Flu/Illness and weight loss

hstoblish
hstoblish Posts: 234 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
So, I just came home from work with dizziness and nausea and other flulike symptoms. I'm definitely fighting the flu. Right now, I'm on my last 10-15 pounds, and eating just over my TDEE, while trying to lose .5 pounds per week. I'm also breastfeeding a 13 month old (so I'm eating an extra 200 calories to make up for this). Basically, I'm taking the low slow road to this last bit of weight loss. There is no way that the dizziness and nausea are related to my caloric intake because I've been eating well and eating a bit over lately even.

Here is my question: Do you up your calories to maintenance when you're sick? Do you take some time off?

Replies

  • hstoblish
    hstoblish Posts: 234 Member
    bumping because I'm really curious.
  • kelly_e_montana
    kelly_e_montana Posts: 1,999 Member
    I just eat whatever feels good when I am sick and I don't exercise if I am substantially sick because I want my body to save all of its energy for recovery.
  • psych0kitty
    psych0kitty Posts: 313
    When I'm sick I usually eat far less than normal. I mean, illnesses typically only last a few days, so just listen to your body and take care of it, whatever that means for you.
  • sierra_12
    sierra_12 Posts: 249 Member
    Personally, when I have flu-like symptoms it takes everything I have to get a little gatorade in me for fluids and electrolytes! Let alone make my calorie goal.
    Eat what you can, drink as much fluids as you can, I wouldn't recommend working out (your body is sick, it needs the rest), and really listen to your body. If you can only get in 500 calories, don't stress it. If you can get in 2000, don't stress it!
    You're sick, listen to your body, just go with it (: When you recover, get back on the track. No big deal. (:
    Hope you get better!
  • maddymama
    maddymama Posts: 1,183 Member
    If I was fighting the flu and breastfeeding a baby (please don't stop breastfeeding while you have the flu.... usually your body provides antibodies to help your little one fight the flu more efficiently), I wouldn't worry about calories for awhile. Make sure you stay hydrated and eat to keep your supply up and your energy level as high as possible.
  • ponycyndi
    ponycyndi Posts: 858 Member
    I've got it now. I'm trying to get enough fluids, and I get waves of nausea with cravings for fatty foods between. So I eat what's appealing when I can and lay in bed as much as possible.
  • hstoblish
    hstoblish Posts: 234 Member
    If I was fighting the flu and breastfeeding a baby (please don't stop breastfeeding while you have the flu.... usually your body provides antibodies to help your little one fight the flu more efficiently), I wouldn't worry about calories for awhile. Make sure you stay hydrated and eat to keep your supply up and your energy level as high as possible.

    Thanks! Absolutely, I'll keep on breastfeeding. It's one of the reasons I'm really forcing myself to eat through the normal flu-like loss of appetite. I'm glad you mentioned it though - my mom has this story about how she was told to breastfeed wearing a mask when she had a cold with my little brother... because... what?!

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