Is going to work enough exercise?

[britannny]

I work about 45-50 hours a week in a busy restaurant. I literally never get a day off. I only get a couple of shifts off a week, but I work every single day. I'm always on my feet, walking around, carrying heavy stuff, at work.

Is this enough exercise for me? I don't really want to stop going to the gym, but I feel so tired all the time.

I'm about 5'3, and I weigh about 120 pounds. I don't really eat right. I have to eat lunch at the restaurant most days. I usually try to go for something as low in calories as I can, though (which is difficult, since most of the entries are at least 750 calories by themselves, and the sides are usually around 250). I usually eat a chicken salad with vinaigrette dressing, or a bowl of soup or something. I probably should hold off on the rolls I eat for lunch, but it's hard not eat them. : (

And that's usually the only food I eat all day. I'll have a small breakfast. Usually not something substantial. I'll usually eat a granola bar, or some cottage cheese, or a protein bar, and I don't eat anything for dinner, because I'm usually still full from lunch.

[gemglam]

Well it depends. You job seem pretty taxing and that should help but you can eat your way through any form of exercise so you should what that. I remember when I used to work with kids I was much thinner because I was always running around with them (which I did on purpose since I didn't have time to go to the gym) but I also made sure I ate properly. Now that I work with Seniors I have noticed the pounds adding up because they are always offering you cookie or cake and its such a sedentary job. So I am back on the healthy eating trail. Sure eating at a restaurant is hard but when I did I usually request that veggies were steamed with no added butter or oils, that that the protein was grilled or baked. Low calorie doesn't always mean better for you. Usually its how your body react to it that counts. So you do want to have things that are high in fiber and low in fat and sugars also watch the sodium. A lot of these so-called non fat things are high in sodium so don't be fooled. Also when it comes to rolls, what I have noticed is that the first three bites are the best bites ever after that it just doesn't taste as good so I lose interest. Sit without distractions if you can and savor your roll and you will see what I am talking about. Granola is really bad for you don't eat it (we have been tricked into thinking its healthy) Eat a real breakfast it helps you with your energy through out the day. Plus get your "whole grain" carbs in at breakfast (white bread/rolls spike your blood sugar then drops suddenly so you get tired faster and your body wants food because its lacking energy, hence you feel hungry quicker and you eat more. Eat 5/6 small portions throughout the day every 3 hours - this keeps your blood sugar stabilized and your metabolism going steady. Drink lots of water, in fact I would suggest not drinking your calories at all. Texture makes us feel more satisfied than liquids will so why waste calories on liquid. Except for milk. Milk has fat eliminating properties plus it keeps you feeling full (thats my late night hunger eliminator and it works wonders)

[madmisskelly]

Soon enough, your body will get used to it and it won't be considered exercise. Its great that you are always on your feet though.

I would recommend switching up what you eat though, you can customize your meals so that they aren't so high in calories. Plain chicken with no sauce or cheese and veggies, etc. I would recommend maybe doing some grocery shopping and bringing your own meals, or a bunch of small stuff so that you can eat and go- think granola bars, fruit, string cheese, yogurt, etc.

Eat a more substantial breakfast. If you like eggs, then eggs are great. Something with protein and some fiber to keep you full.

Then for lunch you can either pack a bunch of small things as I mentioned before or you can customize your lunch at the restaurant.

[Rizzle]

sexyasianboi26 had a good answer.

Honestly a physical job is great.. you're burning calories throughout the day.

Breakfast should be your biggest meal of the day, it's your first meal for several hours(however much sleep you get per night) so your body NEEDS anything you can give it.. plus it will help you perform through the start of your day and it provides you with calories that you can burn off. Sounds tough as far as your meal choice since diet is EXTREMELY important to your appearance. But sounds like you're doing the best you can. Most dressing are the unhealthiest part of a salad, I know they are tasty but it couldn't hurt to cut that out sometimes.. unless it is a healthy dressing?

But I mean it sounds like enough exercise.. however you're obviously not going to see the same results as if you went to the gym and did a normal routine with bench press, squats, etc. It couldn't hurt to get motivated and do 10-15 pushups every now and then throughout the day in the bathroom or somewhere where you have privacy. But I know how those long days are draining and it can be impossible to be motivated when you're done to do anything

[Distant]

I work in a busy restaurant too so I totally feel you. The bad news is that it's not really enough work to lose weight though it's definitely enough to keep your weight stable. I would suggest buying yogurt and similar foods that are quick to eat and good for you since you'll need to sleep and eat well to keep your energy up. You shouldn't be avoiding calories either since a girl your size needs nearly 2,000 a day to live. Though try to avoid "empty" calories which are foods that are sugary, fatty and have very little nutritional value. After eating, sleeping and watching the foods you eat, you will notice that you won't be quite as tired during the day. As for working out, 30 minutes of medium-intense cardio is more than enough for a day. If you find that you are tired still, you may want to consider doing work-outs such as rowing or biking which can be done leisurely

[sexyasianboi26]

You seem to be in great shape (looked at your pic).

How long have you been doing this? If you have been doing this for a year, then its clear your body has adopted to your eating habits and the way you spend your energy.

So in my opinion, yes that is enough exercise.

Do you at least get 8 hours of sleep a day?

Here is a great tip, EAT BIG FOR BREAKFAST. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I can't stress this enough. It is the most important meal of the day, because its get you started.

And for dinner, you gotta force yourself to eat something. Eat fruits and lean meats instead. When your body rests, it will need all the right things to repair and maintain. I eat lots of fruits such as blue berries (I mean look at my skin lol, its glowing because of vitamin e)

[Lett0385]

the way you are right now is a good weight, your type of eating might be a little low and the only thing that I advice you to take will be vitamins and for dinner you should try to take a least a protein drink.

About exercised I wouldn't really consider that as a work out, it is good that your your active all day but the only way your burn calories is when your have an actual work out

here is the link if this 12 min work out it works pretty good to the point that the first two days you won't be able to walk

https://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=2S52cZ4MoDQ

[DeepBlue]

It certainly helps that your job is active but that alone probably isn't enough because you likely very rarely get your heart rate up much higher than resting rate. I don't know what your commute situation is but consider biking to work and sometimes going hard to get that heart pumping. And try to have a more substantial breakfast whenever you can. Eggs, oatmeal, and fruit in the morning are really going to keep your energy level up so you won't be as wiped out at the end of your shifts.

[Longshot]

It's not really a work out but it's enough to keep the fat off your body. Your BMI is in the normal range. (I am not a fan of BMI but I check it every once in a while.) I would say you don't have to worry about weight right now.

Things to think about are 1) your nutrition which should include fruits, veggies and lean protein, and 2) if you want to build muscle and gain stamina, you may need a very regular exercise / workout program.

[mrallen]

Everyone's body is different and requires varying degrees of exercise and healthy food. I would say the workout you're getting at work will most likely keep you in shape, but it is important that you try to eat better. I'm not the best example of this--I have a pretty similar job/schedule too, so I know how difficult it is. But simply to answer your question, yes we're getting enough exercise but should be eating better.

[mrallen]

Lots of great answers and ideas by everyone on here. Best of luck in making some positive changes. I wouldn't worry about weight loss, but simply staying stable and increasing your energy level.

[beastman88]

i would agree with deep blue. you have to get your heart just above its comfort zone to promote good cardiovascular health for at least 30 min a day. try making lunch the previous day for yourself so you can take it for the next day. I usually don't eat much in the morning either unless iam really hungry in the morning. somedays ill just have a banana and a glass of milk for breakfast.

[xzinax2]

pack your lunch,don't eat out,eating better and sleeping a bit more (presuming you don't get enough sleep) should give you more energy and thus resulting in you being able to go to the gym.

[CindiluvsFriends]

I would think so. If you're doing a lot of ealking,then yes.

Heck,I'm on my feet all day as well(though not as many days at you)and I KNOW I'm getting mt exercise..

[taster]

Well it is not a workout designed to stimulate your heart and vessels..but you are young..can always start that later...as long as you do not become heavy...(:(:(:

[Little-Hippie]

Remember that thin, attractive 45-year-old waitress that you saw that one time?

Neither do I...

[cavmanier]

Attractive girls probably have more opportunities or find men with $ to marry rather than to stand on their feet for 25 years.

[hotxos]

yes, should be enough, but I don't exercise at all