Hi there...

I'm not sure if there are any topic related b4, but dun mind me...I'm a newbie... ^_^

Here's the situation. Before being paralyzed, I weight about 90kg. My height is only 178, so even though i'm not obese, but I'm kinda fat. I dun really give a shit about it, but after spending several months in the hospital, I lost so much weight (lost 25kg and weight around 65kg at that time).

What's worst is dat my doctor gets me into hi-protein diet, and after about a year and a half, i gained significant weight. I cant get my body in shape. I hate to say this, but my 15.5inch wheelchair cant fit me anymore. and it's actually one of a kind custom wheelchair, a great deal of money. and now I'm using standard 18inch cheap wheelchair since i cant claim my insurance over and over again.

The question is, is there any exercise that can help shaping my bodies back. I dont have that 6 packs whatsoever, but my belly looks like a big flat tire. Cant button my jeans... LOL...

do diet works?any exercise for abs?better if the exercise can shape my whole body back again...it's not just about the wheelchair and all, it effect self esteem as well...aaaa....

HELP!!!!

I use a combination of exercise and diet to get in to and keep my shape.

I don't follow a diet program I just watch what I eat, increase fruit, veg and salad, a decent amount of meat but not a huge amount and try and lay off the carbs (bread, pasta).

I eat a lot of rice dishes like sweet and sour chicken or pork, chilli and rice.

Jacket potatoes with a small amount of beans and cheese is aparently a good meal for you.

For exercise I try and keep as mobile as possible, I still have some leg function so use an adapted exercise bike, hand cycle and swimming is very good even if you do only use your arms.

swimming...ah...missed it...but i dunno how to float in my situation.I'm a T9-L1 complete, and doesnt even have any sensation left.handcycle cost a lot, but i do keep myself mobile as possible...it's all i can do, and all in all, i feel like only my hands are in shape. i hope to torch my belly. and my shoulder is getting wider too...

btw, thanks for the diet info...

anyone?

Push, quit eating junk, push some more. See if you can find a basketball team around. Swiming would be great also, good for your mid-section. You have to keep in mind that you no longer use most of the large muscles of your body so adjust your diet. When I first was hurt I started by pushing 6-8 miles a day. Now I exercise on my handbike M-W-F and do regular therapy tues-thurs plus play BB thursday night..

Pushing and diet control--easy to type but hard to do--good luck

You don't need your legs or sensation to swim. I swim all the time. You only need your arms and unless you are a real "sinker" (this is usually people who have little body fat and high muscle), you should have no issues swimming and your legs will be naturally pretty buoyant--provided you knew how to swim before your SCI. If you didn't, you might want to take some swim lessons before you try on your own. Swimming is amazing cardio plus it's fun.

The simple formula for getting in shape is to change your diet and get active. To lose weight, if that's your goal, you need to eat less calories than what you burn off in a day. Exercise of any kind is highly beneficial. Handcycling, going to a gym, participating in sports, even going out and doing at least 20-30 minutes of hard wheeling around your neighborhood, a track, etc., is good. The para tummy is next to impossible to get rid of but there is definitely stuff out there to help you get in shape.

well, since i have been on protein-diet, i cant halp but eating meat the whole time. i guess the diet is pretty hard, but i'll try.

can u give specific advise for the diet?the do-s and dont-s...i do eat a lot of meat, combined with a lot of rice. any alternatives? for etc. what to take on breakfast, lunch, and dinner. or should i skip lunch and take dinner only?

thnx for the support. ^_^

eat regularly, make sure the meat is lean and cut down on carbohydrate. Fish is high protein and low fat, instead of having rice or potatoes have a large salad or fill up on vegetables.

I also enjoy swimming and it is perfectly possible for you to be able to do it if you could swim before

Well, every body is different. Some people need more protein, some people can eat plenty of carbs and not get bloated/gain weight. Some people can skip meals, some people can't. It's hard to say. I don't actually eat meat. I eat a lot of fish but I was vegetarian for a long time and only started eating fish a few months ago. Fish is always a better choice for protein as you get your omegas and it's good for you. Have you consulted a nutritionist? I think that would probably be your best bet if you're looking for a lot of advice. They can tailor a diet plan to your needs.