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!

Not sure whether to gain or lose first...am I alone?

vonne5739
vonne5739 Posts: 6
edited March 7 in Getting Started
Hi Im Vonne. Im 41 and I have an issue that Im not sure how to fix. My metabolism is completely shut down and I have to build it back up. I have pretty much been surviving off of 1 meal a day or sometimes every other day and empty calories. Ive been told i have to eat 5 small meals and Ill probably gain first. My question is being that I was only getting about 500-1000 calories a day...whats a good calorie intake I can start at? Somebody please help and oh....I need some friends too!

Replies

  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    edited October 2014
    You would be 6ft under if your "metabolism was completely shut down". You don't tell us anything that would allow calculation of a target and your diary is closed - what calories does MFP allocate you if you set it to a small weight loss ?

    You could start at 1400 calories with say 100 grams of protein in the mix. Eat 30g of protein in each of three meals per day with 10g available for a snack.
  • I just made my diary public. Can you take a look at it please? It says im suppose to consume 1200 calories. That would definitely be an increase for me. I did my first day of clean eating today still short on calories.
  • Falcon
    Falcon Posts: 853 Member
    edited October 2014
    Try adding in a couple of handful of nuts if you're not allergic. Protien and high calorie count. Almonds is a good way to go.

    Try adding in more vegetables. Add in some amount of carb such as brown rice or a side of a pasta dish.
  • segacs
    segacs Posts: 4,599 Member
    Not for nothing, but have you consulted a doctor?

    I ask this because it sounds like you have had some either health issues or eating disorder issues that you're attempting to resolve. This is a great first step. But if you have been vastly undereating for a long time, you should be tackling those issues with the supervision of a trained physician.

    You say "I have been told" -- by whom?
  • Falcon
    Falcon Posts: 853 Member
    I agree if you haven't seen a doctor. You should. Have you completed your diary entry for the day? If so you are not eating enough food.
  • This content has been removed.
This discussion has been closed.