Diary of an Overweight Mom: PLEASE Don't Say it's the Stomach Flu!

by Catherine Ipcizade | More from this Blogger

13 Dec 2006 03:09 PM

Ah, and yet is WAS the stomach flu. It got my husband first. He went to play basketball on Thursday night and all was well. Then suddenly, as though he was being chased by a band of robbers, he flew in the door and made a beeline for the bathroom.

The following morning, just as his sickness was subsiding slightly, my two-year-old threw up on the couch...on the kitchen floor...all over my feet. Both my husband and daughter were down for the count Friday and Saturday. I tried to keep my son out of the house some and prayed he wouldn't get it.

THEN-Saturday night I was sitting on the couch and it hit me. Let's just say I got sick every 15 minutes for more than 12 hours straight. Finally, I wound up in the emergency room with IV's pumping very welcome medicine and fluids back into me. Since that time, I've gotten over the worst of it, although that day my kids got sick again-both of them this time. And just the other day my sister came down with it, too after she'd so graciously watched my kids for me while I was in the ER.

How does this relate to weight loss, you ask? Well, it relates in a few ways. First of all, it's amazing the amount of weight a flu can make you lose. It's also amazing how fast it comes back on with a little IV fluid and a few cans of Sprite.

When you're sick, especially with a flu, your body rejects any eating plan you may have figured out for yourself. All ideas of a holiday slim down are put on the back burner indefinitely and suddenly, buttered toast becomes your best friend. Saltines become the food of choice and any idea of protein, eggs, and sweets is enough to send you running for cover.

If you're sick this holiday season, be kind to your body. Eat the toast when it tastes good. Don't force yourself to do anything silly that'll send your stomach back into turmoil. Be good to your body and sooner or later, with a little luck, it'll be good to you, too.

Learn more about Catherine Ipcizade

Cathy Ipcizade is 30 years old and currently resides in Southern California. Prior to coming to California she grew up in Arizona.

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