How to Maintain a Healthy Weight When You're Always on Deadline
How to Maintain a Healthy Weight When You're Always on Deadline
Written by News Gal
š March 12, 2018
We’ve all heard of the Freshman 15.
It’s the extra weight a lot of people pack on during their first year of college. I think my love of fruity cocktails and late-night fast food actually made mine the Freshman 20.
A lot of people experience weight changes while working in TV news, too.
Throughout my career I’ve been at my tiniest, 114 pounds, and my heaviest, 170 pounds. I was pregnant when I hit my top weight, but let me tell you, it doesn’t come off as easy as it packs on!
Gaining weight while on television is tough. Viewers notice. Coworkers notice. Your boss notices.
I had a news director tell me I needed to lose weight. It was tough to hear. I knew I needed and wanted to lose weight, but I didn’t want someone else to tell me what I was already struggling with.
Our profession is stressful. We are constantly on the move, and a lot of days the only way we can eat is while we are in the car or sitting at a desk writing a story.
It is very easy to lose control of your eating habits.
Sometimes I’m so tired that I shove a candy bar in my mouth and guzzle down sweet tea. Sure, it gives me a boost for a little while, but if I don’t keep shoving sugar down my throat I get groggy and feel disgusting.
The best way to stay in control of your weight and eating habits is to meal prep. Spending an hour preparing food and snacks for the week will make a huge difference.
I try to make sure I always have grapes, baby carrots, and almonds with me in small bags. They are easy to grab, quick to eat, and much better for you than the vending machine cookies.
I also try to prep salads for the entire week, have enough yogurt for five days, and drink lots of water.
It’s so easy to lose track of your good habits when your turning multiple stories, stuck in a live truck all day, and working crazy schedules. Make sure you take time to prepare yourself for success.
Meal prep might seem like a pain at the time, but you’ll be so glad you did it.
I had a friend who packed on 20 pounds working the overnight shift. She was constantly eating sugary, high carb foods because she thought it would help her have energy. In reality, it was sucking up all of her energy. After a few months of healthy meal prep, she lost the 20 pounds and found the energy that she thought was gone forever.
Exercise is also a big help.
Not only does exercising keep you physically healthy, but it helps mentally, too.
Working out, or playing sports, will help take your mind off the crazy world of news. We all need a way to disconnect from the pressure we face every day, and for many people working out and sweating it off really helps.
Remember, your happiness and health are so important. When you’re happy and healthy you’ll be on the top of your game!