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3 Methods Bankers Use To Not Get Fat
 

TheKing's picture
O
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 2:19pm
Analyst Lifting

One of the biggest challenges you'll face in your first few years in finance is keeping your weight under control. When you're pulling 100 hour weeks and have $25 a night to spend on food, it's easy to start packing on the pounds.

Let's be clear, when you're turning pitch edits around the clock, the last thing you'll want to do is eat a side salad for dinner.

So, how does one deal with the long hours, the stress, and lack of sleep and manage to stay in some semblance of shape? There are a number of ways....

As someone who came into banking straight out of college and in decent shape, it was important to me to try and not let myself go. Over the course of my career, I've tried, or witnessed, several different methods, each with its own set of pros and cons. Here are some of the highlights:

The Workout Freak Method

We've all encountered the type. The guy who's up at the crack of dawn doing laps at the pool. The guy who's spending his Sundays running half marathons. The dude who's already completed a triathlon. I've found that finance attracts more professional exercisers than any other field. I guess it comes with the Type A territory.

The Pros of being a workout freak are, obviously, that you'll stay healthy and be in great shape. The Cons, however, are that you'll be spending a ton of your free time at the gym, it takes a fuck-ton of dedication, and your less-fit colleagues will probably harbor a secret resentment of you. I suppose it beats lovehandles, though.

The Fad Diet Method

Maybe I've just worked with some oddballs, but I've had several co-workers do any number of fad diets to keep their weight down. Atkins, South Beach, the caveman diet, I've even seen people do stretches of veganism. Whatever it takes to keep the calories down.

As far as I've seen, there really aren't too many pros here. At best, some of the older folks I've worked with can shed a few pounds by drastically switching up their food habits, but the results are usually short-lived. Plus, if you're on the South Beach diet, you'll end up looking like a fool when you eat your sandwich sans bread in client lunch meetings. I've seen this happen, and it's just weird. Don't be that guy.

The 'Never Eat after 7pm' Method

Maybe this one seems weird, but it's generally worked pretty well for me. It takes some major will power, but if you can keep a decent window of time between when you eat your last meal and when you go to sleep, you can usually keep your weight down. If you can also mix in a decent workout three or four times a week, you could be golden. The downside, of course, is that you'll feel like an old head when you're eating dinner at six.

It really all comes down to doing things in moderation. Not gorging yourself on burgers and fries every night and trying to work in a decent workout here and there. Sacrifice a little sleep once in a while or some time on the weekends to get to the gym. Not everyone has the will power, or the desire, to train for marathons, but hitting the gym when you can will provide damage control.

Alternatively, there's always the I don't give a fuck method

This, as you can imagine, consists of maximizing your food intake and minimizing your exercise. You either have a hyperactive metabolism, stay slim, and clog your arteries, or you gain a ton of weight and have to buy new clothes. Either way, as long as you don't give a fuck and get your work done, good on you.

Anyway, I'm curious to hear how others on WSO kept themselves in shape while cranking away for 80 hours a week. Also, how many of you guys have worked with a marathon runner type? Or, better yet, are you that guy? If so, can you feel the quiet resentment your colleagues have for you?

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Comments

Addinator's picture

You definetly have the types

ST
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 12:58pm

You definetly have the types down, I guess I fall into the wake up at 5 am everyday grouping. Personally, I find it easier to be more productive throughout the day when I'm up and already have a workout it. Plus, easier to find motivation than after a whole day at work. Granted, I normally am not up until 1 am cranking out spreadsheets so that obviously makes it a bit more palatable to keep a gym schedule.

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IlliniProgrammer's picture

I am one of those weird

ST
(Almost Human, 9,219
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 1:04pm

I am one of those weird part-type A part-type B personality types. Combination of healthy eating, walking to work, and four trips (not ten) to the gym every week for a mile and a half swim each time.

Speaking of swimming, I'm doing the Broolyn Bridge Swim in two weeks. Anyone interested in joining me?

Work hard, play hard.

jesus of nazareth's picture

I used to be all about rising

 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 1:05pm

I used to be all about rising early to exercise. However, unfortunately, my job already requires me to get up at 5am.

FormerHornetDriver's picture

For NYC-based bankers, are

IB
(Orangutan, 363
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 1:14pm

For NYC-based bankers, are there decent delivery options for somewhat-healthy meals? A friend of mine at a BB in NYC orders sushi just about every night with the primary purpose of keeping his weight a bit under control.

Thoughts?

JimmyDormandy's picture

When I worked in banking, I

VC
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 1:21pm

When I worked in banking, I used the aformentioned plan of not eating late. Also, I ordered fish/chicken/meat (only once a week) in conjunction with veggies and some sort of healthy starch. Also, during the day I ate a lot of fruit, protein shakes, yogurt, pb&j on whole wheat, etc. I found that eating every couple of hours prevented me from over indulging during any one meal. Maybe I was fortunate, but most of my group were ex athletes (like myself), so if we wanted to hit the gym from 7-8 at night (as long as there wasn't a deadline, there was no issue with that). Also, if you don't hit Starbuck's 3 times a day, you can add up that time to use for the gym, not drink sugary drinks and save yourself a pretty penny too.

"Jesus, he's like a gremlin; comes with instructions and shit"

jack_donaghy's picture

Biking on the weekend. A 1

IB
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 1:24pm

Biking on the weekend. A 1 hour ride at a serious clip will burn 1000 calories.

MMA during the week. I'm not suggesting that anybody sub in to take on Spider Silva in a couple of weeks, but the constantly changing workout will help shed some weight at about 2-3 hours per week.

JimmyDormandy's picture

if you can find a local

VC
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 1:25pm

if you can find a local crossfit gym near work, I would recommend that. Your workout is done in under an hour and you get in ridiculous shape. I have been doing it for 6 months and it was the best decision of my life.

"Jesus, he's like a gremlin; comes with instructions and shit"

MEvolutionToday's picture

For me, the only method that

(Baboon, 127
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 1:27pm

For me, the only method that works is: calories in = calories out => no weight gain/loss.

When I eat during the day I just make sure that I meet my calorie requirements. No matter what I eat, this rule applies.

Domino's picture

I'm the marathon runner

(Baboon, 134
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 1:29pm

I'm the marathon runner type.

For me, it seems to work pretty well to work out 2-3 times per week coupled with a few short runs. I find the most important thing however is what you eat. When not out with clients, I avoid sugars, bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, anything that has >10% carbs, somewhat following the caveman diet. When eating with clients however, everything is fair game.

Domino's picture

Or you could just take up

(Baboon, 134
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 1:31pm

Or you could just take up smoking.

jesus of nazareth's picture

Domino: I'm the marathon

 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 1:32pm
Domino:

I'm the marathon runner type.

For me, it seems to work pretty well to work out 2-3 times per week coupled with a few short runs. I find the most important thing however is what you eat. When not out with clients, I avoid sugars, bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, anything that has >10% carbs, somewhat following the caveman diet. When eating with clients however, everything is fair game.

Interesting, a friend of mine does that. He said avoiding carbs keeps you awake and refreshed throughout the day. Gotta try that some point.

U Accrete Me's picture

Book: The four hour body. I

IB
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 1:40pm

Book: The four hour body.

I actually learned about this book from WSO. The author of this book seems to be obsessed with experimenting on his body to the readers benefit. I'm on the Slow-Carb diet, as described by the book, supplementing my meals with different vitamins and extracts including Green Tea Extracts, Garlic Extracts, and Alpha Lipoic Acid. You pretty much eat Cruciferous Veges, and anything else green, a shit ton of meat and lean fish (think tuna not salmon), no white carbs - bread, rice, pasta etc and eat lots of legumes. Love it because it allows you to eat a huge portion of these foods and your allowed one super awesome cheat day per week, and by that i mean eating anything. Highly recommend the book and the diet. Not so challenging and very quick and effective.

labanker's picture

When I was an analyst I'd

PE
(Orangutan, 330
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 1:42pm

When I was an analyst I'd pick-up Whole Foods for dinner using my per diem and grab something healthy for lunch the next day as well. They usually had a decent assortment of healthy fare.

Workout wise I'd aim to get in three weight workouts per week. Two during the weekdays and one on the weekend. Would usually get them in during the later evenings after the senior folks went home. Would go bang out a quick 45 min workout at say 9 p.m. (or sometimes just roll workout / dinner into one) and then come back to the office to finish up whatever needed to be done. 2x during the week was usually about the right frequency. Anything more would be tough and anything less you'd see limited gains.

Now I have more time so my workout regimen is more varied. Also eat very few carbs (similar to this former McKinsey consultant http://eatingacademy.com/). Honestly this last point is the best way to keep the pounds off. If you don't eat carbs it doesn't matter how much / how little you exercise. You'll stay lean. And yes I am that guy that doesn't eat the bread on my sandwich in client meetings.

FormerHornetDriver's picture

I disregard any 'fad diets'

IB
(Orangutan, 363
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 1:43pm

I disregard any 'fad diets' as soon as I read that they do not allow booze......

On a more serious note.....(but not really).....

It's interesting that many of you mentioned the caveman diet. One of my father's former colleagues, who is now in his late 70s, has been on the caveman diet for about 30 years and the guys seriously looks 25 years younger than he actually is. He could easily pass for late 40s, early 50s and he is not at all a workout nazi.

Maybe it is something to look into?

Domino's picture

jesus of

(Baboon, 134
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 1:50pm
jesus of nazareth:
Domino:

I'm the marathon runner type.

For me, it seems to work pretty well to work out 2-3 times per week coupled with a few short runs. I find the most important thing however is what you eat. When not out with clients, I avoid sugars, bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, anything that has >10% carbs, somewhat following the caveman diet. When eating with clients however, everything is fair game.

Interesting, a friend of mine does that. He said avoiding carbs keeps you awake and refreshed throughout the day. Gotta try that some point.

I agree with him. I also drink a few cups of coffee during the day, but that's more because I like the taste rather than because I'm feeling tired.

Not quite sure of this, but the way that I've had it explained is that the human body is not very good at processing carbs as it will store it for later as fat. The human body has not adjusted to getting at least 3 meals per day and thus seeks to store the energy contained in carbs, leading to weight-gain. (I'm not an expert on this, feel free to correct me anyone)

R0bin's picture

I was honestly expecting

(Orangutan, 292
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 2:48pm

Baby you're the perfect shape, baby you're the perfect weight. Treat me like my birthday, I want it this way and I want it that way. It makes a man feel good baby.

THE PsYcHoLoGy's picture

Awesome post! I'm fortunate

IB
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 2:03pm

Born to bank. Born to win.

Onetwobit's picture

well I don't eat dinner to

CF
(Orangutan, 252
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 2:10pm
TheBigBambino's picture

I was a gym freak but i'm one

VC
(Orangutan, 269
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 2:14pm

"If you want to succeed in this life, you need to understand that duty comes before rights and that responsibility precedes opportunity."

TheBigBambino's picture

Also - signing up for a 5K or

VC
(Orangutan, 269
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 2:18pm

"If you want to succeed in this life, you need to understand that duty comes before rights and that responsibility precedes opportunity."

bankerella's picture

I didn't see my method here.

IB
(King Kong, 1,863
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 2:27pm

See my other WSO blog posts

wallstasks's picture

As many others I lost a

 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 2:37pm
J_monkey's picture

Basically, all I eat at home

O
(Baboon, 165
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 2:44pm
LBObuyout's picture

hmm weight loss pills?

IB
(Baboon, 174
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 3:05pm
IlliniProgrammer's picture

TheBigBambino: Also - signing

ST
(Almost Human, 9,219
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 3:08pm

Work hard, play hard.

Edmundo Braverman's picture

IlliniProgrammer: Speaking of

ST
(Human, 14,357
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 3:12pm

TheKing's picture

On a serious note, if anyone

O
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 3:15pm

Check out my WSO Blog

OMS's picture

eating after 7pm is just fine

PE
(King Kong, 1,886
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 3:24pm
MonkeyWrench's picture

TheKing: On a serious note,

O
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 3:25pm

"Who am I? I'm the guy that does his job. You must be the other guy."

OMS's picture

JimmyDormandy: When I worked

PE
(King Kong, 1,886
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 3:30pm
JimmyDormandy's picture

OMS: JimmyDormandy: When I

VC
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 3:44pm

"Jesus, he's like a gremlin; comes with instructions and shit"

Senvik's picture

A rather old but still

 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 4:06pm

"You stop being an asshole when it sucks to be you." - IlliniProgrammer

TheKing's picture

Oh yeah, water is huge. I

O
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 4:16pm

Check out my WSO Blog

turtles's picture

IlliniProgrammer: I'm doing

IB
(Neanderthal, 2,937
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 4:44pm

Just saying...

West Coast Analyst's picture

TheKing, Are you still in PE?

CF
(Orangutan, 298
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 5:01pm
IlliniProgrammer's picture

turtles: IlliniProgrammer:

ST
(Almost Human, 9,219
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 5:03pm

Work hard, play hard.

RARORAC's picture

For me running to or from

IB
(Chimp, 10
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 5:44pm
IlliniProgrammer's picture

Eddie, how fast are you

ST
(Almost Human, 9,219
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 5:47pm

Work hard, play hard.

kmess024's picture

I would think that having to

EN
(Orangutan, 312
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 5:55pm

The Four E's of investment
"The greatest Enemies of the Equity investor are Expenses and Emotions."- Warren Buffet

jesus of nazareth's picture

QUESTION: does any trader on

 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 6:09pm
Onetwobit's picture

is anyone else addicted to

CF
(Orangutan, 252
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 6:09pm
prudentinvestor's picture

Here is a simpler solution.

(Orangutan, 317
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 6:12pm
whatwhatwhat's picture

how do you develop the

HF
(King Kong, 1,400
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 6:58pm
Oscar_chow's picture

I've been working out for a

 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 7:06pm
TheKing's picture

huethan: TheKing, Are you

O
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 7:30pm

Check out my WSO Blog

21 Lives's picture

TheKing: A dumb trick that

(Orangutan, 266
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 8:21pm

My WSO Blog

"Unbelievably Believable" -- RG3

thegreencoat's picture

5am: 3 mile run, 3 days a

(Chimp, 12
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 8:46pm
labanker's picture

TheKing: I'm still in PE,

PE
(Orangutan, 330
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 9:02pm
Relinquis's picture

I think there are merits to

RE
(Neanderthal, 2,186
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 10:18pm

relinquis... Killing the GMAT this December; Over/Under set at: 725 GMATs.

gh15's picture

currently an SA. wake up at

IB
(Monkey, 44
 
Points)
 on 6/26/12 at 11:59pm

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