Adjusting Calories for Injury

  • Hi
    I am a new member who has been successfully calorie counting for the past 8 weeks. I am using a software program to track calories and weight loss. Now I am sidelined with a broken foot and will be in a cast for 7 weeks. I cannot weigh because I cannot put any weight on my foot. I am also in a wheelchair. Because of my success counting calories I am sure I will keep losing. However, my activity level will be much lower. Has anyone else counted calories in a similar situation? I was averaging about 1450 before injury. Now I seem to be averaging about 1000 based on appetite. I have to spend many hours this week flat on my back with leg elevated -- not very calorie burning activity!
  • I did over the summer after a surgery. At first I dropped out to 1200 but because I was on pain meds and in bed all day I barely ate anything. I would be very careful with going any lower than 1000.
  • Glad to see you posting here. I have had to forgo exercise a few times throughout my weight loss, not as long as the difficulties you are facing. As I never, counted calories burned from exercise too variable IMHO, I never had a problem with platueaing during these times.

    I would consider not only calorie but carb count as you journal. You might be able to get more bang for your calorie buck with fewer carbs. It might also keep cravings and hunger at bay better. I know this has been true for me. I am quite happy on a lower calorie diet but that is because I eat few grains or carbs which trigger my hunger (among other things). It is not that I never eat them, it is just I do not consider them part of a healthy balanced diet for me,on the order of an indulgence, closely watched for side effects.

    I found my carb range, along with my calorie level, and stay within that. Also, your food scale will be your new best friend.

    Hope you heal quickly and completely.
  • Thanks for the low carb suggestion. I think this is true for me in general anyway. And yes, I may be all over the blogs now that I am confined. I do have a brand new high tech precision kitchen scale so I can weigh in grams much better now. Rented hospital bed sets up in the morning so I should be set up soon. I have not been counting my exercise calories either, but I will try to work on upper body bands and weights when I can.
  • I use my old WW scale which tares, measures in grams & oz, uses 2 AA batteries. It isn't pretty enough for the counter so it gets pulled out of the cabinet 3 times a day. Maybe for the new year, I will replace it. This would go against my frugal tendancies, only buying when something does not work.