Trying to prevent old habits

kgrub

Hello,
I have been using the phone app for several months now, but have decided to check out the site for some motivaiton and advice. I am struggling to consume enough calories to stay healthy and not set my body in starvation mode. I was anorexic off and on from age 9 and I do not want that to happen again. I am so worried by not setting a good example I will turn my children down the wrong food path.
I am set to consume 1200 calories per day, but am finding that incredibly difficult. Today for instance I have eaten 519 calories and feel satisfied and worked out on an elliptical for 75 min burning 695 calories.
I work out 5 days per week on an elliptical for 60-90 min every day. This does not include all the walking I do, weights, or just daily activity calorie burning.

Thanks.

Kelly_Wilson1990

You need to eat more. Try eating 6 small meals a day and adding a protein drink for added calories and protein.

ckdub428

Are you having breakfast? Also almonds are a great way to get your calories up. I love the Emerald Cocoa Roast. One ounce (21 almonds) is 150 calories and tons of protein. What about juice if you are needing to simply raise your calories. Good luck on your journey to be healthier and teaching your kids.

beckyann858

If you are eating low calorie or low fat foods, and the amount you are eating is leaving you satisfied, maybe you could try substituting the higher calorie versions of those foods to bring you closer to your target number??

mental_release

And if possible, try not to worry too much. Kids are wonderful. That fact you're taking care of yourself is the example you want to show...not exactly which foods to sum up to 1200 calories to eat. Use this a a learning experience for all of you and make it a family activity. THAT'S an example that will stay with them forever. We parents aren't perfect, but showing our kids we care and learn from our mistakes is a perfect example.

Just a thought, perhaps you have a high metabolism? I had a friend in college who at 2 full breakfast items from a sit down restaurant and then some added sides and never gained weight. He was an extreme example, but who knows...

--MR

dragonbug300

Hi kgrub,
I struggled with anorexia for 4 years, and the fight to have a healthy relationship with food goes on. However, I've made leaps and bounds in my perspective. At this point I also have quite a bit of knowledge regarding food, exercise, and eating disorders.

If you ever have questions or just need someone to vent to, please feel free to friend me and message me. If you're willing to get healthy, I'm willing to help.

As for your weekly routine... well, you already know that something has to change. However, knowing the mindset that you're in right now, it's likely that you won't like what I have to say. Still, here's a few tips to START yourself getting healthy:

- The best thing for you right now would be to cut out the elliptical entirely (because that's going to do the worst damage to your body at this point). Baby steps. You can keep your walks and weight lifting, just stop using the exercise machine.

- Right before bed, drink and Ensure or Boost. They're small and calorie-dense, and also packed with vitamins. My doctors prescribed that for me. It didn't help me gain weight... it just slowed my weight loss slightly.

- Add a little something extra at each meal. Eat 8 small meals if you have to.

- Generally... I'd recommend leaving the site. Anorexia's a sneaky biotch. Calorie-counting sites like this are really just fodder for that obsession, however great your intentions may be.

Good luck and take care.