Forced to take a break from my workout routine - How can I keep my lean mass?

roxen72

Hi, I'm fairly new to MFP, just a little less than a month. I've always been pretty active, 4-5 workouts/week, 3 days lifting 1-2 days cardio. Logging in the food helped me realize that I was actually overeating, wasting some of the efforts at the gym. Everything was going well, until I found out that I have a possible inguinal hernia and the doctor recommeded a break from my workouts until I see a specialist (on Monday, March 30th).

Until then, I can only walk, use a stationary bike and swim, no lifting, no running, no core... I'm afraid I will start losing my lean mass, without lifting for a few weeks (maybe more, if the hernia is confirmed and I need surgery).

I was looking for some advice on my nutrition, since there's little I can do about my exercise. How should I change my eating habits in order to preserve my body composition as much as possible? I'm 42, 5 ft 6 and 127 lbs.

Thanks for all the suggestions

Springfield1970

Hi fellow hernia sufferer! I'm pretty much the same stats as you. Just make sure your eating about 100-110g of protein per day, and tbh it's only two weeks until your consultation. Make sure they use a mesh over it. The stupid NHS doctor darned my umbilical hernia like a sock and it broke again. I just get it checked once in a while a take super care on form when lifting and breathing out. It's a big operation now because of the scar tissue but it's not dangerous or painful.

Rest! Eat at maintenance, you'll be fine!