Dieting When You Are Sick ?

Answer 1

It is winter, and you all know what that means. The flu (and a number of other colds) are most likely making their rounds through your area, and you may get one. If you do get sick and you are trying to lose weight this leaves you with a serious question. Should I diet while I am sick?

In the past we have talked a lot about the most effective ways to diet during most times in your life. Today we are going to talk about when you should not be on a diet, and that is when you are sick. When you are sick you need to give your body a break and let it do its job, getting you healthy again.

Now, to be clear I am not talking about someone who has a long-term medical condition. If you have Diabetes, or heart problems or any medical condition where your physician has prescribed dietary changes then you need to follow that diet to the tee. When you are sick if you cannot eat the way you normally would, you should consult your physician for guidance appropriate to your unique medical situation.

For those of you with no other medical conditions to manage, the advice is clear, go off of your diet for the time being. Not every time you have a cough, but if you are feeling ill enough to call out of work, or to miss your classes, then you should probably give your diet a rest for a while and instead listen to what your body is telling you.

If you're craving beef it is probably because your body wants the protein, or the iron, that is found inside of that food. Remember, you do not have to go crazy in order to satisfy it, but you should probably not ignore that urge if it is more than a passing fancy.

What about exercise? Well, on this one we have some great guidance courtesy of the folks over at the Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/AN01097). The experts there say that you can exercise while sick, as long as you meet three conditions:

1. You do not have a fever. Any fever at all.

2. Your symptoms are all from the "head up". So if you have a runny nose, but you are not coughing up phlegm then you may consider working out.

3. You do not have any general fatigue or muscle weakness.

Of course, you also have to use your best judgment. If you do not feel up to it them skip it for now. Also be aware that these guidelines are for mild to moderate exercise. So you should not be pushing yourself while you are sick. You need to be careful, since when you are sick you may be at a greater risk for injuring yourself while you are working out. Remember, when you are sick you need to take care of yourself and give your body time to heal.