Everyone got flu shots at work last week -- except me. "I haven't got the flu shot in over 5 years and I've been fine!" I caught a gnarly cold, and the Santa Ana winds carried a wonderful slew of allergies that have pummeled my immune system. Whenever I'm ill, the number one priority is to get better so I can get back on track with my fitness goals. This is what I do to speed up the healing process:
[1] Increase calories close to or at maintenance (since I've been cutting and on a caloric deficit). Your body's metabolic rate increases a smidge when you are sick or injured. I increased the calories about 200-400 with carbs and protein. Your body needs all the energy it can get to heal, so don't deprive it from doing its job.
[2] If it's not a major headache, stomach flu, or major fever (all of which make is my kryptonite and keeps me in PJs and in bed); I actually like to continue to train. I believe that a de-load type work out to increase flow in the body can speed up the recovery process. Plus, I actually tend to feel pretty good and normal when I work out while I'm sick.
[3] Don't look at the scale because whenever your body is stressed from illness or injury, increased water retention is likely to occur. Digestion function may be slowed as well. So scale weight can be expected to increase. Don't step on the scale when you're sick, but if you do, don't let the number get the best of you. Let your body do it's thing and heal properly.
The faster you heal, the faster you can get back on the grind! Once again, don't let bodybuilding rule your life. Take care of your priorities first!
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