Can your body heal in a calorie deficit?

So you've been injured? The bad news... forced rest period; the good news? You're on the road to recovery! Now that you've accepted the events its time to focus on your body's recovery.

In my case, I have fractured bones that are healing but exactly how do bones repair themselves? If set properly bones can make a complete recovery with time. After a bone breaks, a fracture hematoma is formed. It is a clot that cuts off blood flow while cells are working to remove dead tissue. The hematoma forms into a tough callus which starts producing collagen which is protein in bone tissue. Your body is producing cells called osteoblasts to help mend the break. The production of these will use up energy and require more calories.

While your bones are working hard to heal, you need to maintain proper nutrition to fuel your body for this process. Calories per day depend on your size, it's important to increase the amount during the recovery phase. You may not be able to workout but your body is burning these extra calories while repairing the bone. Many doctors recommend that you consume just as many calories, if not more, than a person with an active lifestyle. Now is NOT the time for weight loss! When people are immobilized, they worry about gainingweight. However, you should NOT decrease your calorie intake because you will be inactive. Infact, your calorie needs are now greater than usual because your body requires energy from nutritious foods to fuel the healing process.

Bones are made of protein and calcium so you will need more during recovery. Counting your micronutrients and vitamins are just as important as protein.

During the healing process, it's not the time to restrict calories and worry about weight loss, it is time to take care of your body that is on the mend.