So, yesterday I found out the docs are going to operate on my foot on 31st May, and I'll have to wear a rather sexy post-op shoe and have crutches for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks I'll be able to swim, cycle and walk again but running/hiking etc will take up to 4 months.
Seeing as though I basically control my weight by exercise these days, I am a bit worried. I cycle for 60mins at least a day, do Pilates 1 x week, swimming x 2 and running x 2 (although running not recently because of the foot prob). SO that is a lot of calories I won't be burning for six weeks.
I am toying with the idea of doing a month of low carb, seeing as though I won't be needing the carbs for sport. WHat do you guys think? Any tips for me?!
IMO cutting carbs will help if you're unable to exercise. Keep a good tally on both your protein/carb/fat intake and calories, too. While it's not best to say that "since I exercised I can eat more" it does come into play, so being severely restricted in the exercise department might cause some weight gain unless you're quite mindful of what you're eating. Join us in the No Excuses thread to help account for what you're eating.
Thanks for your help! I will definitely join the no excuses thread after my op. I think I'll go hardcore for a month or so and stop baking. I never eat pre-packaged sweets really anymore (since doing Atkins and reading up on what they put in them) but I love baking healthy versions of things. Even the healthy versions aren't exactly what you'd call low calorie. Hmm.
I have a tendency to get really obsessed with any form of calorie/daily weight tracking so I'd still like to stay clear of that but I might get back onto the level 2 Atkins and restrict myself that way. I think I could manage Pilates after the first couple of days as well, and crutches will give me killer arms!
I was on crutches for a week and off exercise for two weeks after that while just getting started with weight loss in February. Not sugar-coating it: it's hard to lose without constant cardio. I did it by keeping my calories to 1200 a day, which is something I absolutely cannot manage right now since I have been working out daily or almost daily.
You should definitely be able to continue with Pilates almost immediately. I started doing floor work very quickly and it helped me feel so much better about not being able to run (or really, walk) anywhere.
Most importantly, don't fret about possible weight gain too much -- perhaps commit to staying with no-exercise maintenance calories of 1600 a day and keep those calories healthful and honest. You'll be back on your feet and better off in no time at all!
Yep I think you're right, I'm going to have to suck it up and count calories online. I normally maintain at around 2000-2200 I think, so I think 1,500 will be OK while doing nothing. Hoepfully I won't put on any weight! I can do Pilates as long as I keep the operated foot elevated, so I can do chair position exercises with one foot on an actual chair etc. I'll try and keep my leg muscles though, I've grown to love them!
maintaining and losing without exercise?
