Adjusting calories for sickness?

tarynchatfield
tarynchatfield Posts: 43 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I have the mumps and I'm not supposed to exercise or do anything too strenuous. Should I eat less since I'm sedentary? Or is my body fighting off a virus burning enough that I can keep my calories the same?

I know during TOM the body is doing extra functions and therefore burns more calories, which is why we usually feel hungrier during and I up my calories accordingly during that time. Just curious if I should be adjusting it for being sick as well. I don't want a silly virus complicating my weight loss goals.

Replies

  • ladynocturne
    ladynocturne Posts: 865 Member
    A silly virus can potentially complicate your being alive anymore, so I think that it's the best advise to not diet at all while you're body is fighting it. If you must count calories, at least eat at maintenance. Set MFP to lose 0lbs a week until you are no longer ill.
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    I think you're overthinking it. If you are sick, it is usually for a short period of time. So just eat what you can during that time.
  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    While sick, you'll probably have a hard time getting enough calories. Don't over think it. Make sure you get lots of fluid and nutritious food. I try to get some homemade chicken and vegetable soup into me, maybe some juice and gatorade or coconut water. Plain toast and tea.
  • tarynchatfield
    tarynchatfield Posts: 43 Member
    Most say mumps takes about two weeks to phase out, and I'm going on vacation the first week of August. Since vacation almost inevitably means a little weight gain, I just want to do what I can to prevent a pre-vacation belly :ohwell:
  • tarynchatfield
    tarynchatfield Posts: 43 Member
    While sick, you'll probably have a hard time getting enough calories. Don't over think it. Make sure you get lots of fluid and nutritious food. I try to get some homemade chicken and vegetable soup into me, maybe some juice and gatorade or coconut water. Plain toast and tea.

    I made my first soup today! Dug out my crock pot and made a southwestern soup. Deeeeeeelicious :love: But i's also TOM so I'm balancing nutritious soup and guilty buckets of ice cream :embarassed:

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