and healthy steamers (I love the steak stroganoff and noodles!), just watch your sodium.

Before you leave for class or work make yourself a protein shake to bring with you.

Are any of these things doable?

I admire your work!!

[Michi702]

I second the shake idea! When I was at school and had a very inconsistent schedule, a saving grace was being able to have a smoothie to chug along on. The school made great ones that were decently low calorie and let you add a variety of things from protein powder to ginseng and other energy boosters. If you make your own, it can take a bit of experimenting to find the right ratio of fruit/ice/milk/yogurt but once you have it you're golden. One of my favorites was banana and some ovaltine chocolate malt powder.

Other ideas for meals on the go - sandwiches! Instead of making it up before hand, you could put the components separate so it won't get soggy and then add them together when you have a break to eat. I like tuna mixed with salad green and some dressing in a pita pocket.

I don't miss eating on the run, but if you get creative it can be done

[Lovely]

Originally Posted by KimberlyP

The other dilemma I'm faced with is the gym I currently go to. I've been there for almost 2 years and LOVE it but unfortunately it closes by the time I'm off work or school. There is an Anytime Fitness by me and I was seriously thinking about joining. Does anyone go there? If so, how do you like it and what is the monthly fee? Also, any advice would be so appreciated!

Whew! You have your work cut out for you, that is for sure.

You are stronger, though. You can do this.

1) I love the suggestions of protein packed snacks, and a thermos with a shake. That way you are prepared for those "eat when you can" moments.

2) I was a member of Anytime Fitness for a year before getting my own treadmill. It was okay. It was a standard gym with standard gym equipment. There were trainers who used the gym with their clients, but other than the person at the desk from 9-5 there wasn't anyone who really worked there.

They give you a little keycard that you swipe to get in at nights, and anyone has to have the keycard to get in after a certain time.

It wasn't really a state-of-the-art place, but it had plenty of treadmills/ellipticals/bikes. It had free weights and machines. And... it was open 24/7.

The price was "meh".

If working out at some other time at your current gym is an option, I'd keep going there. That being said, if it truly is NOT an option to continue going to your current gym, then it's probably better to be a member at Anytime Fitness just so that you continue to go and exercise regularly.

3) It might seems stressful now, but you will find your groove and before long it'll all be normal.

[124chicksinger]

Aside from what the other wonderful posters have suggested (and agreeing with them) I want to add that a) you look amazing and have done a phenomenal job thus far, and b) having achieved what you have already, and fitting it all in with your family, work schedule and fitting in workouts, I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that once you get into the grove, you're going to knock it out of the park--grand slam home run. Kudos to you. You are proof that it works--and you work really hard at it. You got this...no problem!

[Tudor Rose]

Definitely get a thermal pack and keep it full of GOOD snacks. I'm at work 9am to 9pm, and while I can eat whenever I want, if I don't pack those granola bars or fruit slices, I'll end up at the vending machine if I get hungry. So plan and be prepared!