I don't consume a healthy amount of calories, please help.

alpanose
alpanose Posts: 1 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Just a fair warning, I'm going to be talking about disordered eating habits.
Ever since I was fourteen (I'm 18, almost 19 now) I struggled with my body image. For a time until I turned sixteen I was fluctuating around 120lbs. I've never been seriously underweight and during those times I was under a lot of stress. The only thing I did was walk. Walked everywhere. Let me also note that I've always been an on and off purger. If I feel like my stomach is full even if I haven't actually over eaten I will feel the need to go purge.
At sixteen I was in a better place mentally and stopped walking so much because it was taking up my whole day and my grades needed my attention. I can only assume that's the reason I started gaining weight because my diet hasn't really changed. I weigh 138 pounds now fresh out of high school and I'm 5'6.
I recently started counting my calories and while I will eat more some days than others (Although I do not binge) the average I'm seeing in a day right now is about 600 calories. (this is without actively monitoring the servings of food I eat I've never down that until recently when I wanted to know my calorie intake) I want to eat a normal amount of calories. I want to lose weight in a way that's not harmful or cruel to my body. Don't worry I know what not eating enough and purging does to a person. It can ruin your teeth, damage your throat, give you problems later and life, etc. I do still go for walks, they're long but they aren't extreme. That is the only exercise I get and I only do it when the weather is good.
I'd like to weigh 125lbs again. I don't want to go any lower than that. My goal was never to be severely underweight despite my behavior.

Replies

  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    At either weight you are within normal range.

    At 600 calories a day you are risking your health but you know that.

    I don't think food choices or diet tracking are going to fix the disordered thinking. Are you in college? Check out what counselling supports are available.

  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    Professional help is going to be your best bet, especially with your history of purging
  • heatherlcarey426
    heatherlcarey426 Posts: 28 Member
    You need to eat at least 1200 calories a day to feed your body sufficiently. By doing this, and I mean eating well with those 1200 calories and your walking you will lose weight. It will take longer because you are already small, very close to your goal weight. This app is really good because it breaks down the kinds of food you should be eating to be healthy whilst losing weight. Other than this, I agree with usmcmp above. It does sound like you need face to face advice regarding your eating problems. Talking from experience (I had anorexia also as a teen) this disorder will never really go away until you have dealt with it on a psychological level. Let me know how you get on.
  • Sp1tfire
    Sp1tfire Posts: 1,120 Member
    I would suggest talking to your doctor before making dietary changes.
  • Theo166
    Theo166 Posts: 2,564 Member
    katadx wrote: »
    I would suggest talking to your doctor before making dietary changes.

    Since she's already eating at 600, I'd suggest she double that amount immediately
    and talk to her doctor.
  • spiffychick85
    spiffychick85 Posts: 311 Member
    I have struggled with anorexia a large portion of my life, please seek professional help (therapist, not on the forums). I am older and wiser now and I STILL struggle and fight some demons daily. Please try to get help, there is more at play here than just a calorie deficit.

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