Can I exercise whilst on the programme?

Whilst on TFR, you may continue to exercise to the levels you have previously, but it is a good idea not to get carried away with the cardiovascular by upping your levels.

Cardiovascular exercise is fuelled by calories (taken from carbohydrate under normal circumstances), which you are very low on whilst on a VLCD.

Your body can only remetabolise fat at a certain rate; to fuel your exercise, if you exceed the level of energy available, you will feel faint and, in some cases break down muscle tissue to fuel blood sugar needs.

So, you should keep your heart rate at half the your maximum for your age/sex. If, for example, you have a maximum heart rate of 130 bpm, only get to a max level of 65 bmp on any piece of cardiovascular equipment at the gym, or out running.

It is a good practice to have a TFR just after finishing your work out, in order to replace nutrients while your metabolic rate is raised to a good level.

If you feel faint or in anyway uncomfortable whilst exercising, stop and consult your G.P. and ask advice. If you are unfit and not used to exercise, then consult your G.P. before starting any exercise programme.