Adjusting to Graveyard

I just went to 3rd shift at the factory where I work. Instead of
working from 3pm to 11pm, I now work from 11pm to 7am. It's only an
adjustment of 8 hours, right? Shouldn't be all /that/ bad.

Last night was my first night. I was tired; I expected that. What
I didn't expect was that I would be so famished. I ate what I usually
do on a work day. And I am usually somewhat hungry, but manageably so.
Last night I felt like I would implode, all night long. I didn't stop
at McD's or gorge myself on the way home, but the temptation was strong.

I'm not quite sure how to handle this. Part of me wants to just
adjust my calories upwards a bit till this passes. But, on the other
hand, I do want my body to get the message that this is the way things
are now and it just has to deal. I don't want this to turn into a case
where I walk around saying "Well, I went to third, and it was stressful,
which is why I gained 5 pounds."

So what do you folks think might be the best, the give in and eat more
approach, or the tough it out option?

--
Annie

As of 07-14-06: 258/188/140 Standing at 5 foot 4.

70 pounds lost. 48 left to go. Started February/07/05

Come visit my weight-loss web site, Annie Takes Off.
http://webpages.charter.net/lenny13/DietFrontPage.html

"Annie Benson Lennaman" wrote in
message . ..

I just went to 3rd shift at the factory where I work. Instead of
working from 3pm to 11pm, I now work from 11pm to 7am. It's only an
adjustment of 8 hours, right? Shouldn't be all /that/ bad.

Last night was my first night. I was tired; I expected that. What
I didn't expect was that I would be so famished. I ate what I usually
do on a work day. And I am usually somewhat hungry, but manageably so.
Last night I felt like I would implode, all night long. I didn't stop
at McD's or gorge myself on the way home, but the temptation was strong.

I'm not quite sure how to handle this. Part of me wants to just
adjust my calories upwards a bit till this passes. But, on the other
hand, I do want my body to get the message that this is the way things
are now and it just has to deal. I don't want this to turn into a case
where I walk around saying "Well, I went to third, and it was stressful,
which is why I gained 5 pounds."

So what do you folks think might be the best, the give in and eat more
approach, or the tough it out option?

--
Annie

As of 07-14-06: 258/188/140 Standing at 5 foot 4.

70 pounds lost. 48 left to go. Started February/07/05

Come visit my weight-loss web site, Annie Takes Off.
http://webpages.charter.net/lenny13/DietFrontPage.html

The hunger might be a result of being tired. I know when I'm tired I want
to eat for additional energy. Of course the extra calories never really
solve the problem for meg Would smaller meals at shorter intervals help
boost your energy?

Hope you're able to find a plan that works for you. I worked 3rd shift for
one year and know how it can play havoc with the eating.

Beverly

Annie, I feel your pain. I don't care what anyone says, working the
graveyard shift
is not something 20th century humans are meant to do. period. I did it
for 3 years and never
ever did really get used to it.

It is so hard to schedule any kind of set meals around a graveyard
shift. I mean, who wants to eat breakfast at 10pm or dinner 8am. When I
did it I was not married so did not have to worry about anyone else and
ate whenever I felt like it. I did not keep to any set schedule. I did
gain about 20 lbs during those 3 years even tho I was working out.

Your biggest problem at first tho is not going to be eating but
sleeping. At least it was for me. I was a total mess after the first
week on the shift. I wouldn't even worry about the eating part yet.
Just try to keep awaty from fatty foods (snacks like chips, cookies and
such). Eat when your hungry but eat the right things., and eat small
portions.

Phil

Annie Benson Lennaman wrote:
I just went to 3rd shift at the factory where I work. Instead of
working from 3pm to 11pm, I now work from 11pm to 7am. It's only an
adjustment of 8 hours, right? Shouldn't be all /that/ bad.

Last night was my first night. I was tired; I expected that. What
I didn't expect was that I would be so famished. I ate what I usually
do on a work day. And I am usually somewhat hungry, but manageably so.
Last night I felt like I would implode, all night long. I didn't stop
at McD's or gorge myself on the way home, but the temptation was strong.

I'm not quite sure how to handle this. Part of me wants to just
adjust my calories upwards a bit till this passes. But, on the other
hand, I do want my body to get the message that this is the way things
are now and it just has to deal. I don't want this to turn into a case
where I walk around saying "Well, I went to third, and it was stressful,
which is why I gained 5 pounds."

So what do you folks think might be the best, the give in and eat more
approach, or the tough it out option?

Hi Annie,

I worked the graveyard for a number of years. And yes, I did gain
weight. I didn't need to, though, since calories and exercise still
work as they usually do. I think once your body adjusts to the new
pattern, your hunger will cease. In the meantime, perhaps have a little
snack if you find yourself hungry between meals.

Neil
385/307/220

I have never had to work graveyard, but I have had to recently adjust
my schedule. I was just the oppisite, though. I had to get back into
the "normal" life and report to an office and be ready for things to
take off bright and early in the morning! I found this supplement,
Herbalean, that helped me (and yes, I like it so much I decided to sell
it, too!) It has ephedra for energy and hoodia for appetite
supperssion and many other herbs and minerals to help make it a very
well rounded supplement. I have lost weight, but best of all I think
the power of the appetite suppresssant has helped me to shrink my
stomach without the pain of having to tough it out for weeks on end.

Oh, and ephedra is legal now. The banned placed by the FDA was
overturned in April '05. This product only contains 10 mg and also is
a time released capsule that would last 8-10 hrs. This does is
significantly less then what was recommended before, but for me is
still effective. Since I have a caffinee sinsitivity and can't have
that cup of coffee or can of Coke it has been a great thing for me. I
take one in the morning and can go all day!

www.herbaleaninkc.com


Annie Benson Lennaman wrote:
I just went to 3rd shift at the factory where I work. Instead of
working from 3pm to 11pm, I now work from 11pm to 7am. It's only an
adjustment of 8 hours, right? Shouldn't be all /that/ bad.

Last night was my first night. I was tired; I expected that. What
I didn't expect was that I would be so famished. I ate what I usually
do on a work day. And I am usually somewhat hungry, but manageably so.
Last night I felt like I would implode, all night long. I didn't stop
at McD's or gorge myself on the way home, but the temptation was strong.

I'm not quite sure how to handle this. Part of me wants to just
adjust my calories upwards a bit till this passes. But, on the other
hand, I do want my body to get the message that this is the way things
are now and it just has to deal. I don't want this to turn into a case
where I walk around saying "Well, I went to third, and it was stressful,
which is why I gained 5 pounds."

So what do you folks think might be the best, the give in and eat more
approach, or the tough it out option?

--
Annie

As of 07-14-06: 258/188/140 Standing at 5 foot 4.

70 pounds lost. 48 left to go. Started February/07/05

Come visit my weight-loss web site, Annie Takes Off.
http://webpages.charter.net/lenny13/DietFrontPage.html

TammyInKC wrote:

I have never had to work graveyard, but I have had to recently adjust
my schedule.

It must be difficult for you to find the time to spam usenet, then.

Oh, wait.

I'm sorry if you feel like this was spamming. Not my intention. I
found something that helps to give me energy and curb my appitite. I
felt those were the two problems Annie was trying to resolve. I guess
your suggestion must have been sent thru direct email.

Annie, I wish you good luck in adjusting. There was a close friend of
my parents (kids were my friends) who worked for the power company and
rotated between the night shifts, so his wife could work too and there
was no need for daycare. I know it's not easy!

The Queen of Cans and Jars wrote:
TammyInKC wrote:

I have never had to work graveyard, but I have had to recently adjust
my schedule.

It must be difficult for you to find the time to spam usenet, then.

Oh, wait.

TammyInKC wrote:

Annie, I wish you good luck in adjusting. There was a close friend of
my parents (kids were my friends) who worked for the power company and
rotated between the night shifts, so his wife could work too and there
was no need for daycare.

Did the parents divorce?

Dally

Annie Benson Lennaman wrote:

I just went to 3rd shift at the factory where I work. Instead of
working from 3pm to 11pm, I now work from 11pm to 7am. It's only an
adjustment of 8 hours, right? Shouldn't be all /that/ bad.

Last night was my first night. I was tired; I expected that. What
I didn't expect was that I would be so famished. I ate what I usually
do on a work day. And I am usually somewhat hungry, but manageably so.
Last night I felt like I would implode, all night long. I didn't stop
at McD's or gorge myself on the way home, but the temptation was strong.


When I'm chained to my desk working day and night (often until 2 or 3 in
the morning) I find myself eating like a horse to keep glycogen flowing
to my ravenous brain. I don't gain weight during this period: I swear
that thinking hard burns a ton of calories in me! But I do know what
you mean about being surprisingly hungry.

So what do you folks think might be the best, the give in and eat more
approach, or the tough it out option?

A breakthrough for me was to realize that I needed more fluids AND more
caffeine. I tended to eat too many calories trying to get energy when
really I needed an iced coffee. (Go easy on the milk.) ;-)

Sometimes I'll just take part of a caffeine tablet. Tried and true
method to handle third shift: No-Doz.

Good luck!

Dally

TammyInKC wrote:

I'm sorry if you feel like this was spamming. Not my intention. I
found something that helps to give me energy and curb my appitite.

And you're trying to sell it, and that's what makes it spam.

Don't try to kid us, Tammy. We didn't just fall off the turnip truck
yesterday.