Increasing and rate question

Ive been building myself up and up and finally decided I need to let go and try to increase my calorie intake.

I didnt really add in that much extra so far, I added in 200 cals with a drink, bringing my calories most days up to 1500 some 1600. I know this still isnt sufficient I am planning on keeping increasing. The thing is with that small increase I managed to gain 1.5-2lbs in a week.

Im really worried because I`m gaining on such low calories and this makes it even harder now for me to register to keep upping the calories because I just think well you gained that much on such a low number if you hit the really high target what on earth will you gain.

I need some advice/reassurance. It really is getting to me because I see people complaing that they are eating over 2000+ and not gaining and here I am gaining on such a low number.

This happened/is happening to me. It's because your body was used to such a small amount, this amount is huge to it...I wish I could explain it better lol. But if you stick with it for a few days and not decrease your intake, your weight will "plateau" and you'll stop gaining and probably even lose. That's when you know its time to INCREASE again! Don't be discouraged by the scale. It's tough but hang in there :)

Its water weight and the additional food weight.

Stay away from the scale for awhile.

I understand the fears. I have done this before and have gained at low amounts and very high. It is confusing but basically your body is confused. There is so much ivolved with water and a slow metabolism right now. Once you are more consistent and increase to a good weight gain level your metabolism will speed up and the water weight will lessen. Don't let the ed voice talk you out of getting to a healthier intake for you. You have to also nurish and repair those organs and tissues.

THE ONLY THING STOPPING YOU FROM UPPING YOUR CALORIES IS YOU.

There is NO reason why you cannot gain on 2500. NONE. Except for YOU. You have to have willpower to do this and if you cannot do it along you have to inquire into IP. Now if I am not mistaken, you are in the UK which means you have NO excuse not to go to your doctor and ask for help.

Can I ask, what is your BMI right now?

Thanx abbi, I want to let my body repair properly as I am worried about the damage thats been done and I want to let it get back to being normal. It is the ed thats having a go at me for gaining on such a low number of calories and then saying if I hit 2500 just think how much I`ll end up gaining on that.

Although eventually the weight gain should settle down a bit if I keep the intake up and high? Basically what Im wondering is I know I can gain on a low amount but if I upped to a high calorie intake such as 2500 the weight gain shouldnt go rediciously crazy?

Lala thanx for your input, I am totally determined to do this as I said above I want to be healthy and happy and Im tired of having an ED and all that goes with it. Just at times we all need a little reassurance as you understand. I do see my doctor, I go every so often to get my bloods checked. In between that I see a lady for some therapy, although I have to say neither seem to really understand a huge amount about EDs which is why I find coming on here very helpful.

Ive been monitoring looking at what I eat and seeing how I can increase in places etc but one thing Im struggling a bit with is at dinner time sometimes I`ll eat whatever my mum has been cooking and then I just dont know how many calories I ended up eating. For example tonight I had cottage pie but I just dont know how much I ate and other nights is the same and I get paniced about how to know if the amount I`m eating meets my target for dinner. How do other people work around this?

By going with the lowest possible estimate and calculating from there.  When you are gaining, its better to go a little over than end up a little bit under - that just gives the ED more room to sneak up on you.

That being said - if would ease your anxiety, maybe you could talk to your mom about figuring out what kind of calories you will be having at dinner so ED doesn't screw with you during the day/later in the evening. Either that, or as Lala has said, if you don't feel like you can deal with "I don't know how many calories my dinner was" and still ensure you make 2500+ everyday ASAP, I'd suggest you talk to your doctor about getting treatment.

Also - the weight gain you experienced was probably largely due to your body getting adjusted to processing food again. You need to keep steadily increasing your calories every 2-3 days to keep up with your metabolism right now. It took me two weeks to shoot from 2250 to 3600. Because my metabolism was shooting way up. I thought I'd gain two, three pounds after I reached 3K. Another one of ED's lies to try to keep me in its hold. Just keep pushing, keep doing what you know in your heart is best. You've got support from the boards, your family, and I'm sure your friends as well.

I just wanted to address the dinner issue you're having, because I have had it myself. I was always worried about the calorie count of my dinner, as my parents usually prepare it, and I've no idea what the count would be. However, I got some good advice to just set aside a normal amount of calories for the dinner, and eat lots during dinner, so it will definitely reach this amount. :] Sure, it's not exact, but it works!

Every time you hear the ed voice try to remind yourself of what you said here that you don't want more damage and you want to repair. Also for me as I recently gained quick I am trying to remind myself that I have to gain to a certain amount to be healthy and I am still not near that so that needs to be the focus. Like I said when you increase fluids shift and your metabolism is slow still. Many people in recovery will go hyperbolic if you get to a high calorie level. You have to push through the fears.I am on an exchange meal plan. I am not sure if you are aware of that so it is more about estimating. For increasing I have been trying to do this every 2 days 200 calories. Hang in there

Thanx Rebel, Ive tried explaining things to my mum but shes working on getting me to stop counting calories, shes really against it and says just eat what you feel like when you feel like it as long as I eat a good enough meal thats ok. I know though that that just doesnt work for me at this stage, I need more rigidity. Btw I read your blog, I find it so helpful and inspiring to read as well, your doing a great job!

Askewing, that sounds like a good way to go about it, make a good plan for the day and set so much aside then I can attempt to judge it and balance it with my evening snack.

I just feel a bit more comfortable knowing exactly how much Ive eaten because then when it comes to my evening snack before bed I can get a little panicky again and not know what to eat and end up eating bits of everything and such.

I`m going to bump up another 200 calories on Monday though and keep going. At the minute Im just finding the easiest way to add in extras is by drinks.