Calories question.

[juliahenry]

I'm sick and I can't run and I'm feeling sorry for myself. I have a nasty head cold with aches and a sore throat and I keep popping Advil cold and sinus meds, blah blah blah.

And I'm hungry. I obviously need to bump up my calories from my usual amount. Should I bump up to maintenance level? Where should I aim for? I don't want to totally mess up my hard work and weight loss, but if I try to stick to my usual plan and eat but don't run, I'm too hungry and miserable and I'm eating poorly and then I cave and eat crap for the evening because, hey, I feel sick and ice cream will make my throat all better, right? Wrong!


I need a sensible calorie goal for when I can't do my usual routine. Any suggestions?

[pamela]

I always bump up to maintenance level when I'm sick.

[ebeth]

I'd just forego the tracking and cut yourself a break for a couple of days. don't subsist on ice cream and cheetos or anything, but I think you can relax a little while your recuperate.

[juliahenry]

Thanks, ladies. I've been sick since Friday and I've taken a break from tracking but I'm noticing that its getting less healthy/relaxed and more "ice cream is good for a sore throat"

I think I won't worry about today, but for tomorrow will go up to maintenance calories if I'm not well enough to run and stop taking drugs.

Now, to go get some sour lemon sorbet to make my throat better.

[naldridge]

Ditto, you are working hard to be able to enjoy treats every now and then, so take advantage of it and give yourself a little wiggle room. Or, indulge on "treats" that are still relatively healthy so you can get some extra vitamins/nutrients to feel better AND enjoy something special.

[aurora]

I hope you feel better soon!

(I agree with the others that it's OK not to track while you're sick; some illnesses definitely make me hungrier, and it makes sense that my body is working hard to fight off the infection.)