Dieting while sick.

That's stupid. Of course calories count when sick. Especially because you're sitting around in bed all day. I suggest that since you don't have much of an appetite, just eat what you can. Don't force yourself to eat, but do eat often since the fever may burn calories.

That's stupid. Of course calories count when sick. Especially because you're sitting around in bed all day. I suggest that since you don't have much of an appetite, just eat what you can. Don't force yourself to eat, but do eat often since the fever may burn calories.

Your sarcasm meter needs calibrated.

That's stupid. Of course calories count when sick. Especially because you're sitting around in bed all day. I suggest that since you don't have much of an appetite, just eat what you can. Don't force yourself to eat, but do eat often since the fever may burn calories.

Well I've been told haven't I? Pardon me while I slink away in shame, having been caught saying something stupid.


Ahem.

It most definitely doesn't matter anymore more than a bag of chips once in a while matters.

I've been off the routine for 3 months because of two pretty serious illnesses and an injury and my weight hasn't budged. I'm weaker and a bit softer, but recovery is too damn important to set myself further back.

I am bored and laying in bed, so I figured I would ask a question.

When you are sick, with either the flu or common cold, how should you handle your diet?

Barring nausea, should I continue shooting for my typical calorie and macro range? Should I reduce it because of my lack of appetite? Would any of this affect the duration and severity of the illness?

I was sick with the flue and fever Thursday through Saturday after Christmas. I was in bed a lot and sleeping on and off through out the day. However, since I had no stomach problems, I ate just normally, which kept me somewhat under my calorie goal two days and up to my calorie goal the third day. I had no weight gain problems.

I'm not sure what you SHOULD do but when I'm sick and not feeling like eating I don't worry too much about my calories. I try to eat something to nurture my body but that isn't too heavy such as chicken soup and drink as much water as I can to stay hydrated. I have found that this keeps me from becoming too weak and feeling worse.

I typically try to eat as normally as possible if I can. But I also tend to eat bland foods regularly so that's not usually a problem. But definitely toss in some more fruit, they're higher in a lot of nutrients, so maybe ignore the sugar levels a little bit, but otherwise eating normally should be fine.

I took a vitamin C and zinc tablet earlier. And planning on soup and grilled cheese later. But my macros are screwed unless I get some major protein.

I can understand wanting to stay in bed while sick and not grilling a huge honking steak for dinner. Perhaps something simple like scrambled eggs, which has the protein you are seeking, as it is easy to make and chew may help?

Hope you feel better soon. Take care.

That's stupid. Of course calories count when sick. Especially because you're sitting around in bed all day. I suggest that since you don't have much of an appetite, just eat what you can. Don't force yourself to eat, but do eat often since the fever may burn calories.

You might want to rethink your post. Implying that people's ideas are 'stupid' is incredibly rude and not encouraged on MFP.

Don't worry about it while you are sick. Eat what you can and what makes you feel better (or perhaps what doesn't make you sick).

Get your routine back when you are feeling better.

Had a bad cold for a few days last week- ate whatever I wanted. Tried to eat healthy-ish 'sick foods' but I felt so crappy I didn't really prepare any legitimate meals. Didn't exercise either. Just slept a ton, blew my nose constantly, and used my neti pot. I certainly wouldn't want to feel like I had even less energy by eating a deficit number of calories. My whole goal when I am sick is to get better.

Usually when I am *really* sick I have no appetite at all or can't hold down food- I wouldn't try to force myself to eat if I was nauseous with a 24 hour bug. So you won't hit your macros for a few days- you can get back on track when you are better!

That's stupid. Of course calories count when sick. Especially because you're sitting around in bed all day. I suggest that since you don't have much of an appetite, just eat what you can. Don't force yourself to eat, but do eat often since the fever may burn calories.

That's stupid. Of course calories count when sick. Especially because you're sitting around in bed all day. I suggest that since you don't have much of an appetite, just eat what you can. Don't force yourself to eat, but do eat often since the fever may burn calories.

Your sarcasm meter needs calibrated.

^Agreed

I've had flu for the past two days, and weirdly my diet has been far better than it normally is. Eating well is significantly easier while I sit in bed watching silly documentaries.

Try to eat small meals, like vegetable soup, wholemeal toast, wholemeal sandwiches and salads. I had a frozen banana earlier, since my throat was really sore. Avoiding greasy food should stop you from vomiting.

The most important thing is to drink as much water as you can. Try to avoid caffeine and alcohol.

I was JUST about to post something similar to this so lemme highjack your post a little

What about when you've had the stomach virus? I haven't thrown up in over 24 hours but I DO NOT feel like eating AT ALL. I'm drinking fluids but just don't wanna eat. Do I have to? :sad:

You should try some dry toast. Anything with fats (butter etc.) is more likely to make you vomit. If you're ok after a few hours, have a small meal.