SLE Lupus, Diet and exercise to keep weight off

[Jazzy_in_Tas]

Hey everyone, I have just experienced a second round of the flu. Basically got no energy for about 5 to 6 weeks and put on a bit of weight around the abdomen. I only eat well and avoid all the nasties always been good like that. I try to be careful with eating when unwell to minimise weight gain but still occurs. Exercise is a difficult one, make sure im getting up when I can but in bed a lot when have the flu. Just wondering if anyone has advice with what works for them in a situation similar to this? Thanks in advance xx

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Hi Jazzy

Sorry to hear you’ve had a double dose of ‘flu. That’s so bad to deal with! Like you, I look after myself best I can, eat right etc, the good part I can do. But exercise is the particularly difficult part. Previously I exercised a lot, so now I’m back to basics, and at times it feels demoralising. I try to tell myself doing some movement, however small (a few stretches), is better than nothing.

When I’m really unwell, flaring, viral - I don’t move. Essentials only! Then, when I’m starting to recover I’m careful to go within my limits/bit less than I think I can do. I’ve recently bought some resistance bands to add in as strength and flexibility stretches.

These are some links I’ve used that are ‘safe’ for us.

Lupus Europe - exercise program for Lupus patients - they have some exercises ranked in order of how ill you are/how much you are able to move. Some are exercises in bed (😳 these are physio exercises obvs 😉!) others chair based etc.

lupus-europe.org/me-lupus/

Versus Arthritis (who also have info for Lupus patients) have exercise info and exercise video classes too covering different types of exercise

versusarthritis.org/about-a...

I hope these help. I also hope you’re soon on the mend from ‘flu 2! ✨