Need Some Help/Advice/Whatever you can offer

I started CC almost a year ago at 195lbs. So I've been dieting for my entire life (or so it seems) but the past 4 months I've been on a very low calorie diet (800-1000). This past weekend, I caught myself bingeing and after last night, I decided it was time to eat the correct amount of calories to lose weight. 

I'm 23, 5'6'', small frame according to the wrist measurement and currently weigh 150. I was at 144 and holding steady, but the binges put me up, which I'll say is mostly water weight (I did log everything). My goal weight is 135 so at this point I've got 15 lbs until I assess where I am. 

So here's the problem, I joined one of those weight loss programs, pre-packaged meals with a mild dietary ketosis. While I  lost almost 20lbs the first month, my losses started to slow and I was totally okay with that, but now...I workout a lot. I have specified cardio days 2-3 times a week where I jog for a straight hour and sit in the sauna for 30 min. On the other 2-3 days, I jog for 30 min, do weights for 30 minutes and sit in the sauna for 30 min. I know my body just will not function at such a low caloric intake and I am not willing to sacrifice my workouts. I can burn 700-1000 cal doing this.

So here's my question/dilemma/what-not: I know I need to add back calories slowly, but how slowly? Could I increase by 100/day? Also, according to CC, I should be eating 1500 cal to lose 1lb/week under the lightly active. Does this seem right to you all?  I'm a college student (with only online classes this semester) so if I'm not at the gym, I'm at home, sitting on my booty doing schoolwork. Sure I do dishes, laundry and what not, but I'm not really sure how to classify myself activity-wise, but am currently set at lightly active and I log all my exercise. Should I be set at lightly active?

Sorry to put the burden on someone to help me with this, but last night, I thought I was going to be VERY sick, and I know it's because of the low calories, so I ate a piece of WW bread with a tbsp of PB and a little honey. I still felt pretty light headed after that, so I had 2 homemade oatmeal raisin cookies. 

I appreciate any help!

 

We almost have the same stats except i've gained 15 pounds in the past 6 months....I just wrote an entry about my situation but im going to keep an eye on yours too because I feel pretty hopeless myself. I'm in school too but im off for the summer. KIT let me know how it works out for you..do you mind if i add you as a friend?

As for increasing those calories question...I've heard that increasing the calories in good even if you do it all at once but regarless how you do it you will have a small weight gain but it should come off right away...(this is what I heard) Sorry i couldnt give you better advise

Hey, thanks for saying something, lol. Hopefully someone will be able to help us out. Please add me as a friend (I've been on CC for a year and I don't know how to do that, lol. I think I've been more concerned about trying to log everything than figuring out anything else.)

I expect to gain weight while adding back, just one of those things, but I know if I'm being more conscious of the amount of calories I'm eating and where they're coming from I'll still make my goal eventually. 

I think that adding back slowly is a prudent choice.  It will give your body a chance to adjust and you can then see what calorie intake level works best for you.  So if you are currently at 1000 calories per day, then for this week, try to get in 1100.  Then the next week, try 1200.  And pay attention to the nutrients in those calories, shooting for a balance between lean proteins, fiber and other carbs, and essential fatty acids (from nuts, olive oil, etc).  You should eventually find the level that leaves you feeling energized, not constantly hungry, and getting the scale moving in the right direction.  And avoid empty calories, which don't provide good nutrition.  Those 100 calorie snack packs might seem like a good idea, but 100 calories from cookies or popcorn doesn't compare to 100 calories from fresh veggies or fruits.

And I think that your positive attitude about possible weight gain as you make the adjustments is the best thing you have going for you.  You can do it, so just hang in there.

Cheers.

If you're not doing anything all day, and you log your exercise, I would set it at sedentary. You would use lightly active if you did not log your exercise. I think adding 100 calories a day is a good idea, either by small increases in your current meals or by adding a snack.

I'd say do not increase by more than 100 cals a week if you're paranoid and weigh yourself every day like I do :) OR start eating what you should be and don't weigh yourself for a month :) I've increased my intake from 1000 cals to 1400-1500 by increasing 100 cals every week and gained only 3 pounds of the 7 I lost when I was restricting.