need advice

If you're really that afraid of eating, you should seek counseling before it gets out of hand. And don't fast...it does nothing but upset insulin levels when you begin eating again, and you'll feel bloated and just as unhappy as you were to begin with. The only reason to fast is to prepare for surgery or some exploratory procedure into your intestines. If you have a high amount of body fat but you're as slender as you look in your picture, it would be in your best interested to incorporate weight training into your routine so you'll feel firmer and increase your metabolism.

If you're really that afraid of eating, you should seek counseling before it gets out of hand. And don't fast...it does nothing but upset insulin levels when you begin eating again, and you'll feel bloated and just as unhappy as you were to begin with. The only reason to fast is to prepare for surgery or some exploratory procedure into your intestines. If you have a high amount of body fat but you're as slender as you look in your picture, it would be in your best interested to incorporate weight training into your routine so you'll feel firmer and increase your metabolism.

Thank You!

No problem I always tell it like I see it.

BUT to not talk FOR the doctors on the fasting issue, I will take a trip around the office and see what they say if you are all interested.
--Diann

I talked to my doctor and he never once mentioned fasting as an option or optimal way to start loosing weight. His suggestion is what I have followed and so far so good. His suggestion was a mediterranean style diet, lots of fish, veggies, fruit and lean meats and dairy and to not get rid of any one aspect of you diet (like getting rid of all carbs, which you need if you are active!)

I would recommend you find a PROFESSIONAL to help you at this point because you are not eatting enough if your calorie count is right and that is only going to come back to haunt you. If that is a picture of you on your post you have nothing to worry about physically. EAt right and keep exercising.

I want to offer my personal story to you.

I have suffered anorexia and body dysmorphia in the past - and it starts out much the way you are describing. When I entered high school, that waif/Kate Moss look was in and it seemed all the girls at my school fit that ideal. All except me. I was by no means fat (size 0) but I have always been curvy with hips and a butt. I began exercising for at least 2 hours a day and cutting my calories drastically if I even ate at all. I lost a ton of weight, but I still felt fat since my hips and butt would not go down. And my stomach, although nice and flat - was not flat enough. This type of behavior went on for about 5 or 6 years duing which my weight fluctuated between 90 and 105 pounds (I had moments of sanity when I'd realize I wasn't doing my body any good and would force myself to eat even though I was terrified to and I'd gain back a healthy weight). But I always continued on with my insane workout schedule determined to get that perfect body I dreamed of. At the time I was to blind to see how good I looked.

I finally realized I needed help (after much encouragement from my mom and boyfriend) and spoke with a school psychologist who helped me to see that my fears were all in my head and that the image I saw reflected back at me in the mirror was one I was creating in my own mind. And that I was choosing to focus on my "flaws" (whether real or imagined) rather than see the whole picture. I changed my eating habits and continued working out but instead for pleasure rather than weight loss and moved up to a healthier 112-115 pounds. The psychologist also helped me to realize I'd tended to become stricter on myself when I felt out of control in other areas of my life. Almost like since I couldn't control some things that were happening (like the death of my grandfather) I made sure to take strict control of my diet and exercise where I knew I could.

Now I am about 28 pounds heavier. And I look back at pictures of myself and am amazed I ever thought I was fat and that my hips or butt was large. In fact, I am envious of the body I once had. While I am still tempted at times to revert back to old habits, I will not let myself. I am choosing to take control there. I know what it's like to be afraid to eat, to up your calorie intake. But I now tell myself I am more afraid to teach my kids bad habits. More afraid to disppoint my loved ones. More afraid to die.

I highly suggest you do talk to a doctor. I wish you luck and if you feel maybe my personal experience can help you, please contact me and I'd be happy to offer you some support privately. :flowerforyou: