I posted on Couch25k- something I had planned on restarting this year. Unfortunately I broke my ankle on 1st January and that has stunted my running journey.
I am determined to lose weight, and I have previously lost 7 stone (but I have now regained 5 stone back). I can’t do any exercise for about 6 months, meaning no steps no cardio just upper body weights.
my TDEE is therefore low (should be 1460 but I’ve rounded up for ease) and I’m already struggling to feel full and, being sat down all day for 6 months means I will be bored out of my mind. I’m also on a budget due to being on sick leave until my ankle is fully healed.
I’m hoping for advice to keep full on a budget and how to keep my mind occupied so I don’t end up eating out of boredom, something I often do when I’m not busy. I usually work all day and go on long dog walks in the evenings. I used to spend all weekend dog walking and seeing family to keep me busy, now I’m stuck and it is a bit of a system shock.
I’ve attached my fitness pal log for today, I’ve already gone over with a hot chocolate. Any tips for better meals? I’m having to skip breakfast to keep the calories in tact. I can’t afford chicken all the time especially now hence sausages being cheap and plentiful but high in cals.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Written by
Dogmum101
2025 January
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What an awful way to see in the new year! I hope you heal quickly.
First of all, well done for having lost 7st previously. You know you can do it and that's important.
Lots of people maintain that most weight loss comes from what you eat, rather than exercise, but I understand perfectly that exercising can give you a psychological boost to stick to eating plans, and of course it can keep you out of the kitchen.
We do have members here that are mobility restricted, so hopefully someone will be able to give you some tips. Also, if you haven't done already, you could ask the hospital/GP physio to recommend some seated cardio exercises. If you can't do that then there should be some guides on the internet.
There are also groups on here that would definitely be worth linking in with, in particular
Daily Diary (DD)- this is the group where people post their plans for the day, with the premise being that if you've said publicly what you're going to eat, then you're more likely to stick with it. The DD is also where you'll see all the different approaches members take to their weight loss, calorie restriction, Low carb/healthy fat, intermittent fasting etc.
Weigh in - this will help you keep a track of your journey, and hear how others are doing,
Fit is Fun, this is an inclusive group that shares exercise plans,
Springers Specials has recipes that might fit your palate and budget.
I've put a link to them all at the end of this reply.
The key, whichever group or groups you join, is peer support and that really goes a long way to helping you succeed.
Sorry to hear you’ve injured yourself. I’m no medic but is it really 6 mo’nths of no exercise at all -what about using crutches? Obviously you’re not going to c25k on crutches but a bit of fresh air everyday always helps.I read an interesting article about Nigella losing quite a bit of weight when she broke her ankle , she said she never realised how often she got up to ’dip’ into the fridge until she couldn’t, so maybe all is not lost!
Perhaps switching to low carb might be a more satisfying and maybe cheaper option, also maybe make your food plan and get supermarket delivery -easier to budget, and less tempting than those impulse buys when you’re. shopping
Online scrabble and other word games, have a go at art, loads of starter lessons on u tube, write some stories, or your memoir or poetry. Learn to knit. Jigsaw puzzles. Not exercise but might keep you out of the kitchen.
Hi Dogmum101, ankles can be difficult can't they. I broke mine just after my 60th. They do say that you can't outrun a bad diet, I suggest that you try to lower your carbs,fill your plate with veggies then add the protein of your choice. I was careful how much oil or mayo I used. If veggies seem too bland,you can always experiment with some spices. As for skipping breakfast, perhaps eating brunch would help.
Please have a look at the link that Grigid posted, you'll be surprised how many different ideas for eating healthy meals there are on our daily Diary. Good luck 🍀
sorry you have broken your ankle. Please tell me if I have got it wrong, but 6 months with no steps seems a long time. Is that the medical advice? Obviously I dont know any details but it seems a very long time, are you being supported with daily living tasks, physio?
I hope you are OK. Please check into the daily diary or one of the other forum posts (I like 'read all about it'). amd have a chat.
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about your ankle! You sound determined not to let it derail you though. Do you have access to a gym for something like a rowing machine? As for a cheap, nutritious, filling meal, I find myself reaching for some variation of beans and rice. Burrito, taco salad, etc. I love the idea of picking up a new craft like crochet! Sending healing thoughts your way!
sorry to hear of your accident. I broke/dislocated my ankle in 2014 so appreciate how worthies can be. I was non weight bearing for 16 weeks and then had a boot. It may be worth having a look for a knee scooter - basically a scooter with a raised padded platform you test your knee of your bad leg on so you can get about a lot more than on crutches. That said I burned more calories hopping around than I have ever by just walking - getting upstairs is a real workout. Good luck on your recovery
Hello and welcome back. I see you were here some time ago. Are you restarting your weight loss journey? If so now is a great time to do it. There are lots of clubs and challenges to help you on your way.
Please let me know and I will give you more information about what is happening. If you are here to support you are welcome to pop in and chat too.
Hello Dogmum sorry to hear of your mishap, my sister cracked her ankle bone over christmas, its the second time. I can vouch for the home type exercises they may not reduce your weight but definately keep it stable. I lost a stone this year but can't reccommend the treatment unfortunately. But can say small portions is a start or change what you eat if you can, some foods fill you up for longer so worth looking at dietary change. Do not try to loose weigh too quick little and regular as I am sure you know. As you know you can do it use the methods you used before but moderate any exercise till your bone heals. Best Wishes and good luck .
Oh my goodness, what a thing to happen! I’m so sorry. Being injured and not being able to do what you want is very frustrating and you have my sympathy. I have recently taken the decision to stop running. I did C25k and was running 5k a couple of times a week. However, I kept getting hip and back problems and had to restart at the beginning after recovering each time. I’ve decided my body is too old! So I’m walking on the moor regularly with a local group and go to Pilates. Weight loss doesn’t come easily to me, but I have found that if I keep up my protein intake to recommended levels then I don’t get hungry. To keep costs down, I have started getting into tofu which is cheap, low carb and protein-rich. Let me know if you’re interested and I can tell you what I’ve learned.
Keep posting on here to keep your spirits up - there are lots of lovely people.
Hi Dogmum101, when bored have a look at the armchair aerobics on YouTube they can be fun and helpful in keeping you motivated. Make sure you drink plenty of water, that helps to keep you hydrated and lessens your hunger. I’m sure there will be lots of members here with helpful advice.
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New dieter - hi all 😁
Hello. 
Lack of support/recognition for what weight you have lost
I’ve lost my mojo help !
