I am so glad for you that you have been trying to recover. This is the first step to leading a normal life again.

Usually after self- starvation,(1000 calories or below) once you start eating normally, you will gain weight very quickly. But after your body gets used to three health meals a day, and you exercise moderately, your body will not gain continously. Recovered anorexics aren't fat at all!


But remember, everyone is different- everyone's metabolism is different. So I would suggest you ask your doctor. 1500 calories may be a good start, but your dr, may say you need more to recover quicker. You are only 14, your body is in growing still and this is the time it grows the most. Normally a teenager should have 2000- 2500 cals a day. But since you are recovering your Dr. Will tell you how much your body needs.

Please see a Dr. They can really help you out now. I hope I have helped you a little. Take care, and keep me posted on how you're doing.

Hey.......Lately ive brought the cals up to about 1800.......But I always catch myself trying to lower it time n time again...I feel really hungry all the time now...I have no idea whats wrong...

When I was in my early teens, I starved myself as well, and sometimes I got to the point that I wasn't able to recognize my hunger pains and simply refuse food. It's good that you are trying to fight against the anorexic nervosa impulse so common among teenage girls. If I were you, I would stop counting calories and eat what you crave. Poetmcc is right that you won't get fat, especially if you are overcoming anorexia. Eat whole grains, fruits, and veggies, - and hearty servings of meat if you aren't a vegetarian - exercise as necessary (don't over-do yourself!), and you will be just fine. I know - been there, done that. :wink: right now, you really need all the nutrients and energy (calories) that you can gather since you are still growing and will continue to grow until anywhere between 17 and 19 years of age. Enjoy your life right now - its the only time you can be a teenager and therefore, a kid! :d I wish you luck, tunasushi. Pz.

Hey I tried taking in 1800 cals yesterday but I ended up actually falling sick and felt like puking all day.....And then I gained like 0.8kg in less than a day!!! It freaked me out so much...Cos u all say I wont get fat....I know I have such irrational thinking and its just ana making me think im fat.....It would be great if u all could help me by telling me how u overcame the disease..Thank u so much

That's not good if you are feeling sick. Are you eating "huge" (for you) portions? Maybe you should have small portions or bites throughout the day. And try not to to count calories! You are 13, still going through puberty, and you need as much energy and nutrients as possible. Just keep on trying. Also, what ana doesn't tell you, is that if you starve yourself through your pubescent years, you can actually stunt yourself (small breasts, narrow hips, not grow height-wise). Have you ever seen really skinny women who have child-like bodies? That's what really scared me when I was about 14. Well, keep on trying, one step at a time. Peace.

The reason you will quickly gain weight at first is because your metabolism has slowed way down. Your body is not sure when it will get the food it needs so it saves more calories than usual so that it does not starve. Once you start eating 2000 calories a day and reach a healthy weight, your metabolism will be back to normal and you will be able to maintain your weight. You don't have to worry about getting fat because your body will burn off the excess calories once your metabolism gets back to normal.

I'm 17 and have not personally had an eating disorder, but my best friend did a couple years ago. She has fully recovered and really hope you do too!

Hey! Just an update....I realized I felt sick cos I ate too much of a low cal food so that it would add up to like 500 calories.....I realize my mistake...I should eat smaller portions which are higher in calories....I have crossed over to the "danger" zone which is 2000 cals...I would never ever go near 2000 cals but now im plucking up the courage to try to go even beyond that...Would anyone who has been in my shoes like to share their story with me? :p

Keep trying! Good work ... Sometimes if you are lacking certain nutrients, they will also minimize your feelings of hunger and cause nausea and such. Try to eat balanced portions (whole grains, veggies, fruits, meat/nuts/beans, some dairy [preferably soy], and obtain your omgea-3 fatty acids and unsaturated fat). Basically, follow your gut instincts (cravings), and relax. Girls need a small layer of fat just to have periods, and you'll actually be comfortable when you get to the right weight. It took me a few years to come to that realization. Also, although many guys may appear slim, most have a layer of fat, too. So, just relax and keep going. Good luck and peace!

Hey just an update...Ive gained a couple of pounds n it has freaked me out....I feel that I look fatter...And I feel so un comfortable....Sigh

Relax. Enjoy life and stop worrying about your looks. 2 pounds is nothing - probably water weight or minor constipation - could even be a full bladder.

I know.....I think it was water weight...Cos my weight went down a bit....Had many family members birthdays over the weekend and have been feasting......Tonight we're gonna have ice cream...The scary part is the cake...I hope I can do it

You don't have to eat a lot - a couple/few bites on the snacks is fine. Enjoy the tastes and I promise, you will not get fat! ;-)

Hey guys. I had the cake and ice cream...One scoop of ice cream and a smal piece of cake...I stepped on the scale today...And I put on 0.8 kg (1.8 lbs) overnight! I got so tired and sad........The "if I can put on 0.8 kg in one day, ill pit on 8 in 10 days" mentality has once again returned...I hate ed so much