i haven't been eating enough

I'm really not sure, but I can relate.
I was eating under 1200 for a week to a week and a half.. Now that I'm feeling better and able to eat more, I'm a bit worried about my metabolism having slowed down because of it...
So far though, I haven't gained and I've been eating right for 3 days So you probably will be safe upping your calories all at once.

Congrats on realizing it's healthier to eat more! And I hope someone posts a good answer in this thread.

I would increase your cals all at once. Your body needs those calories to function properly. Health is more important than vanity :]

You'll be fine if you get up to a normal level of calories per day. Your body has a basic metabolic rate where it will naturally burn so many calories a day based on your weight, age, and gender. Some people might believe that your metabolism could have gone down in this time, but there are plenty of things you can do to keep your metabolism up. Eat smaller meals throughout the day (this one probably wont work for you since you are busy a lot, I work full time and go to school full time, so it doesn't work for me), drink coffee, eat spicy foods, drink a lot of water, and avoid artificial sweeteners for a week or so.

You'll be fine if you get up to a normal level of calories per day. Your body has a basic metabolic rate where it will naturally burn so many calories a day based on your weight, age, and gender. Some people might believe that your metabolism could have gone down in this time, but there are plenty of things you can do to keep your metabolism up. Eat smaller meals throughout the day (this one probably wont work for you since you are busy a lot, I work full time and go to school full time, so it doesn't work for me), drink coffee, eat spicy foods, drink a lot of water, and avoid artificial sweeteners for a week or so.

Eating small meals throughout the day does not speed up your metabolism.

Just stating what I've heard in the past... Eating five small meals is better than three, and a whole lot better than one.

There might be some fluctuation on the scale when you first increase your calories, but it's temporary, not a real "gain."

You'll be fine if you get up to a normal level of calories per day. Your body has a basic metabolic rate where it will naturally burn so many calories a day based on your weight, age, and gender. Some people might believe that your metabolism could have gone down in this time, but there are plenty of things you can do to keep your metabolism up. Eat smaller meals throughout the day (this one probably wont work for you since you are busy a lot, I work full time and go to school full time, so it doesn't work for me), drink coffee, eat spicy foods, drink a lot of water, and avoid artificial sweeteners for a week or so.

Eating small meals throughout the day does not speed up your metabolism.

Just stating what I've heard in the past... Eating five small meals is better than three, and a whole lot better than one.

What you have heard is very wrong. Myths spread easy unfortunately

I would read this if you get the time

http://www.leangains.com/2010/10/top-ten-fasting-myths-debunked.html

:flowerforyou:

Okay. I am going to step up and say that I do not care what is said about eating more often not helping your metabolism. I disagree. I know that for MY BODY - eating every few hours is far better for me overall than not. I don't give a hoot who says what or what studies says I am wrong. This is my body and I know how it works better than anyone else ever will. Eating on a regular basis is good for me all the way around - whether or not someone else says it keeps my metabolism up doesn't matter to me. *I* know it works best for me and will continue doing it.

And if its working for you chevy keep it up! Like you said in an earlier post. Everyone is different!

I just don't like blanket statements that say everyone SHOULD be eating 5-6 times a day to help their metabolism. Not everyone works that way!

Once again chevy keep up the great work! You rock :flowerforyou:
ANnd can I borrow some of your metabolism pleeeeease?

You'll be fine if you get up to a normal level of calories per day. Your body has a basic metabolic rate where it will naturally burn so many calories a day based on your weight, age, and gender. Some people might believe that your metabolism could have gone down in this time, but there are plenty of things you can do to keep your metabolism up. Eat smaller meals throughout the day (this one probably wont work for you since you are busy a lot, I work full time and go to school full time, so it doesn't work for me), drink coffee, eat spicy foods, drink a lot of water, and avoid artificial sweeteners for a week or so.

Eating small meals throughout the day does not speed up your metabolism.

Just stating what I've heard in the past... Eating five small meals is better than three, and a whole lot better than one.

What you have heard is very wrong. Myths spread easy unfortunately

I would read this if you get the time

http://www.leangains.com/2010/10/top-ten-fasting-myths-debunked.html

:flowerforyou:

Okay. I am going to step up and say that I do not care what is said about eating more often not helping your metabolism. I disagree. I know that for MY BODY - eating every few hours is far better for me overall than not. I don't give a hoot who says what or what studies says I am wrong. This is my body and I know how it works better than anyone else ever will. Eating on a regular basis is good for me all the way around - whether or not someone else says it keeps my metabolism up doesn't matter to me. *I* know it works best for me and will continue doing it.

And if its working for you chevy keep it up! Like you said in an earlier post. Everyone is different!

I just don't like blanket statements that say everyone SHOULD be eating 5-6 times a day to help their metabolism. Not everyone works that way!

Once again chevy keep up the great work! You rock :flowerforyou:
ANnd can I borrow some of your metabolism pleeeeease?

My metabolism is ridiculously high - especially since I'm pushing towards 40 years old and they say it slows down after 30 or so. Mine is red hot and going strong.

LOL.