I feel like I'm fading away!
alizelologirl
Posts: 4 Member
Hi there!
I am really new to this and to the "gaining weight" life. I've always been pretty small. My heaviest was when I was pregnant and I weighed 140lbs the day I gave birth. Afterwards, I weighed roughly 125lbs.
I have been losing weight since about November of last year. I now weigh 101lbs! I am 5'6 and 27 years old. I stay away from junk food as much as I can but sometimes I wanna stuff my face just to put on weight. People keep commenting on how skinny I am and when I look in the mirror, I see a dying corpse. Is anyone else dealing with something similar? I feel alone sometimes. I'm taking a nutrition class this semester and there's literally A PAGE on gaining weight. Every time I look online for ways to gain weight it's specific to men and trainers. My doctors just tell me what I should be eating but not specific amounts. It seems like everything out there is tailored to losing weight. I wish there was an easier way!!!
I am really new to this and to the "gaining weight" life. I've always been pretty small. My heaviest was when I was pregnant and I weighed 140lbs the day I gave birth. Afterwards, I weighed roughly 125lbs.
I have been losing weight since about November of last year. I now weigh 101lbs! I am 5'6 and 27 years old. I stay away from junk food as much as I can but sometimes I wanna stuff my face just to put on weight. People keep commenting on how skinny I am and when I look in the mirror, I see a dying corpse. Is anyone else dealing with something similar? I feel alone sometimes. I'm taking a nutrition class this semester and there's literally A PAGE on gaining weight. Every time I look online for ways to gain weight it's specific to men and trainers. My doctors just tell me what I should be eating but not specific amounts. It seems like everything out there is tailored to losing weight. I wish there was an easier way!!!
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Replies
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there isn't a one size fits all guide when it comes to how many calories a person needs, as it is completely individual.
if your doctor has told you what to eat, then you can use MFP to get a rough estimate on the how much, and go from there.
eat all the food and lift some heavy stuff is the general consensus around here!1 -
If weight gain is your goal then this...alizelologirl wrote: »I stay away from junk food as much as I can
is not the best attitude.
I'm certainly not advocating a diet of 100% fast food/junk food etc but designating some foods as "good" and others as "bad" is, IMHO, not a good mindset to get into. And whilst a diet of mainly single ingredient, whole foods is widely recommended, a little bit of "treat/cheat" food is neither harmful or to be avoided. this applies more when trying to gain weight.
As @TavistockToad says, use MFP to hit your calories on a daily basis. But, maybe add into your daily food intake something that you enjoy or crave - learn to incorporate those foods back into your diet.
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You do not describe a reason you have gotten down to such a low weight. And what is keeping you from reaching a calorie goal needed to break that weight and start gaining.. OP, there is or could be some underlying issues with body image possibly? If there is some of this, it not just about eating more, it has to do with what is going on your mind as well. Find the underlying cause to what is going on in your life that is preventing you from getting to a healthy weight.
Your doctors def are telling you to eat more (what doctor are you seeing about your weight?) , so just setup MFP to gain x pounds a week and eat those calories MFP set up in your 'calorie bank'. You can eat calorie dense foods that are not junk labeled (I hate labeling food as junk, its just food).. And the foods in the list are certainly not ba
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10142490/a-list-of-calorie-dense-foods/p13 -
alizelologirl wrote: »Hi there!
I am really new to this and to the "gaining weight" life. I've always been pretty small. My heaviest was when I was pregnant and I weighed 140lbs the day I gave birth. Afterwards, I weighed roughly 125lbs.
I have been losing weight since about November of last year. I now weigh 101lbs! I am 5'6 and 27 years old. I stay away from junk food as much as I can but sometimes I wanna stuff my face just to put on weight. People keep commenting on how skinny I am and when I look in the mirror, I see a dying corpse. Is anyone else dealing with something similar? I feel alone sometimes. I'm taking a nutrition class this semester and there's literally A PAGE on gaining weight. Every time I look online for ways to gain weight it's specific to men and trainers. My doctors just tell me what I should be eating but not specific amounts. It seems like everything out there is tailored to losing weight. I wish there was an easier way!!!
So men and women gain weight the same and should follow similar or the same programs. The only difference is how we will look. Women cannot build bulk.
Adding weight comes from eating enough calories. More often than not, people put their own limiting factors (such as not eating junk or only clean stuff) which prevents them from reaching your goals or losing too much weight. The fact is, the foods you eat doesn't influence your health as much as your weight, activity level and genetics. So if eating or drinking some junk food to ensure calories match your goals, then it's a must. We do suggest getting a lot of calories from nutrient dense sources (like nuts, fish, meats, veggies, fruits, whole grains) but total caloric intake is the only way to gain, lose or maintain. The below thread will provide you with food ideas and strategies to help you reach your goal.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10326769/are-you-a-hard-gainer-please-read/p1
Also, if you would like to gain some muscle while gaining weight (highly suggest it because its much better for health and metabolic functions), I would highly suggest one of the beginner workouts. Women tend to gravity towards StrongCurves or NROL4W, as they are very complete programs but have a lot of lower body focus and women want that booty these days.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p11 -
I have a Snickers just about every day. I make Carnation Breakfast powder in with 10 ounces of whole milk. That right there is 530 calories for just a simple/quick snack. Some people might consider it junk (especially the Snickers), but you also need to consider that being underweight can also be just as dangerous. There has to be a balance in what you consider "bad" for yourself.
Sushi is another thing. I am having an eel dragon roll. It has avocado, rice, seaweed, cucumber, etc. - all of which are rather good for you. It's ALSO 400 calories! (I'm also drinking A&W Cream Soda with it, another 290 calories).
I do love fruit, too. However, stuff like strawberries, cherries, melons, etc. only have like 50 calories at the most for a full serving. I supplement with whole fat yogurt, or a dip made of marshmallow fluff and cream cheese whipped together (I'm not sure how many calories it is...haven't eaten it since I started keeping track, but I think I'll make it soon and figure it out). Or cottage cheese with fruit is good too, and if you get the full fat kind that's an extra 110 calories per serving. Add in a little whipping cream - the REAL stuff, for another 50+
There's some pound cake slices at WalMart I get that are about 120 calories each, and some berries and whipped cream (again, the REAL stuff, not Cool Whip) can easily add up to over 200 for a treat that's relatively healthy.
My stomach doesn't like me to eat a large volume at once, so I'm getting good at trying to stuff as many calories in, without the food being too bulky in servings. I eat about every 2 hours, too.1 -
maybe you need to see a Dr. and have lab done to see if there is something else going on. that happened to me and it turned out to be medical. i was not trying to be so skinny. i was 5'8 and 115.1
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Like the poster above me just suggested, I would get a full physical if you haven't already done so, to make sure it's not because of an overactive thyroid (which is not good for the heart) or something else like that. It's unusual to lose that much weight 'for no reason' when you aren't heavy.1
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Wow! I didn't expect so many responses! Thank you everyone for your individual inputs. When I mentioned "junk" food, I was referring to fast food. There are some places I will still eat from (like Super Mex and In N Out) but I try to stay away from the fast food places because I know there are nasty additives and preservatives. I initially lost so much weight because of my medication but I have stabilized (mostly) since then. I am eating all the recommended foods that my dr suggested (my GP Doctor). I still struggle with eating less than the recommended amount but I am using this app to keep an eye on what I need. I appreciate all of your inputs and suggestions.0
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You'll free to add me as I have similar stats and age and don't eat processed foods☺️ also working on gaining and have been doing well!!1
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I don't eat fast food because it has so much sodium. I have heart failure, and too much sodium makes me retain fluid in my lungs, harder to breathe and my oxygen levels go too low.
So my version of "junk food" is sweets and fatty stuff like cheesecake
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Wow. This is concerning to me. Had you been TRYING to lose this weight and it went too far or you just weren't doing anything out of the norm and just kept dropping pounds? I'm 5'6" and at 119 started to look too frail.
So, you obviously want to do this in a healthful manner. What the doctors aren't telling you is amount? You just need to count calories, and take in more calories than you burn. Are you extremely active? If not, I would recommend you take in around 2000-2200 calories a day. That will guarantee you surplus. Try to eat healthy foods so the weight you put on isn't uncontrolled fat. I don't think anyone strives for those kinds of results. If you are really active, you need to eat back the calories you burn and then some. It's really going to be about tracking your foods. You're probably thinking you're eating more than you really are and, without a surplus, you are either going to maintain your current weight or continue to lose. Good luck, hun.1 -
angelwowings23 wrote: »Are you extremely active? If not, I would recommend you take in around 2000-2200 calories a day. That will guarantee you surplus.
Just popping in to say that 2000-2200 calories a day may not necessarily guarantee a surplus for someone who is extremely active. Try what someone else suggested earlier and set MFP to gain X number of lbs per week, and track your progress for a few weeks and adjust accordingly. If you're not gaining at the desired rate, add a few hundred calories per day.
Try things that are calorie dense like peanut butter, dried fruit, nuts; those won't change the volume of how much you're eating a huge extent, but will definitely help increase your daily intake.
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alizelologirl wrote: »Wow! I didn't expect so many responses! Thank you everyone for your individual inputs. When I mentioned "junk" food, I was referring to fast food. There are some places I will still eat from (like Super Mex and In N Out) but I try to stay away from the fast food places because I know there are nasty additives and preservatives. I initially lost so much weight because of my medication but I have stabilized (mostly) since then. I am eating all the recommended foods that my dr suggested (my GP Doctor). I still struggle with eating less than the recommended amount but I am using this app to keep an eye on what I need. I appreciate all of your inputs and suggestions.
I feel your struggle. I'm trying to gain and eating so many calories is a drag when you're not used to it. Try some toning exercises to help increase appetite and "cheat" with some nutrition mixes for extra calories with your water when you can't normally eat (I even put protein powders in my coffee). I'm rarely at or above my calories, but after a month of trying hard to stick with it, I've gained a few lbs with healthy-ish food.
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alizelologirl wrote: »Wow! I didn't expect so many responses! Thank you everyone for your individual inputs. When I mentioned "junk" food, I was referring to fast food. There are some places I will still eat from (like Super Mex and In N Out) but I try to stay away from the fast food places because I know there are nasty additives and preservatives. I initially lost so much weight because of my medication but I have stabilized (mostly) since then. I am eating all the recommended foods that my dr suggested (my GP Doctor). I still struggle with eating less than the recommended amount but I am using this app to keep an eye on what I need. I appreciate all of your inputs and suggestions.
Why would you be eating less than recommended if you're trying to gain?!2 -
rather than just your regular doctor ask for a recommendation to a nutritionist (or if they stare at you blankly, call your health insurance company and ask them for one). Many health insurances cover them and they can help you a lot since they are specialized.1
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RachelElser wrote: »rather than just your regular doctor ask for a recommendation to a nutritionist (or if they stare at you blankly, call your health insurance company and ask them for one). Many health insurances cover them and they can help you a lot since they are specialized.
Depending on the state, almost anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. A registered dietitian would be a better bet.1 -
TavistockToad wrote: »alizelologirl wrote: »Wow! I didn't expect so many responses! Thank you everyone for your individual inputs. When I mentioned "junk" food, I was referring to fast food. There are some places I will still eat from (like Super Mex and In N Out) but I try to stay away from the fast food places because I know there are nasty additives and preservatives. I initially lost so much weight because of my medication but I have stabilized (mostly) since then. I am eating all the recommended foods that my dr suggested (my GP Doctor). I still struggle with eating less than the recommended amount but I am using this app to keep an eye on what I need. I appreciate all of your inputs and suggestions.
Why would you be eating less than recommended if you're trying to gain?!
It's not easy for me to eat an adequate amount that would increase my weight. I'm a mother, student, and I bust my *kitten* trying to survive with what I can. My boyfriend and I both lost our jobs and food isn't as easy to come by as it used to be. Our child requires a lot from us and we feed her before we feed ourselves. In addition to all this, we continue to have something horrible in life slapping us in the face. I don't have the time or energy to think about my diet sometimes. Quite frankly, sometimes it's difficult to eat at all.0 -
alizelologirl wrote: »Wow! I didn't expect so many responses! Thank you everyone for your individual inputs. When I mentioned "junk" food, I was referring to fast food. There are some places I will still eat from (like Super Mex and In N Out) but I try to stay away from the fast food places because I know there are nasty additives and preservatives. I initially lost so much weight because of my medication but I have stabilized (mostly) since then. I am eating all the recommended foods that my dr suggested (my GP Doctor). I still struggle with eating less than the recommended amount but I am using this app to keep an eye on what I need. I appreciate all of your inputs and suggestions.
I feel your struggle. I'm trying to gain and eating so many calories is a drag when you're not used to it. Try some toning exercises to help increase appetite and "cheat" with some nutrition mixes for extra calories with your water when you can't normally eat (I even put protein powders in my coffee). I'm rarely at or above my calories, but after a month of trying hard to stick with it, I've gained a few lbs with healthy-ish food.
Thank you for the advice. I will definitely try it out.0 -
alizelologirl wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »alizelologirl wrote: »Wow! I didn't expect so many responses! Thank you everyone for your individual inputs. When I mentioned "junk" food, I was referring to fast food. There are some places I will still eat from (like Super Mex and In N Out) but I try to stay away from the fast food places because I know there are nasty additives and preservatives. I initially lost so much weight because of my medication but I have stabilized (mostly) since then. I am eating all the recommended foods that my dr suggested (my GP Doctor). I still struggle with eating less than the recommended amount but I am using this app to keep an eye on what I need. I appreciate all of your inputs and suggestions.
Why would you be eating less than recommended if you're trying to gain?!
It's not easy for me to eat an adequate amount that would increase my weight. I'm a mother, student, and I bust my *kitten* trying to survive with what I can. My boyfriend and I both lost our jobs and food isn't as easy to come by as it used to be. Our child requires a lot from us and we feed her before we feed ourselves. In addition to all this, we continue to have something horrible in life slapping us in the face. I don't have the time or energy to think about my diet sometimes. Quite frankly, sometimes it's difficult to eat at all.
Hi, alizelologirl. I lose weight under stress as well. Watch out as this can make you unhealthy - you aren't crazy underweight now, but if you keep losing you will be too thin. You have no margin. If you are stable at 100lb, just try not to worry, it's fine for now.
I've posted on here before about this, but the one thing that helps me gain when needed is changing snacks - in particular Triscuits and hummus. Every week buy a box of Triscuit crackers and a package of hummus (if you are too low on funds to buy the hummus make a dip of garbanzo beans, olive oil, garlic and salt, pureed). Eat these IN ADDITION to your meals. Quick fix.
Can you get benefits, while you are unemployed with a child? To help with the food costs?0
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