We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Help please

BeckyHoccom
BeckyHoccom Posts: 4 Member
edited February 11 in Food and Nutrition
Hello everyone,
I am a 5'5 and 41.5kg female 20 year old and currently trying to recover from anorexia and regain my periods which I lost a year ago. I thought keeping a food diary would be a way for me to chart what I'm eating without panicking that it's too much. So far I have gone from around 750-950 cals a day to 1200 (mfp set me a target of 1300). However although I know I am probably wrong I am worried that upping my cals like this will make me pile on weight which absolutely terrifies me. As consequence of this I walk for 30/60 mins a day at a very slow pace (I cant walk very fast nowadays). Any advice or reassurance would be very much appreciated

Replies

  • rslcarson
    rslcarson Posts: 35 Member
    Hi, Even though it is a scary prospect for you it really depends on what the 1300kcal is made up of. If it is good nutritous food it will be more likely to support your vital organs, blood supply and energy levels instead.
    The very fact that your on here asking for help is so positive and shows you don't really believe what your mind is intent on telling you.
    You're on the right track to getting better just build it up slowly...any increase from your 950kcals will be a start.
    Make good food choices little and often rather than large meals.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    you need to speak to a doctor... you need to gain weight if you want to regain your period so even 1300 cals isnt enough.
  • BeckyHoccom
    BeckyHoccom Posts: 4 Member
    Hello, I have been to my doctor and have been told that he cant really do anything as I require secondary care. I have just started seeing a specialist after nearly a year of seeking help (initially I was told I was not thin enough).
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Hello, I have been to my doctor and have been told that he cant really do anything as I require secondary care. I have just started seeing a specialist after nearly a year of seeking help (initially I was told I was not thin enough).

    your specialist should be able to help you with the number of calories you need and what types of food to eat.
  • BeckyHoccom
    BeckyHoccom Posts: 4 Member
    Thank you for your reply :)
    I have basically had to ask my dad to force me to have the extra stuff as I really don't want it after depriving myself of 'bad stuff' for so long. I have a list of things that my specialist wants me to eat and have been told not to focus on nutritional values at this time (so I have to have milky drinks, biscuits etc). But since I have memorised the calorie content of everything this is something I struggle to do. I find this really scary as literally nothing on this list are things I would normally allow myself to have. The feelings of guilt are awful and Im convinced Im going to be 14st again by the end of the week :(
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Thank you for your reply :)
    I have basically had to ask my dad to force me to have the extra stuff as I really don't want it after depriving myself of 'bad stuff' for so long. I have a list of things that my specialist wants me to eat and have been told not to focus on nutritional values at this time (so I have to have milky drinks, biscuits etc). But since I have memorised the calorie content of everything this is something I struggle to do. I find this really scary as literally nothing on this list are things I would normally allow myself to have. The feelings of guilt are awful and Im convinced Im going to be 14st again by the end of the week :(

    and have you told your specialist this?

    food is neither bad or good, its just food...

    i know you're looking for support, but i doubt a calorie counting site is the best place for you to be, when you shouldnt be counting calories in the first place!
  • rslcarson
    rslcarson Posts: 35 Member
    Thank you for your reply :)
    I have basically had to ask my dad to force me to have the extra stuff as I really don't want it after depriving myself of 'bad stuff' for so long. I have a list of things that my specialist wants me to eat and have been told not to focus on nutritional values at this time (so I have to have milky drinks, biscuits etc). But since I have memorised the calorie content of everything this is something I struggle to do. I find this really scary as literally nothing on this list are things I would normally allow myself to have. The feelings of guilt are awful and Im convinced Im going to be 14st again by the end of the week :(

    and have you told your specialist this?

    food is neither bad or good, its just food...

    i know you're looking for support, but i doubt a calorie counting site is the best place for you to be, when you shouldnt be counting calories in the first place!

    Sorry but I don't think your comments are helpful to this girl at all! She is struggling with her nutrition and has been seeking help. MFP can be useful for different goals and if she can use it to her advantage of upping her calories rather than a deficit then why not?
    It is probably as hard for BeckyHocom to eat food than it is for most of us to cut down. She's asking for help not ridicule.

    Becky... it seems like your specialist is trying to get you to consume instant high calorie foods, if you don't feel comfortable with that then tell them that. I think trying to eat more fruit and vegetable esp bananas, potatoes etc. that will add calories but still feel like your being healthy it will be much more positive but you will have to make a huge effort to building your calories up even if it doesn't happen overnight.

    None of us are health professionals here.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Thank you for your reply :)
    I have basically had to ask my dad to force me to have the extra stuff as I really don't want it after depriving myself of 'bad stuff' for so long. I have a list of things that my specialist wants me to eat and have been told not to focus on nutritional values at this time (so I have to have milky drinks, biscuits etc). But since I have memorised the calorie content of everything this is something I struggle to do. I find this really scary as literally nothing on this list are things I would normally allow myself to have. The feelings of guilt are awful and Im convinced Im going to be 14st again by the end of the week :(

    and have you told your specialist this?

    food is neither bad or good, its just food...

    i know you're looking for support, but i doubt a calorie counting site is the best place for you to be, when you shouldnt be counting calories in the first place!

    Sorry but I don't think your comments are helpful to this girl at all! She is struggling with her nutrition and has been seeking help. MFP can be useful for different goals and if she can use it to her advantage of upping her calories rather than a deficit then why not?
    It is probably as hard for BeckyHocom to eat food than it is for most of us to cut down. She's asking for help not ridicule.

    Becky... it seems like your specialist is trying to get you to consume instant high calorie foods, if you don't feel comfortable with that then tell them that. I think trying to eat more fruit and vegetable esp bananas, potatoes etc. that will add calories but still feel like your being healthy it will be much more positive but you will have to make a huge effort to building your calories up even if it doesn't happen overnight.

    None of us are health professionals here.

    i have no idea what you have read to think there was any ridicule in any of my posts to the OP, so i'll just presume you're hangry.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories