How to Lose Weight More Easily with Fibromyalgia and Fatigue
"Eat healthy, don't diet!"
This one can be so difficult because we all want to find the fastest way possible that we can to lose unwanted pounds and feel our very best. But even though reducing calories will help you to lose weight initially, it can damage your health in many other ways.
It can cause us to villainize many types of foods that are either good for you in moderation or that are less nutrient dense but that are still safe to eat occasionally and are very enjoyable. When we do this we create an unhealthy view of food which can cause many emotional and physical repercussions for us down the road.
Counting calories can make you lose enjoyment in the foods you are eating because you will often choose meals that you don't really enjoy because they are low in calories. Eating is supposed to be a pleasure not a task.
Limiting your calories for too long prevents your body from getting all of the nutrients it may need to thrive and feel its best. The less nutrients we get from our foods the less healthy and energetic we become, leading to less energy for working out, which leads to less muscle tone, which then leads to a slower metabolism, and finally, leading to stubborn weight that won’t budge - no matter how little we eat! Food is fuel and the less we eat of that fuel the smaller and slower our fire (i.e metabolism) becomes.
HOW TO DO IT:
So here are a few of my most favorite tips for how to lose weight easily without dieting:
Find enjoyable exercises that you love doing most days of the week and be consistent with it. Don't worry about the amount of time or the level of intensity, just do it regularly. Even if it is only for 5 minutes! Every little bit counts and this one practice alone will help fire up your metabolism like crazy.
Instead of counting calories practice eating intuitively but try to focus on making most of your meals consist of healthy plant based foods in their most natural state as possible. I have a whole article on how to do intuitive eating here.
Find out what your food intolerances are and try hard to avoid these for at least 6 months before slowly incorporating them back into your diet. I have a whole section of how to do this easily at home in my total body fitness program for Fibromyalgia and Fatigue here.
Take time to really enjoy what you eat without distractions and savor each bite. Chew your food really well because digestion starts in the mouth and this will help you to get the most nutrients from the food you are eating so that you can get energy and feel your best.
STOP FEELING GUILTY about eating your favorite treats here and there because everything is fine in moderation. If you eat well 80% of your day it is ok to have a few less nutrient dense foods 20% of your day. This will not mess up your progress, plus it will keep you satisfied and on track because you won't ever feel deprived.
Seriously focus on improving your sleep. I know this is so hard do, especially when you have an illness like Adrenal Fatigue and Fibromyalgia, but if you can get this one major part down in your life you will be on the fast track to losing those inches without too much extra work. Look into vitamin and mineral deficiencies like low Vitamin D, Calcium and Magnesium and try to supplement if needed (blood tests can help you discover any deficiencies). These three vitamins and minerals alone have literally given me back my sleep and I cannot even tell you how incredibly different I feel now. I am getting so much energy back! So please get those vitamin levels tested asap!
Believe me I appreciate the challenges of managing your health and losing/maintaining weight while dealing with energy and mobility issues. As you read through the many Cocolime Fitness Testimonials, you’ll see, you’re not alone and many are finding ways to meet the challenges with great success!
As always I hope you can have a stress free, energetic, pain free day!