A bit of advice I want to offer you is this: you are already “in touch” with your body (how it feels, when you’re “up” -or down-physically and emotionally, etc.)…trust that feeling/intuition…Let that be your guide regarding working out. Period. If you are lethargic, listless and not up to your “self,” listen to your body and slow down…do so without guilt. We need to respect our body and instinct.

Question Asked:

“…since I know exercise helps support your immune system–did taking a day “off” allow the drop in immune function? Or was I pushing myself a little too much that allowed me to get sick? Or was it just all the poor eating (sugars, etc.)? ”

Answer:

1. NO, taking off a day off did not affect/drop your immune function. You probably had a bug in your system and your immune system was trying to fight it off. The immune system works at max. capacity when you are totally healthy. When you aren’t 100% it helps where needed and when needed. Taking the day off was probably the best thing you could have done!
2. Pushing yourself DID NOT allow you to get sick. Your guests bugs got you sick. End of story.
3. Eating poorly can contribute to decreased energy, etc., however, since you were eating healthfully preceding the holidays, you simply indulged during the holidays, and that’s ok, because you’ll get right back to your healthful ways. Eating REALLY poorly, I mean, donuts for breakfast, McDonalds for lunch and a bowl of Hagan-Daaz Chocolate Brownie Fudge Ice Cream for dinner would only shock your glucose levels and adipose stores…other than that…you’ll be OK! Healthy foods can contribute to a healthy immune system. It’s what you eat daily, on average, that counts…not what happens over a week period.
4. Grief: Studies show grief wreaks havoc with EVERY system: cardiovascular, immune, emotions, etc. The best antidote: be gentle with your self—feel your loss and pain, cry, write, and… walk it out…nothing is better.
5. Weight loss may be due to muscle atrophy. Sounds crazy, but it’s true.