I need some support to gain weight.

swimforever
swimforever Posts: 16
edited October 5 in Motivation and Support
I went to the doctor today and found out I had a lot of cavities. Then I went online and did some research because I brush my teeth every day, I don't floss as much as I should, but I do more than my friends, but I still seem to get more cavities. I found out that apparently malnutrition can cause dental problems. Then I started to realize that I actually don't eat enough. At 5'8" and 115-120 lbs I'm borderline underweight. I'm always cold, my hair is thin, and now my teeth are full of cavities. I changed my goal on here from 1200 calories a day (so I could lose weight) to 1700 so I can try and maintain or gain a little weight. I'm just scared of gaining weight. But I'm scared of messing up my teeth. So I really could use some support and advice. I haven't eaten 1700 calories in a day for a long time. I just want to be healthy.

Replies

  • benihanagirl
    benihanagirl Posts: 13 Member
    Have you had your thyroid checked? You actually sound similar to me a while back. Feel free to add me as a friend and we can chat. :)
  • gp79
    gp79 Posts: 1,799 Member
    Understandable. If you think eating that many calories is going to be difficult, seek foods that are calorie dense and just incorporate them into what you normally eat. Having no idea whatsoever as to your preferences here are a few things that come to mind.

    Whole Milk or other full fat dairy products, including chocolate milk
    Nuts like Raw Almonds / Walnuts / Pecans
    Peanut Butter or other nut butters
    Avocado
    80/20 ground beef
    Pop Tarts - Cinnamon / brown sugar are my fav.
  • swimforever
    swimforever Posts: 16
    Those are great food ideas!! I really cut back on the milk I was drinking and the nut I would eat because I was restricting calories. I went from 3-4 cups of milk a day to 1.5 cups. That would probably strengthen my teeth too! :smile:
  • gp79
    gp79 Posts: 1,799 Member
    Whole milk is 180 calories per cup, Chocolate milk is like 210 or something I think. Chocolate milk has a good ratio of macronutrients too, not to mention the taste!
  • ShrinkRapt451
    ShrinkRapt451 Posts: 447 Member
    Just remember, a "diet" is the amount of food and calories you eat to maintain certain weight and health parameters. At 5'8", you can weigh 130-160 lbs and be comfortably within the "healthy" BMI range. Agreed about getting the thyroid checked, though.
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