Staying Healthy While Injured
Dear Sugar
I am 28 years old and have always been in pretty good shape. I tend to gain weight if I don't work out and eat well, but up until about a year ago, I was very good about going to the gym every day and eating a healthy, balanced diet, so I stayed pretty thin. I wasn't supermodel skinny, but I was happy with how I looked
and felt.
About a year ago, I developed hypothyroidism, a glandular disorder which causes, among other things, weight gain and increased appetite. Six months later, I injured my back. So, not only have I gained weight due to my hypothyroidism, but I can't even exercise due to my back.
My problem is that I hate what I look like now. When I look in the mirror, I don't recognize myself, with my bloated body and puffy face. I find myself breaking plans with my friends because I don't want to go out in public. I skipped my 10 year high school reunion because I was embarrassed about my weight. Every time I go clothes shopping, I end up in tears because I hate how everything looks on me.
Basically, I don't enjoy my life anymore, and it's all because of what I look like. What can I do to feel better about myself until I get my health problems under control and can take the weight off? Depressed Deepa
To see DEARSUGAR's answer read more
Dear Depressed Deepa
I am so sorry about your situation. I know it's hard when the way that you look on the outside brings you down inside.
There's definitely a high correlation between weight and self esteem. I guess, the first step is to commit to making some physical changes. If you can't work out hard because of your back, here are some alternative ideas.
Consult our physician regarding less strenuous exercises. Have you considered swimming. Your weight is not an issue in the water, and you can still get an excellent work out without having to strain your back.
Also, your diet needs a regimen. Eat a total of 1,500-1,800 calories a day. That's what a person who is trying to lose weight eats. A regular person should eat about a 2,000 calorie diet.
Eat six small meals a day so that every 3 hours you are eating. This will help speed up your metabolism and aid in the weight loss process. This is a bad cycle that needs to be taken under control. Your back is only going to worsen if you are heavier. And to lose weight you need your back to heal.
Don't forget that what you have on the inside is more important than the way you look on the outside - so try not to get so down. I know you will get through this. Good luck.
