survival tips for PY2

[sandyliu113]

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Hey all,
I'm in the thicket of my second year. Boy, is it intense! It seems like i've got a test or quiz practically every week. I was wondering if you all that have recently been through that have any survival tips! we are also in class a lot and I noticed one of my problems is finding time to eat ( I mean beyond a snack). But, as a result, the low blood sugar (from long study sessions) really zap me out. Any tips on how you kept your physical fuel tank full?

 

[njac]

wow. I have never studied so much I forgot to eat. But eating is a passion of mine. I admire your intensity and devotion.

it's funny how schools differ. We've had at least 1 test or quiz per week since 1st year (at times 4/week not during finals. eww!) but 2nd year is our "easy" year - I worked almost full time and occassionally overtime and still did ok. Although now that it's 3rd year it's time to ramp up the study habits!

 

[akaykay]

I use to find it difficult to find time to eat during undergrad (yes, even undergrad). But occassionally I would eat something on my way to school, like a granola bar or sandwich. And if I'm walking in between classes I would grab something quick from the school cafe. Take lots of snacks with you because IMO it's better to eat six small portions a day rather than 3 meals.

 

[sdn1977]

If you're in a place that has refrigeration, eat something with protein, CHO & fat - yogurt, cheese, even a glass of milk.

Always eat breakfast and be sure it includes protein (milk protein works) - this will keep your bs up over the long term. (This is what I did when I had an OR rotation & coudn't leave to eat. I had much more protein than I normally would have on any other given day).

As for "snacks" you can "bump" your bs in a healthy way by using things like small boxes of raisins, an apple, dried fruit. Bananas have more CHO - so they will make you feel "fuller", but they make everything smell like banana....a real negative for me. A "bump" in bs though unless followed by a meal might make you dip into a sleepy phase - so use it cautiously - about 2-4 in the afternoon.

There are some of those "bars" that people recommend, but I find them distasteful & packed with either too many calories &/or the wrong proportion of protein/cal/fat. There's nothing wrong with them for the short term & I admire those who can eat them. Some of my family does - I just don't like them.

Remember the basic rules of thumb of nutrition - CHO (whether its sugar or starch) will raise your bs fast. Protein is necessary to keep your bs up longer. Fat is necessary to balance both of the others & to properly utiize the CHO & protein & should make up about 30% of your diet. Also - don't forget to get up, move around, get fresh air & realize that time is moving forward. You don't want to get so lost in your studying that you lose track of time. Try to keep you sleep & wake schedule as close as possible to a regular rhythm - that will help you "feel" your hunger at the right times.

Good luck & pace yourself....

 

[J ROD]

Hey all,
I'm in the thicket of my second year. Boy, is it intense! It seems like i've got a test or quiz practically every week. I was wondering if you all that have recently been through that have any survival tips! we are also in class a lot and I noticed one of my problems is finding time to eat ( I mean beyond a snack). But, as a result, the low blood sugar (from long study sessions) really zap me out. Any tips on how you kept your physical fuel tank full?

I just do not go to class and study at home.

It is proving to be alot more fun!!

 

[sandyliu113]

I just do not go to class and study at home.

It is proving to be alot more fun!!

Thanks so much for everyone's suggestions!
I'm going to try to eat more protein (eggs, milk-protein) and try to eat lot more carbs!

I was wondering also about meal planning.. any suggestions on cooking for >1 and budgeting time for that?

 

[SunFlower2008]

I only eat one full meal per day, skip breakfast and lunch and only eat lundinner (lunch + dinner together) and that works for me perfectly, I been doing it since my undergrad years...

 

[lazypharmacist]

Got your email to the CPFI chicks. As for cooking, try using a crockpot. It becomes easy to put together a meal that will not take a lot of time and you bring leftovers the next day (or next few days) for lunch.

I'm in class with you, so maybe I'll pull you a way for during our 12pm break to grab a bite to eat. Sometimes if we don't feel as though we're going it alone, we realize that we can make it. Besides, it helps to take a few minutes to relax.

Also, I was looking up some studying tips -- to organize my own study life because we do have a lot of information, assignments, quizzes etc. coming at us at one time -- and the article recommended taking a 15 minute break for every hour of study. The article stated that doing this helps in retaining the information.

Finally, the same article recommended planning your study time so as not to neglect personal time for yourself. At the beginning of the semester, I felt somewhat flustered and overwhelmed with the course-load, but I've been trying to schedule my schedule time to be more focused when I am studying, then "making" time for myself. I don't feel nearly as "stressed and anxious" as I did in the beginning -- I haven't worked it out perfectly yet, but I'm realizing the potential.
I'll see ya in class.

 

[Old Timer]

You mean your school has class all day from 8-5? No lunch break? I went to school a long time ago and we went from 9AM to 5 PM with 1 hour for lunch. I made sure I took my lunch every day and read the paper or rested my mind so I was ready to face the afternoon classes....

 

[bananaface]

Some places let you eat in class. Mmmm.

 

[pharmd4eva]

As far as eating goes, I think that it is important to eat well balanced meals as much as you can. Your mind will be in "over drive" so it is important to keep your body well nourished. I try and plan my meals for the week on Sunday and that works well for me. I may prepare a casserole and other items and that way I am set for the whole week. Pack all your snacks and lunch from the night before. Plan your grocery shopping around your meal plans for the week. Make sure to include lots of healthy and portable snacks too. When you eat well, your mind will be more focused. This has worked quite well for me over the years.

 

[Charles01]

I really recommend the whey protein shakes from Jarrow. They have a complete amino acid profile, almost 0 fat, and they taste awesome with some half and half mixed in.

They mix instantly too. Pink lady apples are awesome too.

 

[bananaface]

almost 0 fat, and they taste awesome with some half and half mixed in.

 

[twester]

 

[sandyliu113]

You mean your school has class all day from 8-5? No lunch break? I went to school a long time ago and we went from 9AM to 5 PM with 1 hour for lunch. I made sure I took my lunch every day and read the paper or rested my mind so I was ready to face the afternoon classes....

We do sometimes have 12-1 break, but often times I've got organization meetings then and really probably need to find some time to wolf down my lunch!

 

[njac]

We do sometimes have 12-1 break, but often times I've got organization meetings then and really probably need to find some time to wolf down my lunch!

your organization meetings don't provide food? that's one of the big selling points of ours! "come listen to XYZ - FREE FOOD!"

 

[VCU2011]

Thanks so much for everyone's suggestions!
I'm going to try to eat more protein (eggs, milk-protein) and try to eat lot more carbs!

I was wondering also about meal planning.. any suggestions on cooking for >1 and budgeting time for that?

I just made a new discovery today, ill have to post again and let you know how it turns out...I was at Kroger yesterday and found that they have frozen, already made meals for a slow cooker. I happen to have a slow cooker so i got one and the meals seem like they can last for 3 or 4 meals. It took MAYBE 3 minutes to prepare and get into the crock pot, turn it on for 8-10 hours while you're in class and you're good to go. Also, they are only 5 bucks if you catch them on sale, so its definitely worth it...my first one is almost finished cooking so ill let you all know how they actually taste🙂

 

[sandyliu113]

I just made a new discovery today, ill have to post again and let you know how it turns out...I was at Kroger yesterday and found that they have frozen, already made meals for a slow cooker. I happen to have a slow cooker so i got one and the meals seem like they can last for 3 or 4 meals. It took MAYBE 3 minutes to prepare and get into the crock pot, turn it on for 8-10 hours while you're in class and you're good to go. Also, they are only 5 bucks if you catch them on sale, so its definitely worth it...my first one is almost finished cooking so ill let you all know how they actually taste🙂

Well.. ya know .curiosity killed the kat! How did it go?

 

[VCU2011]

Well.. ya know .curiosity killed the kat! How did it go?

Actually..it was pretty good, i would definitely recommend it for anyone who doesn't like to or doesn't have time to cook!

 

[firefighter9015]

I don't know if I have ever studied so much I can't find time to eat. My study schedule includes regularlly scheduled visits at my fav resturatants (IHOP is great the morning before a big test 😉 )

 

[twester]

I just made a new discovery today, ill have to post again and let you know how it turns out...I was at Kroger yesterday and found that they have frozen, already made meals for a slow cooker. I happen to have a slow cooker so i got one and the meals seem like they can last for 3 or 4 meals. It took MAYBE 3 minutes to prepare and get into the crock pot, turn it on for 8-10 hours while you're in class and you're good to go. Also, they are only 5 bucks if you catch them on sale, so its definitely worth it...my first one is almost finished cooking so ill let you all know how they actually taste🙂

Be careful with preprepared meals. They're usually screwed up nutritionally with ultra-high sodium and fat (that's why they taste good).

I've recently discovered frozen fish (not fish sticks) and veggie burgers. The veggie burgers are super easy (60 seconds in the microwave), add a salad with a variety of sliced veggies (keep the excess in a plastic container) and I've got a meal it took me about 5 minutes to make. The fish takes a little longer at about 20 minutes in the toaster oven, but I set a timer. Cleanup takes less than two minutes.

Spaghetti is super easy (I like whole wheat for the fiber). Add some low-salt veggie sauce. Some steamed broccoli... About 10 minutes to prepare, 15 if you want some warm french bread.

 

[gaba101]

I just made a new discovery today, ill have to post again and let you know how it turns out...I was at Kroger yesterday and found that they have frozen, already made meals for a slow cooker. I happen to have a slow cooker so i got one and the meals seem like they can last for 3 or 4 meals. It took MAYBE 3 minutes to prepare and get into the crock pot, turn it on for 8-10 hours while you're in class and you're good to go. Also, they are only 5 bucks if you catch them on sale, so its definitely worth it...my first one is almost finished cooking so ill let you all know how they actually taste🙂

they always have them at Wal-mart for $4.99