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For a little background information:
-I have had an eating disorder (anorexia) for the past three years.
-I eat no more than 600 calories a day, currently
- I exercise every day by walking to and from campus (a total of 2 hours - 4 30 minute trips, carrying a 10 lb backpack at all times) and around campus (up and down stairs, to and from different buildings, et cetera) at university. I also do yoga every morning for 20 minutes directly after waking up.
- I am 20 years old...5'3", small framed, and around 80 lbs
- 3 years ago before I lost all of the weight, I was practically overweight at 128 lbs
Now that that is out of the way, I am interested in upping my calorie intake a little bit. How do I do so without a massive weight gain? I read so many stories online about people who go from eating very little (as I am) to a "normal" amount (whatever that entails) and gain a lot of weight. I realize I am very very underweight, and that is dangerous. But I don't want irrational weight gain (key word: IRRATIONAL. I realize that I should probably gain a little eventually). Considering my current state as listed above, how do I go about increasing my calorie intake without irrational weight gain? Is it possible to up my calories more around 1000 per day without massive weight gain? How many calories will it likely take for me to gain weight? I am not at all interested in regaining all of the weight lost. I might even be okay with 90 lbs at some point. How should I go about this?
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You begin by determining your ideal healthy weight.For example, women of small frame with a height of 5'3' should weigh between 111 to 124 lbs. Estimated calorie requirements for an active woman age 19 to 25 is 2400 calories daily.( MyPyramid Food Pattern Calorie Levels) Are you receiving counseling to deal with your eating disorder? Unless you have overcome your issues with anorexia and body image, it may be difficult to increase your daily caloric intake to reach an ideal healthy weight.
October 13, 2011 - 4:42pmWishing you good luck and success in restoring your health.
Maryann
This Comment
Okay, I thought that I made this clear: IT IS NOT MY GOAL TO REACH A HEALTHY WEIGHT - NO LECTURES, PLEASE. I wish to remain underweight (not 80 lbs, but I certainly do NOT WANT TO WEIGH OVER 95 LBS!). I guess all I want to know is whether an increase in calorie intake from 600 will cause immediate weight gain given my current state, as listed in my background information. I don't mean to be rude, but that is all I want to know. Not opinions on how much I should weigh. JUST whether or not I will gain a lot of weight by upping calories a little.
And no I'm not seeing a counselor. I can get through it on my own just fine.
October 14, 2011 - 9:01amThis Comment