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Low-carb diets

Share advice and experiences of following a low-carb diet.Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Stick to low carb, calorie restriction when recovering from bone fracture?

5 replies

Wellwellhellothere · 27/04/2023 11:08

Hey there. Am on low carb maintenance. Had an accident and fractured knee (manipulation not open surgery needed) two weeks ago and got switched from unbendable cast to brace on Tuesday where I can bend leg up to 30 degrees. Used to walking 8-12 miles a day but currently am having to split 2 miles of walking up into four walks and elevate legs on sofa inbetween (gosh, feeling soooo lazy watching tv! 😕). Am wanting more calories than Fitbit says I’m burning and feel like eating more carbs and more calories in general as I hate empty stomach feeling. I’m used to not getting hungry as I burn a lot from walking and so can be full and not gain anything. I honestly am confused and scare about what to do about macros and calories in general while recovering from the fracture. My usual routine is to end up in a deficit each day by accident (I save calories to end of day in case I can’t sleep but then usually fall asleep anyway) and then once a week when I can’t sleep then I’ll eat more carbs (still below 100 net) with a bowl of either one or two shredded wheat with unsweetened almond milk, Some oatmeal (20g made with water and salt) and lots of 2% plain Greek yogurt. Then can sleep! Will go over calories that day by like 500 but don’t have any problems going low carb again next day and still never go into a weekly calorie surplus. Doctor told me am probably burning 200-250 calories extra for first six weeks of recovery, minus what I’m not burning from the usual exercise. Keep trying to save calories until end of day in case of sleepless night but end up sleeping and being 250 below maintenance. And just hungry in general, as exercising less means less calories burnt means shouldn’t eat resulting in feeling empty annoying stomach hunger….. but I’m worried about eating over maintenance during the day - just in case I don’t have a night where I prematurely fall asleep….. Because if I eat extra in the day to keep hunger at bay but then wind up unable to sleep and end up eating extra in the evening, it’s not like if I ended up going over by 500 calories or so that I could add in extra exercise the next day, you know? And then I worry as don’t want to start a new bad habit…. Plus I’m generally just in the mood for more carbs as they’re filling - am having less than before as am burning less, and percentage-wise I’m eating more fat than before the accident but wanting to eat the same amount of Greek yogurt with berries and nuts and the same amount of daily oats I had on maintenance (20-30g a day, but spread out throughout day, not all at once!). Any suggestions? I want to get this fracture healed asap as am going on holiday in 2.5 months - unfortunately will have to skip the diving but it will be such a bummer if I can’t go snorkeling each day in the coral reefs - last time I’m able to afford a holiday in a long time and can’t change the date! I don’t need to lose weight but don’t want to feel uncomfortable on holiday by gaining weight before I go so feels like such a catch! very sensitive right now so please no negative/unproductive comments….. just supportive advice would be appreciated….

OP posts:
TheSaturdayAfternoonnessOfIt · 27/04/2023 18:49

My honest opinion is that you shouldn't be too strict with yourself until you're better. Your OP reads as though you're driving yourself round the bend calculating calories in vs out, carb percentages and so on. If you're getting hungry at night it's probably because you aren't eating enough during the day. Try to eat three healthy, balanced meals based on what you would normally eat when fit and well. If you should gain weight through lack of exercise, it will come off again once you're back in your normal routine. Make getting well, not dieting, the priority.

Wellwellhellothere · 28/04/2023 05:14

Thanks Saturday…… my head knows you’re right, even if my heart doesn’t like the situation….. I think I’ve got to keep in mind that this isn’t forever! I appreciate your input

OP posts:
tallcypowder · 28/04/2023 05:30

How many calories a day are you eating?

Your body needs calories to recover. This is your priority right now. As pp says as soon as you are walking you will burn it again and will easier be in a deficit.

Right now you need sleep, protein and vitamins and calories to sleep.

You can also enjoy a holiday at any weight. Health first. You can lose it when healed.

Bearpawk · 28/04/2023 05:36

Op protein is the best helpful macro for healing. But you sound VERY concerned with weight and calorie counting, for someone who doesn't need to lose weight....

FinallyHere · 28/04/2023 05:50

Are you drinking enough water?

Everything in my body works better when I drink plenty of water

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