to whom does 3000 calories apply to?
aniazawadzki
Posts: 58
I read the eatopia blog about how someone who is recovering from anorexia and is a female younger than 25 should consume 3000 calories at minimum... does anyone know if this is true? I am 95 lbs 5'6 and trying to gain but I'm not sure how to gain with how many calories... i want to at least get to 120 how long would this take? A couple of weeks if I ate whatever or longer or a shorter time period? Sorry so many questions! I don't want to gain in an "unsafe" way...
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Replies
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I have never suffered from an ED so can't tell you how it feels to eat more after eating too low for some time, but I'd say work up to it gradually to not shock your system too hard...Depending on how little you were eating previously I'd go up 300-500 cals per week and see how that goes until you've reached your calorie goal (calculate your BMR and TDEE for someone at a healthy weight for your height, weight and age if you haven't done so already) and from there eat at BMR if you simply wish to maintain your "new" weight and if you feel like it, eat above BMR from there.
Keep on the road to recovery!0 -
The gradually thing is nice in theory, the problem is that it still encourages restrictive intake. The best way to do it is to start out consuming most of your calories via liquids. Milk, creamer in coffee, sweet teas, juices, broths, etc.
This still could shock your system (so you'll definitely need to speak to a doctor and a nutritionist or dietician regardless, my biggest regret is that I didn't, but I couldn't afford to - as we are literally poverty level and no insurance has went through yet), but less so. It will be a lot less painful.
3,000 sounds about right for a recovering anorexic who is 95 lbs. You may even need about 3,500. My purpose telling you this is to let you know, so that if you ever eat around that much you don't panic. It's normal in the early stages to want to eat everything in sight. Trust your body. It knows what you need.
In the early stages of my own recovery, I listened to my cravings. I went through phases, too. The first was iron (I'm guessing I was almost anemic because I consumed a LOT of iron in the early weeks), then my body craved protein by the bundle (I ate a lot of fish, chicken, beef, and nuts in this stage), then sugar (mmm peeps...), and so on. It can be scary, because these cravings will hit you sporadically and may cause binges, but it's normal, and trust them. Your body knows what it's doing better than that ED voice does.
ETA: Also, recovery takes a while. When I first went in, I dreamt of it being done in a few months. i'm half a year in, and I'm still not fully recovered. Just remember that. Remember, especially, that even when you hit an ideal weight, you still might have some recovering to do.0 -
The gradually thing is nice in theory, the problem is that it still encourages restrictive intake. The best way to do it is to start out consuming most of your calories via liquids. Milk, creamer in coffee, sweet teas, juices, broths, etc.
This still could shock your system (so you'll definitely need to speak to a doctor and a nutritionist or dietician regardless, my biggest regret is that I didn't, but I couldn't afford to - as we are literally poverty level and no insurance has went through yet), but less so. It will be a lot less painful.
3,000 sounds about right for a recovering anorexic who is 95 lbs. You may even need about 3,500. My purpose telling you this is to let you know, so that if you ever eat around that much you don't panic. It's normal in the early stages to want to eat everything in sight. Trust your body. It knows what you need.
In the early stages of my own recovery, I listened to my cravings. I went through phases, too. The first was iron (I'm guessing I was almost anemic because I consumed a LOT of iron in the early weeks), then my body craved protein by the bundle (I ate a lot of fish, chicken, beef, and nuts in this stage), then sugar (mmm peeps...), and so on. It can be scary, because these cravings will hit you sporadically and may cause binges, but it's normal, and trust them. Your body knows what it's doing better than that ED voice does.
ETA: Also, recovery takes a while. When I first went in, I dreamt of it being done in a few months. i'm half a year in, and I'm still not fully recovered. Just remember that. Remember, especially, that even when you hit an ideal weight, you still might have some recovering to do.
Congrats on your recovery!
you said it took longer than a few months, did you hit your ideal weight in a few months or is this including the emotional recovery too? Because right now the last couple of days I haven't been counting but I'm sure I have eaten more than 3000 because I'm on a road trip and have had a lot of shakes and fast food and diner foods. I put in weight gain on MFP and it says to only consume 2010 to gain, do you know why that is? 0 -
I have never suffered from an ED so can't tell you how it feels to eat more after eating too low for some time, but I'd say work up to it gradually to not shock your system too hard...Depending on how little you were eating previously I'd go up 300-500 cals per week and see how that goes until you've reached your calorie goal (calculate your BMR and TDEE for someone at a healthy weight for your height, weight and age if you haven't done so already) and from there eat at BMR if you simply wish to maintain your "new" weight and if you feel like it, eat above BMR from there.
Keep on the road to recovery!
Thank you so much for your response
the weird thing is is that I have never eaten under 1200 calories and my tdee is 1400 so it's not far off, I could never eat under 1000 lol I don't understand because I lost in a healthy way but not eating below 1200 I just never knew the stopping point I figured my body would tell me lol 0 -
I'm 55 and 5ft 4 ins and my TDEE is 1900 cals. My BMR (basal metabolic rate which is what you need if you are a functioning body lying in a bed) is 1596.
You've got your numbers totally wrong.
Your TDEE would be around 2000 cals.
at least and more of course if you are exercising.0 -
I think figuring out your TDEE and eating 10% over that is a safe and healthy way to gain. And it will encourage a habit of calorie consumption that is good for you. When you get to goal weight, you'll only have to cut out that extra 10%.0
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MFP suggests 2010 while the blog says 3000 which one to follow?0
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I use this one but there are plenty on the internet. Try a couple they'll all come in around the same type of numbers.
http://www.fitnessfrog.com/calculators/tdee-calculator.html0 -
MFP suggests 2010 while the blog says 3000 which one to follow?
speak to a doctor0 -
2,010 seems like quite a low number, 3,000 sounds much better because it'll give you a gradual weight gain, but enough to see a difference! May I also suggest maybe starting weight training when you feel up to it? Having an eating disorder, a lot of your muscle is eaten away and it'll help replenish any that has been lost whilst providing weight gain from muscle weight. Good luck it'll be a struggle but your health is worth it :flowerforyou:0
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MFP suggests 2010 while the blog says 3000 which one to follow?
speak to a doctor0 -
MFP suggests 2010 while the blog says 3000 which one to follow?
speak to a doctor
I have and they said not to count but I'm worried then I won't eat enough to gain because of habits and sticking to the same routine
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2,010 seems like quite a low number, 3,000 sounds much better because it'll give you a gradual weight gain, but enough to see a difference! May I also suggest maybe starting weight training when you feel up to it? Having an eating disorder, a lot of your muscle is eaten away and it'll help replenish any that has been lost whilst providing weight gain from muscle weight. Good luck it'll be a struggle but your health is worth it :flowerforyou:
Aw thank you what do you mean by gradual? Would the weight come on quickly or would it burn to replenish everything first? 0 -
MFP suggests 2010 while the blog says 3000 which one to follow?
speak to a doctor
I have and they said not to count but I'm worried then I won't eat enough to gain because of habits and sticking to the same routine
then tell your doctor this...0 -
You really need to speak to a physician about this. People who have been starved/malnourished may experience refeeding syndrome, in which their BMR dramatically rises, which can alter macronutrient metabolism and cause all kinds of problems. People on a message board aren't qualified to help you with this.0
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Congratulations on your journey to recovery.
Please see your doctor about this and do not, I repeat: DO NOT, rely on the advice of an internet forum to treat your disorder.
No really. SEE YOUR DOCTOR!!!!! And good luck with the rest of your journey 0 -
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I'm 55 and 5ft 4 ins and my TDEE is 1900 cals. My BMR (basal metabolic rate which is what you need if you are a functioning body lying in a bed) is 1596.
You've got your numbers totally wrong.
Your TDEE would be around 2000 cals.
at least and more of course if you are exercising.
Please ignore this and speak to your Dr. :flowerforyou:0 -
I read the eatopia blog about how someone who is recovering from anorexia and is a female younger than 25 should consume 3000 calories at minimum... does anyone know if this is true? I am 95 lbs 5'6 and trying to gain but I'm not sure how to gain with how many calories... i want to at least get to 120 how long would this take? A couple of weeks if I ate whatever or longer or a shorter time period? Sorry so many questions! I don't want to gain in an "unsafe" way...
You do not want drastic changes. You want to go with something you can stick with.
I maintain weight at 2,000 calories a day. I would say to aim for that for about 2 weeks. See how you feel and adjust it a little up or down based on that.
I think you are right 3,000 a day seems drastic.0 -
I think figuring out your TDEE and eating 10% over that is a safe and healthy way to gain. And it will encourage a habit of calorie consumption that is good for you. When you get to goal weight, you'll only have to cut out that extra 10%.
QFT.
TDEE and other calorie calculators are a jumping off point, not gospel from on high. My TDEE 'should be' around 2200 calories, but for whatever reason is about 10% lower than that.0 -
Speak to a doctor. Do not ask for advice like this on an internet forum.
Speak to a doctor. Do not ask for advice like this on an internet forum.
Speak to a doctor. Do not ask for advice like this on an internet forum.
Speak to a doctor. Do not ask for advice like this on an internet forum.
Speak to a doctor. Do not ask for advice like this on an internet forum.
Speak to a doctor. Do not ask for advice like this on an internet forum.
Speak to a doctor. Do not ask for advice like this on an internet forum.0 -
The gradually thing is nice in theory, the problem is that it still encourages restrictive intake. The best way to do it is to start out consuming most of your calories via liquids. Milk, creamer in coffee, sweet teas, juices, broths, etc.
This still could shock your system (so you'll definitely need to speak to a doctor and a nutritionist or dietician regardless, my biggest regret is that I didn't, but I couldn't afford to - as we are literally poverty level and no insurance has went through yet), but less so. It will be a lot less painful.
3,000 sounds about right for a recovering anorexic who is 95 lbs. You may even need about 3,500. My purpose telling you this is to let you know, so that if you ever eat around that much you don't panic. It's normal in the early stages to want to eat everything in sight. Trust your body. It knows what you need.
In the early stages of my own recovery, I listened to my cravings. I went through phases, too. The first was iron (I'm guessing I was almost anemic because I consumed a LOT of iron in the early weeks), then my body craved protein by the bundle (I ate a lot of fish, chicken, beef, and nuts in this stage), then sugar (mmm peeps...), and so on. It can be scary, because these cravings will hit you sporadically and may cause binges, but it's normal, and trust them. Your body knows what it's doing better than that ED voice does.
ETA: Also, recovery takes a while. When I first went in, I dreamt of it being done in a few months. i'm half a year in, and I'm still not fully recovered. Just remember that. Remember, especially, that even when you hit an ideal weight, you still might have some recovering to do.
Not that I know anything about this subject but...
You recommended that the OP not "gradually increase calories" and then suggested a liquid diet?! :noway:0 -
See a doctor is to general ... SEE A SPECIALIST IN EATING DISORDERS.0
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Just to reiterate, DO NOT LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE ON A DIETING WEBSITE!!! YourEatopia is backed by scientific studies, and she links to all of them within her articles. It's been proven again and again that those numbers are correct, and what normal non-disordered people eat and maintain their set-point weight. 3,000 is not just for those recovering from restrictive EDs, it's for EVERYBODY! The problem is that the average person underestimates their intake, and is sloppy about counting calories. Someone with an ED is typically very precise and actually tends to overestimate.
If you're currently eating under 1000 calories a day, you will need to slowly increase at first by 100 to 300 calories every couple of days. Once you get close to around 2000 calories, you should be safe to jump to your 3000 minimums. And yes, 3000 is the MINIMUM amount. It's ok and absolutely encouraged to go over!! Your body has a severe amount of damage to repair.
Please, don't take advice from people trying to lose weight themselves. Talk to your doctors, talk to other people on the YourEatopia forums who are doing MinnieMaud, and please take care of yourself! You can also message me if you want, I'm following MinnieMaud myself and could point you in the direction of a lot of other lovely folks who are as well.0 -
MFP suggests 2010 while the blog says 3000 which one to follow?
speak to a doctor
I have and they said not to count but I'm worried then I won't eat enough to gain because of habits and sticking to the same routine
then tell your doctor this...
Yes. also, this is why doctors specialize. see if you can find a specialist who works w/ your insurance. some docs think that if you track your calories it can be triggering, and for some ppl who are recovering from ED that is true. but for others, they need the control of the numbers. you need to find a specialist and explain to them that you want to track the numbers. and then break down with them what those numbers should be (overall as well as macro) and a healthy way to do that.
also, please see a therapist who specializes in ED recovery as well. you need to nurture your mind as well as your body.
good luck. you are worth being healthy.0 -
You really need to speak to a physician about this. People who have been starved/malnourished may experience refeeding syndrome, in which their BMR dramatically rises, which can alter macronutrient metabolism and cause all kinds of problems. People on a message board aren't qualified to help you with this.
I agree. There are dietitians that specialize in eating disorder recovery, and you should be working with one of them on your weight gain.
http://www.anad.org/get-information/recovery/
I wish you all the best, OP. :flowerforyou:0 -
try this- forum- and you can read this- girl posted in a very similar situation.
The gaining section is full of awesome.
seriously
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1309580-has-anyone-experienced-this0 -
MFP suggests 2010 while the blog says 3000 which one to follow?
speak to a doctor
I have and they said not to count but I'm worried then I won't eat enough to gain because of habits and sticking to the same routine
Totally understandable. After I recovered to a healthy weight when I was younger (recovered being a loose term, as I gained weight from medication and no change in eating habits), I was the same way; not as bad as I had been, but eating much less than I should have been just because the habits were so ingrained.
I know you're working with a doctor, but are you working with a therapist or mental health professional? It's good to have a team when dealing with something long term, which ED recovery is. IF you are truly, honestly able to get yourself to eat more calories by using MFP, than it sounds like you should have everyone on your team know and monitor you as much as you monitor yourself. The "don't track" is generally the medical suggestion for ED recovery, as "control" is a big factor.
Ultimately, though, I'm so, so glad you're trying to get to a healthy weight. Your post yesterday was very concerning to me, and I'm so glad you are getting help! Good luck to you; it's a long road, but it's a road that can be managed as long as you keep giving your body some fuel.
As for:Please, don't take advice from people trying to lose weight themselves.
Some of us are on here because we're TRYING to lose weight in a healthy manner, particularly when our metabolisms got wrecked from dealing with an ED for so long. Not sure why your advice should trump anyone else's on here?0 -
The gradually thing is nice in theory, the problem is that it still encourages restrictive intake. The best way to do it is to start out consuming most of your calories via liquids. Milk, creamer in coffee, sweet teas, juices, broths, etc.
This still could shock your system (so you'll definitely need to speak to a doctor and a nutritionist or dietician regardless, my biggest regret is that I didn't, but I couldn't afford to - as we are literally poverty level and no insurance has went through yet), but less so. It will be a lot less painful.
3,000 sounds about right for a recovering anorexic who is 95 lbs. You may even need about 3,500. My purpose telling you this is to let you know, so that if you ever eat around that much you don't panic. It's normal in the early stages to want to eat everything in sight. Trust your body. It knows what you need.
In the early stages of my own recovery, I listened to my cravings. I went through phases, too. The first was iron (I'm guessing I was almost anemic because I consumed a LOT of iron in the early weeks), then my body craved protein by the bundle (I ate a lot of fish, chicken, beef, and nuts in this stage), then sugar (mmm peeps...), and so on. It can be scary, because these cravings will hit you sporadically and may cause binges, but it's normal, and trust them. Your body knows what it's doing better than that ED voice does.
ETA: Also, recovery takes a while. When I first went in, I dreamt of it being done in a few months. i'm half a year in, and I'm still not fully recovered. Just remember that. Remember, especially, that even when you hit an ideal weight, you still might have some recovering to do.
Congrats on your recovery! you said it took longer than a few months, did you hit your ideal weight in a few months or is this including the emotional recovery too? Because right now the last couple of days I haven't been counting but I'm sure I have eaten more than 3000 because I'm on a road trip and have had a lot of shakes and fast food and diner foods. I put in weight gain on MFP and it says to only consume 2010 to gain, do you know why that is?
I do.
MFP calculates based on an assumption that you are a healthy 'average' individual looking to gain weight at whatever rate you put in (0.25 lb/wk, 0.5 lb/wk, etc).
MFP does not take into account that you have done yourself some significant physical damage that needs to be repaired. That repair will consume a significant number of calories. Think of it as if you're doing a bunch of exercise that MFP knows nothing about - it can't help but underestimate what you need. In addition, you don't need to be restricting your weight gain to a particular rate. Based on posts from others recovering from an ED, the physical state of your body and your emotional state will be more than enough of a brake in that regard.0 -
I am not a doctor, but I do know that while I was in recovery it took my digestive system a while to get accustomed to an increase in food. So be sure to ask a nutritionist what you'd need to eat in order to balance things so you don't wind up wildly constipated (or the opposite).
Good luck and WTG on taking the first steps to get well again!0
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