Anyone else trying to repair their metabolism?

You didn't "ruin" your metabolism. So eating more won't fix it.

But it will make you heavier, if you eat too much!

Me!!! I did the same things when I was younger and now I lose weight like a darn snail. It's hard.

Okay, good that you're aware yo-yo dieting isn't your friend. Yet, have you had your RMR actually measured? Before you go trying to "eat more to weigh less" (which DOES have lots of good info, btw)...you REALLY need to know where you're starting from.

And, let's say you *do* have a lower than normal metabolism right now. The cold hard truth is that there are no guarantees what the endpoint is or what exact ramp-up should look like for you. You will need to experiment over time. You're young and our bodies are really fantastic at self-repair, so it's likely you'll hit normal at some point.

But your necessary *starting* point? The facts - namely your individual RMR. Not some online calculator or your opinion based on losing/not losing weight. Start with facts and take small determined rational steps, and you WILL succeed.

ETA: and yes, I am. Starting with measured RMR of 1100, and now eating 1310+100% exercise calories (open diary). Feeling better than I have in years. Will my metabolism ever hit the "normal" of ~1500? Who knows. I'll keep feeding properly & exercising, and occasionally try another 100-cal bump. YMMV.

You didn't "ruin" your metabolism. So eating more won't fix it.

But it will make you heavier, if you eat too much!

You don't say this to someone with disordered eating patterns. -___-
Her body DOES have repairs to make- and she should be eating a minimum of 2,500 to do so! This applies to ANYONE who has damaged their body through restrictive/ED behaviors- regardless of their BMI. Eventually, the body will maintain on this amount. It may overshoot, but even so it will also tapper down all on it's own STILL eating a minimum of 2,500 calories.

NO.

Unless you have links to peer-reviewed studies conclusively proving that 2500 is a magical number? That's absurd.

The first step is understanding how much if any the metabolism has shifted. By MEASURING it. And then if it is really low, how is it healthy to FORCE yourself to eat hundreds more calories than you are accustomed to? That's just a different kind of unhealthy relationship with food.

Find your starting point, and then gently ramp upward with "normal" in mind. Maybe you end up healthy, strong, and maintaining at 2800. Maybe at 1800. There are no magical numbers and no guarantees. So you start with facts and rational behavior, not abrupt force-feeding.

Ok let me start it this way since I have been around the block. You don't need to be concerned with your metabolism right now cause you havent discussed anything with a doctor (Medical). They will be able to help you on your course to fixing anything that you might think you have. Everyone here has gave their opinion which it seems non of them are medical doctors. You need to listen to the professionals. They will tell you what you need in calories and how to start eating right and get a nutrition plan built for you. Peer review are good for some if they really understand the full spectrum of the paper. This I do know cause I do have a Doctorate in Computer Science but this doesn't mean I am going to follow what they say unless I confirm it with my doctor which will help me on my path. They will give you key points and areas to work on and to start go to them (Medical Doctor) setup a plan, be honest with everything so you can get on the path to healthy weight loss. You are doing the right thing by asking questions just ask the right people. Thanks Dr. G

You didn't "ruin" your metabolism. So eating more won't fix it.

But it will make you heavier, if you eat too much!

You don't say this to someone with disordered eating patterns. -___-
Her body DOES have repairs to make- and she should be eating a minimum of 2,500 to do so! This applies to ANYONE who has damaged their body through restrictive/ED behaviors- regardless of their BMI. Eventually, the body will maintain on this amount. It may overshoot, but even so it will also tapper down all on it's own STILL eating a minimum of 2,500 calories.

NO.

Unless you have links to peer-reviewed studies conclusively proving that 2500 is a magical number? That's absurd.

The first step is understanding how much if any the metabolism has shifted. By MEASURING it. And then if it is really low, how is it healthy to FORCE yourself to eat hundreds more calories than you are accustomed to? That's just a different kind of unhealthy relationship with food.

Find your starting point, and then gently ramp upward with "normal" in mind. Maybe you end up healthy, strong, and maintaining at 2800. Maybe at 1800. There are no magical numbers and no guarantees. So you start with facts and rational behavior, not abrupt force-feeding.

I am also of the opinion that you should have your RMR/BMR measured professionally and go from there. How do you know for sure you've damaged your metabolism?

One thing to consider is that through your crash dieting, you may have lost significant lean mass. Considering lean mass is a huge indicator of what your metabolic rate is, gaining lean mass is an excellent plan for increasing your metabolism.