Dieting with arthritis

[Beccamumoftwo]

I am currently dieting and have been doing The New You Plan for 10 weeks. I gained 40kilos after having my son 3 years ago as I was quickly diagnosed with arthritis in my knees and feet. I’ve managed to loose 6 kilos but I’m struggling to loose anymore weight than that
my arthritis seems to be getting worse and not better. I’m 37 years old, a full time single mum of 2, a 7 year old and a 3 year old and it’s so hard to be a good mum when I’m so immobile and using a walking stick
I used to exercise twice a day before having my son and now I can barely walk. Has anyone got any advice at all for loosing weight with arthritis? Any tips would be appreciated

That sounds tough.
What sort of arthritis have you been diagnosed with?

Get a bike. Put kid in a carrier of some kind, pull behind you.
Non weight bearing and great exercise.

Go swimming?

Ive had both knees replaced. Osteoarthritis. I know how you feel. You’re doing well. Think outside the box.

Osteoarthritis but they said my symptoms sound as though there could be a possibility of rheumatoid so I’m having more scans done soon

Not arthritis but I have chronic illness (unable to exercise at all, use a stick or wheelchair). I'm also a single parent. I went from a size 16/14 to a 6 by using IF and calorie counting along with a rotating meal plan to take the stress out of it. I also do my shopping online as can't do it in person but this means I am not tempted as easily. I buy the kids snacks that I don't like. You don't need to exercise to loose weight (although I'm sure it helps). Are you able to do none weight bearing exercise? swimming for example. When I was able to exercise I swam for the mental health support. Routines have helped me. And changing things bit by bit. Also allowing the occasional flexible day eg for birthdays and allowing a drop of skimmed milk in tea during fasting hours has meant I stuck to the plan long term. On the plus side it's also helped with gastric issues too.

Thank you this is really helpful information. So sorry you’re suffering with a chronic illness
it’s awful being so restricted but yes if I wanted to do chair based exercises I suppose I could, the problem is that I suffer with really bad fatigue and just never have the energy . a few people have suggested swimming but I don’t really have the time yet but I think when my son starts school in September I’m going to start trying to swim a couple of days a week
I’ve heard IF is really good, that’s something I might look into. I think the pain meds I’m on for my arthritis is definitely slowing my weight loss down.

Have you been referred to a Rheumatologist? You need to get it properly investigated and medicated first and foremost. Blood tests will establish if there's inflammation in your system.

The bike suggestion is completely impractical and dangerous for both you and your kid, which I'm sure you know, due to a) you needing a stick to walk, b) it relies upon knees and feet working/not being in pain to move and not fall over. Something that doesn't require that level of movement or strength could be swimming or the gym, along with requesting a physio referral.

How far along are you with the New You Plan? Are you just eating meal replacements or are you adding in anything else? I've looked at it and it's a drastic VLCD, and the company that make it are adamant that you must stick to their products and their products alone, otherwise it won't work. I would have thought, with your musculoskeletal issues, that 650 calories a day is too low, particularly as you are already suffering with fatigue.