5 Steps to Lose Weight If You Are Bedridden

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011 | Author: admin

Being bedridden, whether temporarily or permanently, is a drastic change in your life. Your organism most certainly will feel it no matter your age, and even more so if you used to be a physically active person.

It is tough, in so many ways, to go from being an independent and active individual to being bedridden and, in some cases, only able to move with the help of a caregiver or a pressure mattress.

A person loses weight when he or she burns more calories through daily activity than the ones he or she ingests when eating. Even so, bedridden people CAN lose weight.

They have to limit their calorie intake¾a diet specified by the doctor¾and do isometric exercises to keep the muscles strong if they want to lose those extra pounds gained due to their new physical condition.

Isometric exercises burn calories, and these, coupled with a controlled calorie intake of about 500 calories daily will help a bedridden patient under in-home care lose around one pound per week.

Here we give you a 5-step plan to help you lose weight even if you have to remain in bed:

Step 1

Change your eating habits and become a healthy eater. Eat a good assortment of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fat-free dairy products every day. Forget about processed foods and sweets.

Step 2

Reduce the size of the portions you eat by 10 or 15%. Feel free to leave food on your plate. You don’t have to eat everything your caregiver serves you, just eat what you feel satisfies you.

Step 3

Never miss breakfast! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it activates your metabolism.

Step 4

Eat small meals during the day instead of waiting until you are very hungry to eat a huge meal.

Step 5

Do a series of isometric exercises every day.

For the legs, lie on your back with your legs straight, tighten the top of your legs and pull up the kneecaps. Hold the position for 10 seconds, then release and repeat five times.

For the stomach, lie on your back with your legs straight and put your palms on your stomach. Exhale and tighten your stomach, pull the bellybutton toward the spine. Hold for 10 seconds, then inhale and release and repeat five times.

You can do isometric exercises for every muscle group: glutes, calves, chest, etc. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best exercise routine for you; there is always something you can do even if you are not able to move without help.