Recently I was in a minor car accident. The only injury I sustained happened when my knee hit the dashboard upon impact. I had hoped this injury would be healed quickly. However, the knee is a complex part of the body and one we use quite often. Being told that I had to stay put with my knee elevated sounded like a mini vacation and an excuse to be sedentary for a short while. That shore while has turned into three weeks and counting. Some knee injuries heal in 4 weeks but it can take up to 12 months for certain other types. That is a long time to be sedentary and quickly makes that mini vacation seem like a prison. My thoughts of leading such a sedentary lifestyle for a short time caused me to think about my weight loss plan. As if it was not bad enough that I had fallen off the wagon and had life get in the way now I was stuck on a couch due to an injury. I already have so much weigh to lose that I cannot afford to gain any more due to my knee. Oh how I wish I had accomplished more in the area of weight loss before this happened.
So rather than excusing myself from my goals due to a bum knee I wanted to find ways to keep myself motivated and on track. I know I am not the only injured person who dreams of succeeding at weight loss goals.
Tips:
1. Talk to your doctor! Do NOT risk causing more damage to your injury as that can lead to a longer recovery time or permanent injury. Ask your doctor what you are capable of and what types of exercises will promote recovery.
2. Watch what you eat! This is not the time to give up on making healthy eating choices. Now more than ever you need to eat well and drink plenty of water. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking your weight loss goals are on hold for the time being so you wonder what harm a quart of ice cream could cause.
3. It’s okay to get a helping hand! Asking for help is not something I am good at doing. I would sooner drag a load of laundry from my second floor all the way to my basement in pain then ask for help. Does that make any sense at all? Of course not, ask for the help you need.
4. Be mindful of inactivity! Inactivity can lead to feelings of depression and helplessness. Not to mention it can cause you to eat mindlessly through three bags of Cheetos. Before you guzzle down another soda only to realize it was your sixth can, turn off the TV and do something. My injury has led me to watch a ton of TV. TV=hunger! Try reading, writing, playing board games, making jewelry, crafting, or playing online. Stay busy in a manner that does not risk more injury. If all those sedentary activities sound like hunger to you than change what you eat to healthy options.
It isn’t easy to lose weight while you have an injury but it does mean you have to gain more weight. Be mindful of your food intake and be active to the best of your capabilities. Keep your mind focused on health and healing and soon you will be up on that treadmill again!
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