Complicated, confusing question..

Hey everyone! My name's Laure. I'm 5'1.5" (haha...), 108.5 pounds as of last week, and 15 years old. I originally signed on CC in May and I was [unknowingly] in starvation mode. I didn't understand that restricting would mess up my metabolism. The only thing that mattered was being thin. But, for the past four months, I've been gaining weight (up from 99 pounds) in an attempt to make my body healthy again. About 2000 calories a day, sometimes a few hundred more. Oh, and I didn't have outside help. No one knows about my weight struggles or anything. I have a few questions, though:

I was only restricting to 900-1100 calories at my worst point, so is it possible that my metabolism is already back on track? The most exercise I do is walking around my town and gymnastics on Saturdays and Sundays. I do play tennis in the spring, though.

If my metabolism is working properly again, would it be okay to lose a couple pounds? I was really happy with myself at 105, and since it's not underweight, is it safe? Will it even make a difference to lose 3 pounds, since fluctuations and such might bring me back up some days anyways? Should I maybe concentrate on toning more and just forget the scale for a while?

Opinions and suggestions would be much appreciated =].

i would think your metabolism would be back on track by now, yes. and i also think 105 lbs would be a fine bmi for you, but there's nothing wrong with 108.5 either :)

as long as you're not going to under-eat again or over-exercise, i say do whatever makes you happy. if you're 15 years old, you shouldn't be going under 1500 calories ever (1500 is for very sedentary teens). seeing as you do gymnstics and walking, i'd think you should probably eat around 1600-1700 calories a day to get to your goal weight.

but remember, if you don't get to 105.. i'm sure you look fine at 108. i was 5'2 and weighed 107 (i had an ED though) and i was very thin. best of luck :)

Your metabolism has always been working perfectly.... It's designed to slow down when there is no food available and speed back up when there is. 

Forget the scale and forget calorie-counting.  At 15 your body is nowhere near finished growing and developing.  You could easily grow several inches in height between now and the age of 20, for example.... And then you'll automatically be heavier in the process.  Your body is also changing from that of a 'girl' to a 'woman'.... that means acquiring fuller breasts, bigger hips and a lot of important internal changes at the same time.  You need excellent nutrition at this stage.... The last thing you want to do is be looking at a scale and fretting about the number on the readout.  

Focus on appreciating being a kid because adulthood will come soon enough and you'll regret wasting what should be your carefree years worrying about something as trivial as being thin.  Eat well, eat good foods, enjoy a few ice-creams and be as active as possible. 

It took me 3 months at 2000 calories to recover from starvation mode.  Then it took 3 more months to arrive at a calorie level so I could lose.  However, I'm elderly and was obese at the time.

You are young and quite thin.  Instead of worrying about calories and weight, why don't you go out and have some fun?  You're still growing.  Any weight you gain you'll grow into.  Kids are supposed to get bigger.

Stop worrying and enjoy life!

Original Post by bonjourlaure:

But, for the past four months, I've been gaining weight (up from 99 pounds) in an attempt to make my body healthy again. About 2000 calories a day, sometimes a few hundred more. Oh, and I didn't have outside help.

BTW, kudos for recognizing the unhealthy behavior and correcting it! Although I agree with other posters that at 15, you shouldn't be worrying about calories and pounds (and I think you said it yourself, there will be fluctuations). You are still growing!

 

Thanks for your input, everyone =]

I get where you're coming from by telling me to forget about my weight, but those feelings of self-hatred and obsession don't just disappear, you know? They're always there. It's so much more difficult than it sounds to give it up. I can't just stop. At the very least, I'd like to know how much goes into my body and what it's made up of. I really appreciate your opinions, though =]

You are tiny (hey, I'm 5'2" so not exactly tall either lol) so 1000 cal is not really starvation mode if you don't exercise much. I'd say your metabolism is fine.

As for losing bit more, +/- 3 lbs is considered maintenance, so I'd say to start some strength training to build muscles and tone your body. nothing sexier  than a toned body , trust me on that ;)