Did Your Accident Result In Weight Gain? Follow These Simple Steps

Everyone likes to see a healthy weight when they step on the scale. We all are the same in this manner. Many people across the world struggle with weight and the concept of body positivity daily. 

But who knows what goes on in your body? We clearly cannot see the internal functions or what’s wrong with them unless they show some signs. Many people who suffer from Car accidents are a common example of an external trauma that leads to internal body issues. There are plenty of people who suffer from accidents while being behind the wheel. 

These accidents can lead to serious external injuries like losing your capability to walk or brain damage. They can also cause minor injuries whose symptoms might not sound that bad but if left treated for a longer time, they can be a major cause of chronic illnesses. 

Weight Gain Due To Car Accidents 

Oh, the dreaded agony of weight gain doesn’t leave us in accidents as well. Yes, you can gain weight after getting in an accident. It might seem surprising but many people also gain weight a few months after the accident.

But why? 

Why Do People Gain Weight after Car Accidents? 

Two main reasons impact your weight after a car accident. These are: 

Lack of Activity 

Obviously, after an accident, you will be required to rest. Staying in bed or avoiding exercise for a few weeks can reduce your metabolism and also cause you to lose your endurance. You may be consuming the same amount of calories (or even more) but with no exercise, it can result in weight gain. This is why doctors recommend including low-impact activity if you can walk with no serious injuries. 

Thyroid 

The thyroid in your body is an organ that is responsible for managing your weight. The nerves controlling the thyroid exit your spine from the same location from where the neck and torso connect. When you get car accident injuries, these nerves are prone to injuries. 

With the nerve supply becoming limited, the thyroid becomes slow and the individual gains weight. We can say that they get permanently exhausted. Certain hormone variations can also appear. People can have thyroid problems due to other health complications as well. This phenomenon can be triggered due to an accident. Thyroid among women can also create fertility issues as well therefore, it is important to get yourself checked. 

Effective Weight Loss Tips after Car Accident 

Your health is above everything. Even if recovery causes you to gain a few extra pounds, do not hesitate to take the recommended amount of bed rest. Over the years, research has indicated that there are different waits to stay fit and lose weight. 

Slowly and steadily, you will be able to return to your regular routine of vigorous workout sessions and worry-free routines with your gym trainer. 

Feel better and perform even better with these basic tips: 

Control Your Diet 

What you eat plays a main role in your overall health. Even if you are bed-bound, eating a recommended calorie count can help you stay in control. Accident doctors recommend eating healthy food and avoiding junk food during bed rest. 

In fact, keeping your diet clean and providing your body with healthy nutrition will also increase the pace of recovery. Add a sufficient amount of protein to heal your injuries along with healthy fats. 

Junk food and spicy food may come to your mind and your cravings may intensify but, it’s best to stay on track and do not give in to your cravings. Oily, sugary, and spicy food can create blockages in your nervous system which can result in a delay in your recovery and healing process. 

Observe Your Habits 

A great way to get rid of bad habits is to know recognize and replace them. If you’re on bed rest, it does not mean that you can’t be productive. There are plenty of ways for you to remain active in bed and being positive changes to your life. 

When your healthy habits are replaced with healthier ones and not repeated for a couple of months, you may not feel the need to go back and indulge in them. Think of your first week (when you are not allowed to exercise) as a time for self-awareness and self-reflection. 

Make an extended list featuring the following columns: 

• What habit am I looking to change? 
• How did I get this habit? 
• Is it a permanent habit or does it returns after a certain activity? 
• Is there a healthier version available? 
• What can I do to make it better? 

Some common examples of replacing a bad habit with a good one are: 

• Replace processed chocolate with pure dark chocolate. 
• Double the amount of water you drink instead of soda. 
• Create a healthy meal plan and prep your meals for the week to avoid any “I am in a hurry no time to cook” kind of cravings. 
• If you can walk a little, start walking around the house to maintain the level of blood sugar. 

Write Down Your Routine 

Nothing is better than documenting your thought process and eating patterns. This will allow you to have a deeper analysis of what you are consuming. People can develop cravings and unhealthy eating habits after the accident. Yes, one single hit can change your entire personality. 

Therefore, pick up that iPhone you have saved a month’s worth of salary for, download some effective calorie measuring apps, and start recording your daily consumption. One of the best apps available nowadays is MyFitnessPal. It has an extensive range of recipes, barcode reading along with several other features like a macro calculator. You can even socialize and make friends there. 

Start Walking 

Walking will be the first activity prescribed by your doctor when you return to fitness. Now obviously, you won’t be able to indulge in high-impact power walking but, you can continue to walk around the house with baby steps. As your doctor approves, start going out and increase your activity level to 10,000 steps a day. A study showed that 45 minutes of power walking with additional weights can help you lose 40 to 50 pounds a year given that there is no change to the way you eat. 

Accidents can leave you with joint and mobility issues, loss of stamina, and other health issues. This means that you may have problems getting back on track. However, don’t lose hope and just keep walking to keep that weight off you. Outdoor walks in the morning have a better impact on your body as compared to sessions on the treadmill but if your intention is to get the activity done, choose whatever floats your boat. 

Alternate Care Methods 

Many ways can help you boost the recovery process. While getting on track with healthy eating habits in one of them, alternate care is also a great way to improve your overall conditions. Chiropractors provide you drugless services as a method of eliminating the problem from the core and healing you. 

They work with your neuro-musculoskeletal system which, in simpler words means your nervous system and joints. Taking sessions with a chiropractor will improve your overall health by making you more active and accepting of your present health status. The patients need to visit their chiropractic and primary care clinic regularly to ensure that there are no further health complications and you are on the right track. 

Start Exercising As Soon As Allowed 

Doctors suggest that accident victims take at least a weeks’ worth of rest (in case of minor injuries) before exercising after an accident. Rest is important as it allows your body to get over the mental trauma of being in an accident. It also heals and repairs the damaged tissues, muscles, and tendons. 

Leaving exercise all of a sudden especially, if you are habitual, it will cause some distress. However, it is for the best of your health. Take all the time you need to recover properly. Make sure to seek your doctor’s approval before exercise. Instead of jumping to your regular vigorous routine, take baby steps to get there. 

Conclusion 

Accidents are common. So is losing weight. However, accidents can result in weight gain. You can start by cleaning your diet and improving your eating habits and slowly, include exercise in your routine. These simple steps will help you lose weight and even keep it off during bed rest. Just plan your schedule wisely to see results.