Sick, how much will it affect me if I really don't want to e

Daisy_May
Daisy_May Posts: 505 Member
edited September 23 in Health and Weight Loss
I'm sick, really sore throat and the only thing I can imagine eating is chicken noodle soup and popcicles! How bad will it really be for me to be WAY under my calories for a few days?

Replies

  • mlb929
    mlb929 Posts: 1,974 Member
    I ate chicken broth for four days straight while sick. I initially lost 6lbs, probably dehydration from a fever. But after the week, I remained only down 2lbs which I've stayed for a week now.
  • youll go into starvation mode. :) it shouldn't hurt you too bad, but try to get something in you. Try that flavored powder you can put into milk. I forget what it's called, but you can get it at GNC in several flavors and it has a ton of good stuff in it. It's not a protein shake so to speak, but it it easier on a sore throat than a big meal. One shake has over 250 calories in it.
  • Is there something going on up here in the Great White North. I am sick as well, sore throat, temperature, tight chest cough and I have no desire to eat at all. I say go with it but I am not a dietitian. I only ate a few shrimp and some cereal today.
  • kmm7309
    kmm7309 Posts: 802 Member
    I just split a can of tomato soup because I'm sick too! When I was younger, I was always told that your body really needs nourishment to fight infection, so I wouldn't give up food, and don't worry so much about your counts. Still log, of course, but don't stress over being over until you get better. If you're sick, your body will appreciate the rest anyhow!
  • jenX1174
    jenX1174 Posts: 154
    That sucks but, your body needs the rest. It's already working hard to fight that infection, if you exercise you could make yourself worse. Rest up, and get yourself better, and get back to where you were.

    Feel well soon!



    oops, sorry, I read your heading wrong! Plenty of fluids, chicken broth or soup are what count the most when your sick. It's long periods of being under calorie that cause trouble. Being sick for a few days shouldn't affect you.
  • I got phenmonia in late oct for abot 1wk and a half didnt eat much and lost 10 pounds and i dont usaually work out and have kept the weight off!:smile:
  • jon_dub
    jon_dub Posts: 166
    I ofcourse am not a doctor so this is just me saying something that i would do...

    I would try to get some chick soup or broth down. Maybe a slimfast shake or one of those shakes that have some value to them. I always had tomato soup and ginger ale when i was sick. Do what you have to do to feel better and I hope you feel better soon. Being sick sucks.. good luck get well soon
  • gimedatnow
    gimedatnow Posts: 173 Member
    If you're sick, you're sick! Rest well and eat what you can. You might also want to take some multivitamins or vitamin C to boost your immune system. Get well soon!
  • kimjoan
    kimjoan Posts: 192 Member
    You will be just fine. If you are sick, you're sick - just take care of yourself.
  • jon_dub
    jon_dub Posts: 166
    If you're sick, you're sick! Rest well and eat what you can. You might also want to take some multivitamins or vitamin C to boost your immune system. Get well soon!

    If you like cocolate milk.. Ovaltine is full of vitamins and tastes good, its the only choclate milk I let my kids have.
  • NightOwl1
    NightOwl1 Posts: 881 Member
    Try to eat what you can. When you get your appetite back, try to eat above your goal levels (your maintenance level is best) so that your body has enough energy to kill the infection.

    Also, don't worry about weighing in for a couple of weeks until your body normalizes again.
  • Daisy_May
    Daisy_May Posts: 505 Member
    Thanks so much everyone, I just started back here a couple weeks ago and I know at this point I could easily get off track. I'm just worried about losing my momentum....... But I think I'll have some chicken noodle soup and a neo citron and call it a night!
  • kelhun1
    kelhun1 Posts: 183 Member
    The whole "starvation mode" is somewhat overplayed here. Your body is designed for survival. The first thing that is used is your glucose - dietary sugar. When that's gone your liver kicks in and releases glycogen. This is then turned into glucose to be used by your muscles and brain. After that your body starts to dip into your fat stores. Once your fat storage is depleted, then your body will begin to break down muscle and other tissues. This is because muscles are much harder to break down than fat. Your body will take the path of least resistance until all other options are depleted. Most people have enough "extra" fat to make it (easily) through a minor illness.

    I am a medical professional, but I also have a Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorder (very rare). I don't break down stored fat--my body jumps that stage and breaks down muscle, which makes me very aware of how the body SHOULD work...

    Take it easy, eat what you can. (Honey in tea is great for a little sugar boost...and for your throat) Hope you feel better soon.
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