Disability

channyphil1967

I am wondering if the fitness plan people knew I am disabled and use a wheelchair, would they work out the amount of calories I need to eat and burn differently knowing that I cannot move, or exercise as much as an able bodied person. Don't get me wrong I am not lazy, and I work very hard to achieve my goals, despite my limitations. But I find it very hard to fit the amount of calories required into my day, plus when I work out and burn calories you add more, which often means I am under my calorie goal. Any suggestions the plan more realistic.and my goals more obtainable?

SueInAz

MFP is actually set up so that you do not need to do exercise to lose weight. It calculates your calorie needs for the day before exercise and gives you a daily calorie goal. Then, if you DO exercise, you add that into the tool and it gives you more calories so that you maintain the same calorie deficit each day.

That said, since you are disabled, you may find that the amount of calories you burn on a daily basis just by doing your normal routine is a bit less than someone who is walking around at least part of the day. At that point, it becomes a question to pose to your medical team.

I guess the thing you can figure out right now is, how fast are you losing weight? Are you coming close to the pounds per week goal you've set for MFP? There are dangers inherent in eating far under what your body actually needs each day and you don't want to lose too quickly as a result. So, if you are losing more than 2 pounds per week, I'd definitely try to eat more. It's not that difficult. Simply eat things that are more calorie dense rather than lots of low calorie things. I can't see your diary to see what you're currently eating but don't eat the "low fat" or "nonfat" versions of things. Add butter or cheese to your veggies, cook with olive oil, use creamy dressings, cheese and nuts on your salads. Add a handful of nuts to your day somewhere as a snack, use peanut butter. Drink your calories if you can't eat them. Fruit juices have lots and will give you some good vitamins and minerals, too.

hekla90

If you are worried about it put your activity level to sedentary.

channyphil1967

I have done that, but it still says I have to burn over 2,000 calories a week?