Opinions needed on this

eatbig1
eatbig1 Posts: 4 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I'm currently sick with some kind of stomach flu/poisoning and have missed the gym for a week. I know this isnt something to worry about since it's long term gains that matter but I havent been able to consume protein because things like chicken or fish or poultry in general are hard on the stomach. I tried whey but it made it worse I think. My concerns are that my nutrition(crappy foods like chips, Gatorade, crackers, cereals, sometimes poptart) is affecting my muscle retention and also since I am not working out, I am concerned that since all of these foods are simple carbohydrates (simple carbs are easy on the stomach) that I would gain primarily fat and lose muscle due to lack of training and lack of protein. Its mentally *kitten* when trying to put on good size. I would love your input on this

Replies

  • k8eekins
    k8eekins Posts: 2,264 Member
    Urgent care stat.
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 38,126 Community Helper
    Nutrition, especially when it comes to malnutrition, is primarily something that happens over a longer period of time (weeks to months). Muscle loss, of any material amount, is also something that happens over a longer period of time.

    You're talking about a week.

    No need to worry, just get yourself better.

    Also, if you eat dairy, consider mixing something like ricotta cheese or sour cream or or cream or cream cheese (the latter two especially good if you're not getting enough calories) into mashed potatoes. Very bland, soothing, has protein. (I ate this when nauseated after chemotherapy treatments.) Or eat some yogurt, if you like yogurt. Maybe with oatmeal or cream of wheat.

    Even if you can't eat those things, this will be over in a few days. You'll be fine, nutritionally.
  • eatbig1
    eatbig1 Posts: 4 Member
    middlehaitch wrote: »
    One or two weeks of poor nutrition and no exercise will make little/no difference to you muscle mass or strength, especially long term.

    Eat what you can at maintenance until you are well.

    Start back at the gym easy. You may find (I always do) dropping your weights/or reps back to the numbers before last recorded easier on you than charging right in and picking up where you left off.

    Cheers, h.

    Update, doc said no lifting for a month maybe more and I KNOW after 2 weeks of no training, your strength and muscle decreases. How to cope with this? The doctor seemed unreliable . Like hes just a registered nurse and he seemed to ignore my questions and such
  • eatbig1
    eatbig1 Posts: 4 Member
    Overall a doctor who doesnt care
  • eatbig1
    eatbig1 Posts: 4 Member
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    Really, it's not that big a deal. You may lose some perceived strength, but it's not due to significant loss of muscle tissue. Strength will come back quickly when you start training again.

    Why did you ask for opinions - the doctors or ours - if you already know what you think?

    Even for months? Sorry if I seemed like an "ask-hole" per urban dictionary 😂
    I just wanted some more input
  • corinasue1143
    corinasue1143 Posts: 7,460 Member
    Totally agree with the above. Your first day back at the gym you’ll probably feel very weak and like you’ve really lost a lot of strength and stamina. Take it slow and easy. Be gentle with yourself. In a month or so you’ll be back to where you were, and figuring out how to improve. Just a small bump on your road to fitness!
  • phx92
    phx92 Posts: 87 Member
    eatbig1 wrote: »

    Update, doc said no lifting for a month maybe more and I KNOW after 2 weeks of no training, your strength and muscle decreases. How to cope with this? The doctor seemed unreliable . Like hes just a registered nurse and he seemed to ignore my questions and such

    Maybe see another doc for a second opinion if you dont trust who you spoke to?

    It sounds like you have a pretty serious illness and it might be a good idea to take it easy and try to recover fully. If you go too hard before you’re better you could wind up making t worse and hurting your outcomes in the long run.

    Have you tried eating eggs, broth, soup etc? Or other things that might have more nutrition that pop tarts or chips but are still a little easier on your stomach

  • aokoye
    aokoye Posts: 3,495 Member
    eatbig1 wrote: »
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    Really, it's not that big a deal. You may lose some perceived strength, but it's not due to significant loss of muscle tissue. Strength will come back quickly when you start training again.

    Why did you ask for opinions - the doctors or ours - if you already know what you think?

    Even for months? Sorry if I seemed like an "ask-hole" per urban dictionary 😂
    I just wanted some more input

    Remember, it's not as if you're not moving. You'll still be moving and/or bearing weight. Not bearing weight or moving muscles for 2 months will cause what you're worried about. If you were in a cast/sling for 2 months or not able to walk using both legs for two months this would be a different story. That isn't the situation you're in though.That said, even if you were in that situation, the most important thing is for you to get over this illness. Continuing to go to the gym will not help with that.
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