I'm in on crutches and am afraid i'll gain weight. Advice? Pllllease. T,T?

Question

Yeah. So I somehow cracked a bone in my foot and I have to be on crutches for 2 weeks and then i have to wear this medical boot for 6 more weeks. But I can't do any cardio now. And I'm really afraid that I'll gain weight. I'm eating less because my appetite died with my lack of movement.

My usual day --

Bowl of Cereal (Cheerios, all bran, wheat, special k) or Weight Watchers bread and some cheese, olives, turkey bologna.
Salad in the afternoon or fruit.
Cereal for dinner or Fruits and no fat yogurt.


I can still do like situps, squats (its funny), and pilates. But those are all just toning exercises not cardio. I'm 18 by the way, and the cast is only on my foot. Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks so very much in advance.

Answer 1

Well, first off, you're not eating enough. You should be eating more. It can contribute to poor health, and eventual weight gain when you're better if you don't eat enough now, since your body will store all it's fats, and will just make it worse. Try to eat about 1800-2000 calories per day to maintain weight, I've been on crutches 4 times each for a few months, so i know it's tough. You should try doing push ups on your knees to not hurt your leg, exercise bike (if you can, and if not now, when you get off crutches, even while in the boot, i did that, and i was okay) I usually went for a short walk while on crutches, i know it gets tiring, but walking on crutches for one hour burns about 200 cals. It's good for your arms too. Swimming is great, as long as you're in a waterproof cast, or when out of the cast, swimming is very good for you, and also helps with the healing, when you can move your ankle again, it will help to be in the water, since it won't be putting so much stress on it. Weightlifting is good too, while you're sitting down that is. Tightening the muscles in the upper leg is good too, keeps the leg from losing too much strength while on crutches. pilates is good too, since that doesn't require much on your ankles. Do lots of stretches too, to keep strength up. Basically keep yourself as active as you can, without putting any pressure on that ankle. It'll heal soon, and you'll be back to yourself soon> just be thankful you're not on them for 3 months each time like me. GOodluck and i hope you are well, and wish you all teh luck in recovery.

Answer 2

As a second-time crutches user and 56, I gained weight the first time by not stopping when my stomach told me I was full. At times, that meant two fork fulls of food, at other times, more. Getting bored was also a downfall as I ate because I didn't think I had anything better to do. You seem to have all the right things going for you. Youth, and a right frame of mind. Your diet seems really good. We should all do the same. I've also heard of an herbal remedy called Bonesknit (sp?) that's really good for broken bones. You should be better in no time at all with your attitude.

Answer 3

As long as you eat right and do something, like the exercises you describe, your body's metabolism will stay high and you will build some muscle. You don't need cardio to lose weight. Doing exercises, even with your own body weight will help you keep in shape. I had a friend who broke her leg and she could not do any cardio or lower body exercises so she focused on her upper body with light weights and high reps. She looks good too !

Answer 4

How about going to a gym and using the "eliptical", its a machine that give a good cardio workout with no resistance!
You need to do something or you will gain weight.

Answer 5

Do isometrics.... you can do this sitting or laying down as well as standing when you can. Just flex your muscles as hard as you can ... hold for 20 seconds and release do this 3 times in a row as often as you like and you'll stay in good shape and get into better shape then you are in :).

Answer 6

Eat exactly half you use to eat before... It works for sure!!

Answer 7

Exercise bike maybe...