Christmas binges = no gain?!

So i took the wonderful opportunity at christmas to try and gain some more weight. Constantly stuffing my face but really, it wasn't a "binge" because i just took advantage at all of the christmas foods around and felt great about it. Before christmas, i was 121.2lbs, and yesterday i weighed in at 119.8lbs. Average calorie intake was about 6000 calories per week, with the last few days back to my normal 2000-2500. 

What - is - up - with - that?!?! i was so sure id gained and now im just really dissappointed and frusturated!!!

If you're underweight and have a history with restriction it's very likely your body revved up to efficiently burn those calories. Don't drop to 2000! Get yourself to at least 2500 and keep at that level - minimum - now your body's working in your favour. Good to hear you let go at Christmas and had fun, but don't stop there! :D

Thanks lala - you really are great, you do know that dont you?

Its just that, i have been averaging 2500cals/day with an average (intentional) binge of 7000 cals/week. Every week, for the past 6 months. Although i have gained a little weight, it by no means adds up to the whole 3500cal/lb thing. 

I used to be 114lbs, now im 119.8 lbs... small, but an improvment. I love the way i look and feel- i really do! (I never would have thought that of myself 6 months ago, weird how we can surprise ourselves in wonderful ways hey?) 

I want to honestly gain more weight, it just does not add up. I think that if this was in the beginning of my recovery, id agree with you 100% about the metabolism revving, but its been this way for months on end. Shouldn't my body realize by now that its never going to be starved again?

Studies taken on this have shown a need for increased calories for as long as six months to a year after making their ideal weight/a 20 BMI. And you're not even there, yet. So you'd be surprised!

Try getting up to 3000 calories a day minimum. It will help, if you want to be gaining quicker.

Hi liveyourlife101,

I've eaten like you would not believe the last couple of weeks.  Several days I ate 7000 cals, most days I had at least 5000 cals, and was always over 4000 cals.  And the only exercise I did was leisurely walking the dog with my folks for about an hour several days a week, wandering the shops a couple of mornings with my mum and dad, and a few swims in the pool--not laps or anything like that, just floating around. 

 I only gained 2 kg or thereabouts in 2 weeks.  And before that, I was eating 4000 cals per day consistently for 2 weeks or so.  Gaining weight is no picnic, so try a banquet instead!

All the best,

Mel.

I know how you feel - there was a lot of food lying around at christmas, you know, the usual crackers, mince pies, dips crisps chocolates cakes breads cheeses etc, and I stuffed myself silly on most of the days. And I think I've only gained a pound at the most

Original Post by lalabanana:

If you're underweight and have a history with restriction it's very likely your body revved up to efficiently burn those calories. Don't drop to 2000! Get yourself to at least 2500 and keep at that level - minimum - now your body's working in your favour. Good to hear you let go at Christmas and had fun, but don't stop there! :D

No wonder I did not gain much during the holidays! :\ My weight sorta dropped back down too.

Yes, but the problem comes if you then drop it back down. ;\ If you're underweight you need to be eating to gain back to a healthy weight regardless.