alexhomeandcoffee wrote: »

In 2019 I was also diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I was at my heaviest (225) last Dec and am now trying to be healthier overall.

I’d love any advice you May have on working out and eating healthier with m.s.

🙋🏻‍♀️✨

NOTE: This ended up being WAY longer than I had originally planned. Whoops.

@alexhomeandcoffee - Oh boy, there's a lot of different directions to go with working out and eating healthier, and it always comes down to trying things until you find something you like and will stick with.

I was lucky(?) to be diagnosed after I had already made a bunch of dietary changes, so I didn't need to change too much. The medication I am on has led to a fun side effect where I am constantly aware of my hydration and electrolyte levels, so I invested in an electrolyte drink mix to add to my water, which helps me avoid extra dizziness (and also assists in muscle recovery after workouts, which is an added bonus!). I have also noticed that I have become more sensitive to sugar, which could be a side effect of MS, MS medications, getting older, etc. Regardless, I try to avoid processed sugary foods whenever I can - this doesn't stop me from eating snacks/desserts, but I need to be mindful so I don't consume too much and send my body out of whack.

As for working out, this is a matter of how much experience you have. When I first decided to get healthier, I started attending an indoor cycling class because cardio seemed more accessible to me, as I had never done much working out in the past. This began as twice per week, with regular walks thrown in. Group fitness helped a lot with getting me in a better mindset to take control of my health, because having people who could hold me accountable was a huge motivator, all I needed to do was get my foot in the door. And the fun thing about most group fitness studios is that they have a free first class, so you can give it a shot without committing to a membership.

If you'd rather do at-home workouts, I tested a number of 30-Day-Challenge apps on my phone at the beginning of the pandemic. Most of them had incredibly short workout plans (less than 10 minutes or so), focused on whatever part of the body you choose.

And if you'd rather go straight for resistance training, I would highly recommend talking to a certified trainer at a gym and have them show you some of the basic machines.

The only thing that having MS really changes is that you need to be more aware of your body at all times. For example: My balance isn't great, so I take extra precautions. I do not respond well to extreme heat, so hot yoga is tricky and outdoor workouts can be tricky and enclosed humid rooms (i.e. spin class) need to have fans running - having water around at all times is a great help. Lots of up and down movement makes me dizzy, so I need to pace myself on movements like burpees and jump squats and anything upsidedown...

Basically, try something, and if you like it, make friends there. Being willing to be bad at something at first grants you so many opportunities to make progress.

Thanks for the help with navigating the app! It is most appreciated.

Username: 2bfitgranny
Weigh-In Day: Monday (July 3)
PW: 213.0
CW: 213.2

minstrelofsarcasm wrote: »

BodyTalking wrote: »

In my previous post, I shared links and calculated my maintenance caloric amount. As you're a numbers person and have knowledge on this, do you think it seems right?

@BodyTalking - Your math appears to be correct. Is there something in particular that has you doubting your numbers? Normally when I see people complaining about the math, it's because they didn't wait long enough for our body's fluctuations to calm down, so they see a higher number on the scale than they'd like due to water retention from hormones, salt, sugar, illness, muscle recovery, stress, etc.

No, I guess I just needed assurance that I was looking at it the right way and wasn't missing something. Thank you. My consumption levels are good but it's my activity levels that are poor 🦥

Have a good day 🌞

Ljdanny
Thurs
Cw 192.3

podperson1 wrote: »

@minstrelofsarcasm could I be excused from weigh-in next week please, I won't have access to a scale.

@podperson1 - Not a problem. Safe travels!

melaniedscott
Saturday weighin
PW: 235
CW: 235

Sun: 9706
Mon: 2962
Tues: 8952
Wed: 7868
Thurs: 6909
Fri: 5054
Sat: ???

I did better with walking this week. Having more vertigo stuff, only reason steps weren't higher yesterday. Will hike today with a friend and then have lunch; hope to avoid more dizzy. On my to do list today is write a proper introduction here.