INTENSE confusion...calorie expenditure question. (along with about 5 others:)

hello:)

ok - so I have a question about strength training and stuff... actually not really I just kind of have a bunch of random questions.

I'm 5'7" and I've been eating 650-1050 calories for the past 2 months (I know that's way too little now, I'm trying to eat more, and no I do not have an eating disorder [i don't think]) and have been lightly-moderately active daily and stuff, so it says i burn around 2000+ calories a day. Roughly. but in reality am I only burning off like 1000 calories or whatever daily then? And is that ok should I be burning less or more? (i want to get down to 120, i'm 127 right now)

If I eat more, say 1200-1500, would I gain a BUNCH of weight from yo-yo-ness or will that not happen if I change my exercise regime daily and exercise bunches and do my best not to take in too much sodium/fat/etc. Like what would be best to prevent weight loss from increasing caloric intake for a screwed-up metabolism?

I haven't really been losing as fast lately so maybe i've hit a plateau... BAHH anyways i've been trying to answer all those questions myself from other posts and stuff but have been getting conflicting/confusing information so I thought it best just to straight out ask, sorry this was a really long post for maybe stupid things....answer any or all questions, any feedback appreciated!!

thanks in advance to anyone who replies, and good luck on your own dieting!!!

First things first -- yes, you are eating way too little.  Acknowledging it is only half the battle, however, you need to eat much more -- starting now.

When you first add in your calories, you are likely to gain some weight -- much of it will be water, but some will be actual pounds.  The point is at that stage NOT to give up -- it will turn around when your metabolism kicks back in.  Exercising more and watching what you eat will help -- but won't stop it completely. 

Eating 1500 calories and burning 1500 calories on exercise will defeat your purpose completely

You are probably on a standstill because of your too low calories -- your body is now waiting for you to lower the calories again -- for you to start losing again...

Calorie-Count is all about healthy and sustainable weight management.   Below are some links which may help you understand more about what you are going through right now.  Chronic undereating is certainly an indicator for possible ED. 

Dieting & Metabolism (explains starvation mode and why undereating is counter-productive)

The Body Neglected (explains what happens when you undereat a long time)

Something-Fishy.org (information about eating disorders)

I hope the links above help

What are your stats? Age, weight: 127, height, activity level?

You definitely haven't been eating enough but without more information it's hard to give you an idea of how much is a good approximation.  As soon as possible, get yourself up to 1200, 1500 if you're a teen.  We have some resources on eating disorders that can help you confirm that you don't have one or help you to decide that seeing someone might be a good idea in your case.

I'm 15, 127, 5'7", and usually moderately active, sometimes lightly. I'm really trying to get up to 1200 calories because my parents have indeed been bugging me about eating disorder stuff, it would be interesting to read more about them, I've kind of been wondering if I am developing one because I know I need to stop it if I am. THank you for replying!

You may not be getting into an eating disorder per se, but you're definitely pushing yourself into a metabolic disorder.  When you don't eat enough, you metabolism starts to shut down. 

Worse yet, you're 15 which means you're still growing and developing.  I'm going to suggest something that's slightly unconventional here.

See if you can get your hands on this - http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/nb/lowcarb. html

Not only is it high in protein, but it's also fairly high in nutritional value as well.  It's 220 calories per serving.  Some berries, a banana, and Hersey syrup and you've got an absolutely decadent after workout shake that will help you build muscle, provide high quality protein, and essential nutrients for your growing body. 

Added to what you're already eating, it will bring you closer to where you need to be calorie wise.  I'd also add that with a calorie intake of 650/day, your body probably really needs the protein to repair itself and help you grow properly.    

I would also add that you should also probably make sure that you're taking a multi vitamin daily since your calorie intake has been so low for so long.  A visit to the doc to be tested for any deficiencies probably isn't out of order either. 

The biggest problem that I see is that you just can't get adequate nutrients for growth and development from that few calories.  Since you've been operating at a deficit for a while now, you'll have some paying back to do. 

you said you are aiming to be 120 lbs at 5'7", I just want to point out that this will classify you as underweight and is unhealthy. For a 5'7" female you should actually be around 135.

As you are a teen, these calculators may help you more than the site's tools -- which are designed for adults:

calculator and calorie information for Teens

Nutrition, Exercise & Weight Management for Teens

More Nutrition & Health for Teens

Dieting & Metabolism (explains starvation mode and why undereating is counter-productive)

As a teenager, your weight goals are fine -- putting you in the 35th percentile for your age and height, however, be aware that as you grow older, the less healthy that weight becomes for you.

the undereating is what you need to focus on right now -- you need to be eating at least 1500 calories per day