I work 12 hour days (im an RN)- and i stay pretty active throughout the day with minimal sitting.. I keep my burn meter set at sedentary and just add in my exercise.. but on my work days, being as though im not at all sedentary, should i add in occupation?? they actually have one for nursing.. I know this similar topic has come up before- i just want to be sure im calculating correctly.. especially since a 12 hour day claims to burn approx. 1800 cals! thats alot. am i doing this right?? HELP!

Mia

Mia -- I think you would be best suited to set your burn meter at at least light activity -- and till add in your exercise, otherwise you are in danger of really not eating enough to cover your active work schedule and your exercise.

If you have a pedometer, you could also wear it for a couple of days (not while exercising) -- and using the step count, make a basic determination of your activity level thusly:

sedentary 0 (miles) or less than 4,900 (steps)

somewhat active up to 4 (miles) or up to 9,400 (steps) (lightly active)

active 4 to 10 (miles) or 9,400 to 23,500 (steps) (Moderately active)

very active more than 10 (miles) or more than 23,500 (steps)

you would then pick your activity level and STILL add in your exercise (this is the point most people do not understand).  Your activity level is based on your normal, every day activity -- exercise can actually be above and beyond that

Of course you should! You're on you feet working hard and burning a ton of calories... nursing is NOT a 'sedentary' occupation by any stretch of the imagination. So either add your working shifts to your activity log, or else move your activity level up a notch or two to make up for it.

Thanks for the suggestions! I originally had my burn meter set at light.. but i was afraid i was overestimating my daily burn :) (go figure).. However, i only work 3 days/week.. the days that i am off, my only "real" activity is the gym.. if i clean, was car, etc. i add this in as well (on a sedentary level).

Maybe i should switch it back.. It just seems like ALOT! I have no problem eating enough.. I guess i just want to be sure im accurate when calculating. its the OCD :)

Thanks,

Mia

I work ten hour days helping people with mental illnesses get done the day-to-day things they need to do to stay stable and in their own homes.  I drive a lot; sometimes as much as 3 hours a day.  I always count this, because it's 161 calories an hour, so I want credit for it.  That way I can justify that ice cream in the evening!  Seriously, though, I count it, and I lose fairly steadily, so it works for me, at least.  I think there should be a calorie allowance for job stress!  It may not be calories, but it definitely takes something out of us .