Being sick is never pleasant, and it can be particularly debilitating when it comes to weight loss. However, there are ways that you can use your body’s decline to your advantage, and gain weight where you might otherwise lose it. Here are a few tips on how to do that.
Diet And Activity
An obvious place to start is your diet and activity levels. If you are not eating properly or moving around enough, then it is highly likely you will put on more weight. To compound the issue, several illnesses cause you to lose muscle mass as well as fat, so your body’s ability to maintain a healthy weight becomes more difficult.
It is therefore important to try and eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, and get plenty of sleep and exercise. While you are unwell at the moment, there are several steps you can take to improve your diet and activity levels, gain some weight, and make the most of your illness. Simply put, it’s never pleasant to be sick, but it can be extremely beneficial.
Take Your Time
If you have been sick for a long time, it might be difficult to make significant amounts of weight gain. When you are finally well, you will generally feel stronger and be able to do more, which will eventually lead to you putting on more weight than you would have had you stayed sick. This is why it is preferable to take the time you need to get well instead of jumping straight into weight loss mode.
Weight Gain Is A Part Of Your Body’s Recovery
As much as we want to believe otherwise, putting on some weight after you have been sick is actually a good thing. When you are ill, your body needs more energy to fight the infection or recover from the injuries. In the process of doing so, it will inevitably store some fat and calories as a means of protecting itself. When that energy is used, the body will begin to break down fat, and it is advisable to let that happen.
When we are healthy, we often assume that we should maintain a certain weight, however, that is not always the case. While you are sick, putting on weight can be highly beneficial, and it is a good idea to take advantage of that fact by encouraging your body to store as much energy as it can. The key is to not go overboard and put on too much weight, as that is the surest way to ruin your health.
Make Sure You Are Hydrated
If you are dehydrated, you will not be able to gain weight easily. This is because water is needed to keep the body’s cells hydrated, which in turn helps in the production of hormones that regulate appetite. If you are not drinking enough fluids, then it is highly likely you will put on more weight. You should therefore try and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially if you are able to. It is also advisable to seek medical advice about ways to improve your hydration status, as some people are more prone to dehydration than others. Once you are hydrated, you will be able to gain weight with relative ease.
Exercise
If you are not exercising, then it is highly likely you will put on more weight. The body does not get sufficient workout when you are sick, which results in the storage of calories as body fat and a decrease in your overall physical strength. To compound the issue, several illnesses prevent you from moving around, which again makes it more difficult for your body to maintain a healthy weight. When you finally get better, you will most likely feel weak and have to take it easy for a while, which will inevitably lead you to put on more weight. If you want to lose weight, then you need to start exercising now.
It is a good idea to consult with a fitness professional to set yourself up with a personal training program. They can help you design a routine that is specific to your needs and goals, and they can also monitor and track your exercise regimen. Setting up a routine with a personal trainer helps ensure you follow it, and it also helps them to spot any inconsistencies in your plan, and help you correct them. In turn, that improves your overall health and well-being, and helps you reach your weight loss goals more quickly and efficiently.
Being sick is never pleasant, but it can be extremely beneficial. When you are finally well, you will generally feel stronger and be able to do more, which will eventually lead to you putting on more weight than you would have had you stayed sick. This is why it is preferable to take the time you need to get well instead of jumping straight into weight loss mode. In addition to that, it is also a good idea to let your body break down fat, as that is the surest way to improve your health. If you want to lose weight, then make sure you start exercising now and let your body’s natural healing processes take place.