tips of boosting metabolism?

my method of losing weight was through restricting calories severely.. and going through periods of fasting.. i think i really messed up my metabolism.. i want to eat healthy and keep losing weight.. but eating more than 600 calories a day results into weight gain for me. i know that in order to get my metabolism up i need to stop starving .. but i would also appreciate any advice like what kinda foods to eat? or maybe i should take some metabolism pills?

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Exercise.

The only way to boost your metabolism is to build muscle. You can't break your metabolism. It might fluctuate 15% or so if you have been starving vs. gorging, but not in a huge way. In other news, if you keep eating as little as you do, you will die. It sounds like you are using MFP to at least get back on a non-anorexic diet, which is great, but the fact that you are eating 700 calories/day and looking for pills to boost your metabolism suggests you need to be getting help elsewhere as well. Good luck.

oh man...i was in the same boat as you by eating little and starving myself...

to fix it i've gradually increased my calories (1200 net, 1350, 1680, now zig-zagging calories around there) and have started lifting weights.

its taken about 9 months to really fix things after four years of poor habits

oh, you will gain weight at first but it is likely because you lost muscle so this is really a good think that will help you eventually (hence the need to lift weights too..try new rules of lifting for women...its amazing)

No, you don't need pills. You need to get your body used to the fact that food is available, so it doesn't have to slow down and store every morsel.

You must just commit to eating normally. Forever. None of this, oh I ate a whole sandwich and gained weight, so now I must only eat 4 grapes and a lettuce leaf for the next 3 days.

Just accept in your head that there will be a temporary, small weight gain, but it WILL be temporary. You must commit to doing this all the way or you will never get healthy. I can't say how long it will be for your metabolism to recover, but one thing is certain: the longer you abuse your body, the more unhealthy it will become, and the more likely you will become fatter and hungrier (the irony!) as you get older. DO IT RIGHT, OR DON'T BOTHER. Don't cheat or lie to yourself by not really eating up to goal, obsessing with every little scale fluctuation and shouting "It doesn't work! I quit".

Don't weigh yourself for at least 1 month, but do log your calories religiously. If you are trying to lose weight now, set up your weekly goal to no more than 1 lb/week (if you have fewer than 10 lbs to lose, select 1/2 lb.). Eat every single exercise calorie.

You will be amazed at the increase in your energy level, the improvement of your hair, skin and nails, and the general improvement of your mood. Once your body realizes it is no longer being starved, your metabolism will increase, bringing you all these beautiful benefits. Eventually you will reach normal levels, and then, guess what? Even when you go out and have a celebration event where you eat lots of calories, you won't gain!

Good luck, and chin up.

Remember, DON'T WEIGH.

The best thing I did was start using a HRM - I love it... (Although it's a cheap one and I now know not that accurate! :brokenheart: )

My staples/low calories are:
celery
mushroom
courgette

prawns

I really enjoy:
raw bell peppers (not green ones :sick: )


I tend to cook a few baby boiled potatoes and keep those in the fridge and try to eat a few every now and again - I don't want to be on an Atkins diet!

Sometimes I microwave whatever is on the plate - just to make it warm and different. Hot tomatoes add some 'gravy'!!!

You're welcome to comment!

My diary is open if it helps... I find I get ideas from other people's diaries!

but eating more than 600 calories a day results into weight gain for me. i know that in order to get my metabolism up i need to stop starving .. but i would also appreciate any advice like what kinda foods to eat?

Eating more than 600 calories - check!
Not starving - check!
Low calorie foods - check!

No, my diet isn't perfect but figure that there are things that the OP can learn from it. Thanks for showing another perspective sleepytexan.

BUMP