G'morning fellow calorie counters. I have a bit of a question/survey for you all.

First, a wee bit of background: I've been working out (treadmill & weights) most days before work and eating around 1600 calories for the last couple of weeks and losing 2-3 lbs a week, which I'm thrilled with. Then I caught a nasty cold about a week ago, and have been feeling too yucky to do any exercise beyond a few moderate walks. Now normally if I had to miss the gym for a non-health reason, I'd drop my calorie intake that day by 1-200, but I didn't want to deprive my body when I was fighting off an infection, so I kept my food levels steady. I'm feeling better today, and this morning weighed in at the same weight I was pre-cold. Which I can't complain about, really. But I'd like to get the loss kick-started again. I hit the gym again for the first time this morning, and felt good afterwards... would you recommend sticking to around 1600 cals still? Or a little lower??

More generally, what's your strategy to avoid slippage when you're sick or otherwise out of commission?

Hope you're all doing well!!

Stella

The rule of thumb I use is if I don't have a fever or body aches and its from the neck up I do cardio but at a lower intensity. They say it can actually help with the symptoms. If its the neck down I rest. I was sick last week, sore throat and ear problems. I did my cardio but not at the same intensity that I normally do.

Calorie wise I stayed at the same count and just made sure that I ate oranges and other fruit along with Progresso lower sodium chicken noodle soup. My body actually seem to really like it. I also took extra vitamin C. I lost 4 lbs last week.

Another trick for me is I make sure that I hydrated. I always make sure I get at least 100 ounces a day. When I don't feel well I usually use warm water. I even had diet hot chocolate with some sugar free peppermint candy one night. Was a great treat for me and seemed to make me feel better. LOL!

If you are back with your workouts then definitely keep your calories at 1600. You don't want to wear yourself out by not eating enough for the work your doing especially when your body is still kicking out the end of your cold. I'm worried that I will be in your boat soon. Everyone around me has had that cold/flu that is going around with the fever and no energy. Today I have the scratchy and dry throat that always signals a cold for me. I hope it's only a regular cold and not the bug that's going around. Just incase I'm stocking up on soups and crackers. If I get a fever I won't want to eat but I will try and get some calories in.

Keep your calories at 1600. All you did during your illness was maintain your weight and delay reaching your goal weight by a week. It's no big deal. Keep at it, keep your calories the same and keep exercising.