Need a cheer up, and some good advice from smart people...

Hey guys I justed upped my calories, and I feel like I am eating alot, and like I am eating more then all my freinds, but its only 1700-1900 cal. considering they probably eat unhealthy they probably get around there, maybe...but I need some good advice, I am basically going against everything i have ever learned, I learned eating this much food will make you fat, but now I am trying to learn eating this much will make me maintain, and it is a hard to relearn everything I knew. Does anyone have any expeirience with this? did you come to this website and realize you could eat more and still maintain your weight? it's just hard to beleive I am eating more.. I have not stepped on the scale cause I am scared my plan of eating more will back fire....anyways just needed some good advice if anyone has any~erica ps. one of my freinds said that 1500 calories is fine, because I told her I am eating more, and that made me more confused and angry because everyone on this site told me 1500 is to low!! and she was telling me its fine!! Except I think that since i am 19 its not enough! please help me~erica

Look, how many times are you going to ask this? You have been told hundreds of times on CC that you needed to eat more. If one friend tells you 1500 is ok and you choose to listen to her instead, you need to develop a better sense of perspective.

I bring lunch and snacks to work every day. Trust me, you can get a LOT of food into 900 cals of clean eating. One idiot co-worker commented that I eat a lot. I tried to let it roll off my back, and I would challenge him to review the nutrients of what he's eating against what I am eating.

It's hard not to compare yourself agaisnt others, but remember to stay true to yourself and be healthy.

Original Post by debra123:

I bring lunch and snacks to work every day. Trust me, you can get a LOT of food into 900 cals of clean eating. One idiot co-worker commented that I eat a lot. I tried to let it roll off my back, and I would challenge him to review the nutrients of what he's eating against what I am eating.

It's hard not to compare yourself agaisnt others, but remember to stay true to yourself and be healthy.

 yeah thats 1 reason i feel like i am eating alot, its all healthy lol, thanks~erica

I try to eat as much as I can, infact, instead of cutting down. Instead of eating junk food though, I switched to yogurt and nuts and fruit. I allow myself to cheat everyday but I eat an amount (of the junk food) that will not exceed 10 calories.

Its as simple as this. Eat what you want, when you want it. Just make sure its the right quantity (if its a fatty food, eat less. Healthy food, eat as much as you want). and if you happen to eat too much fatty food, work it off.  :)

Dont listen to others because if you fail, they'll criticize you some more (or worse, pity you) and if you succeed, they tease and stress you out by reminding you of how you used to be. Remember, you are as strong as you make yourself :D

You are 19 so it's time you start determining the quality of advice you get.

You already know I'm a physician. Merylwhite1 is a long-time poster here with a comprehensive bio that explains her own first-person experiences with eating disorders and recovery -- and some very excellent links on her profile page to counter what was bothering you earlier about all the skinny women in magazines! I recommend you check that out.

Your friend will be your age and what's her medical, psychological, nutritional expertise or personal experience with anything to do with what constitutes healthy maintenance calorie intake?

I know you just needed reassurance, but you are capable of making these decisions without reinforcements. You already have upped the calories -- 2000 is your goal don't forget! And you know it is best to steer clear of the scales for a while to adjust. Those were your decisions, not ours or your friends -- so you can do it just fine using your own good judgment.