Skip to main content

How Does Diet and Exercise Affect Those with Multiple Sclerosis?

I'm the one in front with the braids!

Losing Weight and Exercising Released Me from My Wheelchair

Living with any type of chronic disease can be frightening and life-altering.  However, with multiple sclerosis, it is also confusing.   One day the afflicted can appear quite healthy and the next whirling around in a wheelchair.  In my two decades of living with a progressive form of MS, the biggest lesson I have learned is to keep the pounds off.  This entails watching my diet and exercising every day.   

Does this chair make my derrière' look big?

MS hit me hard and fast.  Within my first year, I was in a wheelchair.  My legs were stiff, I hurt all over, and I was too dizzy to walk more than a few feet without falling.  These were not my best days.  Sitting all day and allowing depression to set in, I gained over 30 pounds within a year.  This was the first time in my life that I could not balance my calorie intake with exercise.  As a life-long fitness geek, I was at a loss—until I decided to fight back. 

First, we diet.

Not picturing myself as a balloon on wheels, I focused on improving my diet.  Since I do not believe in trendy diets using gimmicks restricting certain food groups, I chose what has always worked best for me.  Although it may seem old fashion, calorie-counting while including all food groups has never failed me.  With my limited mobility, however, the weight came off very slowly.  Nevertheless, within a couple of months, I could exert myself for longer periods. 

Three wheels are better than two.

As the pounds slowly disappeared, I stepped up my exercise routine.  I began gardening for as long as my body would allow.  I found that if I stayed calm – no stress – and did not allow myself to become too tired, I could accomplish much more than I ever thought possible.  I found the key: listen to my body and work until it tires.  By now, I was also accustomed to the pain, so it did not deter me from moving.

Soon, I could resume my former weight training and aerobic exercises.  Obviously, I was not nearly as strong as I was pre-multiple sclerosis.  Nevertheless, to be able to exercise again was priceless.  The only thing missing was cycling.  I used to ride my bike for miles every day just for fun, but with my balance issues, biking was off my fitness plan ...or so I thought.  Luckily for me, I live in a city known for cycling: Davis, CA.  Three-wheeled cycles are quite common here and perfect for those with balance issues.  After a few minutes on the tricycle, I was hooked.  This became my mode of transportation. 

Ditch the chair, slip on the skinny jeans.

It took an entire year to lose weight and build up my strength.   Over two decades have passed, and I haven't slipped back into my chair in over 15 years. With my well-balanced low-calorie diet and exercise, I am strong, fit and my MS symptoms are fewer. 

My advice to anyone, whether afflicted with a disease or not, is to eat a variety of healthy foods, focusing on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit portion size. Listen to your doctor and take all the vitamins recommended.  For me, this includes calcium and an extra dose of vitamin D – known to reduce MS relapses.  Finally, exercise as if your every step depends on it.  It just very well may. 

Keep Reading

How Multiple Sclerosis Helped me to be a Stronger, Better Person  

Why the Mediterranean Diet is Best for Long-Term Weight Loss  

What I Want You to Know About Multiple Sclerosis


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Food Review: Trader Joe’s Animal Crackers

Tub of Fun Found in Trader Joe's Animal Crackers If you are like me, every time I see a box of animal crackers, I relive my childhood years of drooling over a box decorated as if it is a red circus boxcar filled with exotic animals.    My favorite cookie/cracker was the elephant.   Therefore, when I noticed a tub --yes an entire tub-- of animal cookies on a Trader Joe’s shelf, I squealed like a little girl and promptly tossed one in my cart. As a fan of simple English style cookies, Trader Joe’s Organic Animal Crackers are a perfect fit for me.  They are crunchy, light, great with hot beverages, and shaped like animals.  What could be better?  Right?  The real surprise with these cookies is that these are not your typical guilty-pleasure snacks.  Oh no.  These puppies —or should I say camels -- are low in fat and sodium, vegan, organic and only 120 for 17 delicious cookies!  There are even tigers in the tub.  It just gets more and more exciting as I eat my way through

How to Grill Herbal-Rubbed Chicken Breast Perfectly

Look out baby, Memorial Day is nearing so barbecue season has officially begun        I bet this sounds familiar.    You are standing in the middle of your backyard drooling on the bucket of just pulled weeds because an enticing aroma of yummy barbecue wafts through the air.    Sadly, it is not coming from your grill.    The bad and good news of this tasty temptation is that I'm that neighbor torturing you with mouthwatering BBQ aromas, but I'm letting you in on some of my secrets!   Good BBQ begins in the kitchen Although not a food snob, I am particular.  I believe that the best 'cue begins in the kitchen.   Fresh food is a must, and it has to be cooked just right.  Moreover, whatever goes on the grill must be bursting with flavor.  Luckily, I have a prolific herb garden.  This won't rub you the wrong way Since I tend to lean toward Mediterranean dishes, specifically Italian food , I use homegrown lemons – also from my garden – and an herbal rub for my meat. 

Using Teachable Moments When Planning & Hosting Parties

Dear Rebecca, What do children and teens learn from their parent’s throwing parties ? Parent Dear Parent, Children of all ages learn everything from their parents.   They learn all their manners , which is basically how we treat others and ourselves.   They also learn etiquette, which is the protocol, how we behave, or how we are expected to behave in public.   So, if a child’s parents throw raucous parties with alcohol and loud music, the child will believe that this is what is expected at parties.   If the parents cater to their guests, treating them as special, the child will learn that he/she should treat their guests as special.   Parents are their child’s best teachers to teach him/her about life and being a good person. Pro-Tip Involve your child in the planning and preparation of the party.  Teach him/her how to focus on guests' needs. Most sincerely, Rebecca More by Rebecca Q & A: The Best and Worst Parties I’ve Hosted or Attended String Pasta Wit