Effective Weight Loss Tips For Wheelchair Users

Although using a wheelchair can raise numerous challenges when you decide to lose some weight, it needn’t mean that this activity is impossible. In fact, there are a number of ways in which you can lose that excess baggage without having to visit the gym, although this is an excellent choice. This article looks at these ways and explains exactly why it is just as important for you to maintain a healthy weight regardless of your movement limitations.

Check First

Before you look into the best ways to lose weight, it is important to first weigh yourself and see what your BMI (Body Mass Index) stands at. Although, if you have any sort of body growth disorder, your BMI may not be an accurate way to go forward. Speak to your GP and let them know any concerns that you have with regards your body weight. They can also help you to weigh yourself and can advise you about suitable weight loss methods.

Reasons For Your Weight Issues

As with more active people, wheelchair users should look into why they are overweight before setting about remedying the situation. You need to calculate the ideal calorific intake for your own situation and see how many calories you are currently taking onboard. Perhaps you have just recently started using a wheelchair but are still eating the same amount. Wheelchair users who have experienced leg muscle loss may require less calories to maintain their body weight.

Basics

The golden rule of weight loss, whether you are a wheelchair user or not, is always the same. You need to increase your daily physical activities and monitor your diet closely. Draw up a plan that has a weekly goal and an overall objective. Aiming to lose 1kg per week is a realistic target and this should be your starting point.

Diet

As mentioned previously, you need to calculate your daily recommended calorific intake before starting a diet, and your GP can help you with this. Once you have that figure, look at what you currently eat and see if anything needs to change. But you should include the following food groups in your new balanced diet:

• Fruit and vegetables – at least 5 portions per day.

• Starchy foods – brown bread and wholegrain pasta, potatoes.

• Milk and dairy products.
• Some fish, meat and eggs, plus other non-dairy protein sources

Activity

Just because you may be wheelchair-bound doesn’t mean you should lay off all physical activity options. Ask your GP or carer to look into some sports that will boost your cardio-vascular activity as well as fat-burning options. If you are using handicap lifts for home, try to use a little physical exertion when carrying out these tasks. You can also look into the joining the gym if you really want to have some fun whilst getting fit. Just check out the latest Paralympics for some inspiration if needed. There are plenty of wheelchair sport options that can really a lot of value to your exercise regime.

And Enjoy!

Just remember that your new fitness regime can also add a lot of social features to your life and you may even start to enjoy the new you!