Not sure whether to gain or lose first...am I alone?

vonne5739

Hi Im Vonne. Im 41 and I have an issue that Im not sure how to fix. My metabolism is completely shut down and I have to build it back up. I have pretty much been surviving off of 1 meal a day or sometimes every other day and empty calories. Ive been told i have to eat 5 small meals and Ill probably gain first. My question is being that I was only getting about 500-1000 calories a day...whats a good calorie intake I can start at? Somebody please help and oh....I need some friends too!

yarwell

You would be 6ft under if your "metabolism was completely shut down". You don't tell us anything that would allow calculation of a target and your diary is closed - what calories does MFP allocate you if you set it to a small weight loss ?

You could start at 1400 calories with say 100 grams of protein in the mix. Eat 30g of protein in each of three meals per day with 10g available for a snack.

vonne5739

I just made my diary public. Can you take a look at it please? It says im suppose to consume 1200 calories. That would definitely be an increase for me. I did my first day of clean eating today still short on calories.

Falcon

Try adding in a couple of handful of nuts if you're not allergic. Protien and high calorie count. Almonds is a good way to go.

Try adding in more vegetables. Add in some amount of carb such as brown rice or a side of a pasta dish.

segacs

Not for nothing, but have you consulted a doctor?

I ask this because it sounds like you have had some either health issues or eating disorder issues that you're attempting to resolve. This is a great first step. But if you have been vastly undereating for a long time, you should be tackling those issues with the supervision of a trained physician.

You say "I have been told" -- by whom?

Falcon

I agree if you haven't seen a doctor. You should. Have you completed your diary entry for the day? If so you are not eating enough food.