Nutrition has been the most challenging part of your journey, and understandably so—especially with your long-term use of prednisone to manage chronic knee pain. Even though you experimented with different meal structures and macro approaches, your intake often bounced between under-eating and unintentionally overeating, making it tough to find consistency. Prednisone has a major influence here. It increases your appetite and cravings, which makes portion control and mindful eating that much harder. It also raises your blood sugar, reduces insulin sensitivity, and encourages fat storage. That’s why it’s so important for you to limit high-glycemic foods and focus on meals rich in fiber and protein.
Prednisone doesn’t stop there—it can also break down muscle, weaken bones by reducing calcium absorption, and slow down your metabolism, especially if you’re not fueling properly or missing strength training. And it’s likely you’ve noticed how it causes fluid retention, which can make progress feel invisible at times, as water weight masks actual fat loss and redistributes fat to areas like your face, neck, and midsection.
By starting to work with a nutritionist, you’ve already seen early results—and it looks promising. With professional guidance and more accountability, you’re gaining a better handle on how to fuel your body in a way that works with your medication and supports your goals. This new support system will be a game-changer—helping you bring structure, sustainability, and confidence to your nutrition moving forward.