I'm only 5'0", 75 LBS. (No, I'm not freakishly skinny, I just have a very small frame. Plus, you have to take in mind that muscle is heavier than fat, and because I don't have a lot of muscle built up in my lower half, I'm going to weigh less then average) and lately because of school I've been only moderately active — so I know the typical 1,000 calorie intake is a bit too high for me. I feel myself gaining a bit — nothing too bad, but you can just feel when you're getting out of shape, y'know? I can only do so much to up the activity level with my schedule, so would anyone happen to know how much of everything should I have to keep a good diet?

You really should consult with a dietician /nutritionist via your doctor. I'm certain they will offer you more accurate info based on their examination of your current health. It would help to work with someone who has your medical history at hand.

Best of luck!

Indeed, the thing is though that I've already tried. The dietitian was just as clueless because she had never worked with someone with S.C.I. before. I was then recommended to someone else and the same thing was the case with the other doctor. That's why I figured someone who is actually with S.C.I. might have a bit of knowledge, either from personal experience, or… whatever else.

I remembered a dietician I had when I was in hospital, in the acute ward for recent SCIs, and I was on a feeding machine from eight o'clock at night until 8 a.m. and she had the nerve to tell me that I wasn't eating enough because I was never hungry during the day. So the stupid wench was responsible for giving me eight hours from a feeding tube and then complaining that I couldn't fit in three meals a day. One day was funny though when I didn't realise she was talking to someone in the bed next to me because the curtain was drawn and someone asked me how I was and I complain that "the stupid overweight dietitian is trying to get me to eat more".

I have a loud voice.

Anyway, I have found that the best diet to follow is the glycaemic index diet for diabetics. And really, we all know how much we can take when it comes to amount.

Doctors seem to have quite the sense of humor. Heh'.

Ahem! Nah… I have to say that I've had a few that were pretty cool (although sadly not many).


Anyway, the glycaemic index diet for diabetics, eh? Why's that? I'll have to check it out.

I've been out of spinal rehab for 21 months and have seen SCI diet experts inside and on the outside. One wanted me eating six times, with a total of 3000 calories, a day! I get about in a manual wheelchair & play wheelchair rugby (training about 7 hrs a week - during Mon to Fri only). After much mucking about I have got my diet right to 40% protein, 40% carbs, & 20% fat (I eat 5 small meals a day and include a good protein powder).

Here's my 3 cents worth: eat a minimum of four small meals a day (especially if you are active in a manual chair), stick to a eating plan and have 2-3 "cheat" meals a week. Weight yourself when you can, but let your clothes do the talking.

Good luck & remember, what works for one may not work for another.

don't ask me jenni I'm getting fat. Lol

Hi, Jenni,

My name is Ed and I'm a 61 yr old T4 para. Health and all issues re: para/quads is my specialty. I've been through it all, seen it, been there.

First of all, I have very little respect for dieticiens, nutritionists or even medical proffessionals when it comes to diet.

To begin with, you need to understand how your digestive system functions. Life begins in the colon (large intestines).

Unfortunately because of the cruddy fast food diets we were or are accustomed to eat, this develops a clogged colon which in turn results in constipatio, diarrhea, bloating, cramps, or gas. What's even worse is this situation is that even good nutrients have difficulty in feeding the body the nutrients the body needs.

Before I get into solutions, I'd like to know your personal health situation. And weight means nothing.


Best Regards,

Ed
please email me at edeliesen@hotmail.com

Thank you so much! I'll definitely get back to you with all of that.

Sounds like you got plenty of suggestion/advice. Also sounds like you know what is best for yourself. Just that you are asking for suggestions knowing you aren't as active says you are mindful regularly of what you eat vs. your activity. I have been a nurse for 20 years and working out/fitness/health were always my focus. The general rule still applies here...eat in moderation and eat healthy. The fresher the better. And of course if you aren't as active don't eat as much or as many extra high calorie treats. Good luck and keep up the good work!