Posts by spookymom

I'm 30 now, and I've been accused of ana. since I was 15.   I definately don't have an eating disorder and live on the "sea food" diet.  What I see, I eat.  I just have a wicked metabolism.  It runs in the family... my dad weighed 135 lbs on average at 5' 6".

Highschool was definately the worst.  "You're balemic, aren't you?  Why do you go to the bathroom after lunch?"  Duh, I pee and wash up before next class.  Since when is good hygiene a crime?

As for the jokes... we live in FL, so a standing joke in my house is "You'd better be careful or a hurricane will blow you across the state lines."  Another one is "what?  Do you have a hollow leg or something?  Where does all that food go?"

I've learned after time to just ignore the comments and let it roll.  God built me small, and I am comfortable with myself, inside and out.  I'm okay with me and that's all that matters.

I agree that you should consult your doc., but sometimes a simple stool softener can do the trick.  If you change your diet dramatically you can develope IBS (mostly temporary) and you just need a little kick-start to get it back on track.  If you don't see a difference with the softeners after a few days (no more than three), definately call your MD.

I know it sounds silly, but the Southbeach Diet cereal is a good one.  It's got 7 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber per serving and, if you use whole milk, it has almost 300 cals.  The Southbeach protein bars are pretty good, too.  I always try to find the cereal with the highest protein/caloric content.  Kell og's Smart Start cereals are also great. 

Just because it's "diet" food doesn't mean it can't work for those of us trying to gain.  These products have the healthy fats and proteins needed in a healthy diet.

Great job!!!  One lousy carrot isn't going to make a negative impact.  In fact, it'll help your vision!  Keep up the good work!

Here's a helpful guide to start.  The food pyramid will give you an idea of healthier food choices.  The calorie counter here is pretty easy to use.  Just type in the food you eat through out the day, hit enter, and poof it gives you a list to choose from.  (To start, click "my account" then click on the"cal" button.  If you need help, we can walk you through it.)

Another thing, if you're trying to gain weight make sure you're getting enough protein.  Some of us use protein mixes to help and others just make sure they eat well rounded meals daily.  See what works best for you.  A good rule of thumb for meals is 1/4 plate protein, 1/4 plate starch, 1/2 plate veggies.  And make sure you have at least healthy 2-3 snacks through out the day, like peanut butter and apples, a handful of nuts, or a salad with heavy dressing.

Personal trainers can be pretty pricey.  If you're worried about finances, try sit-ups, crunches, lunges, etc.  You can also find dumbells at Walmart for relatively cheap and can workout at home before going to work.  Check the web for gyms near you or try checking out the local YMCA.  Just make a plan and commit to it!

Here is a good resource to help with the thyroid issues/questions.  My Sis-in-law is in a similar boat as you.  She's fed up with the yo-yo-ing that goes along with Cushing's.  I only know what we've researched, but the weight is an issue with her as well.  I do know that water weight goes hand in hand with thyroid problems, so the scale tends to read higher.  The other issue she has is edema (swelling) in the legs.  This causes the scale to fluxuate, depending on the time of day and how swollen she is from being on her feet.  (The more she stands/walks the bigger her legs balloon up). 

Hope this was helpful.  Keep your chin up and don't feel discouraged.

First, congratulations.  It's a huge step for you to realize and acknowledge your ED.

If you scroll through the forum, you'll find lots of great tips to help with the weight gain.  Unfortunately, until your body adjusts itself to your new eating habits, you will likely have bloating.  Just keep pushing toward your goal. 

Soy products are a great substitute for lactose and will give you calories/calcium that you would normally get from lactose products.  You'll just have to play around with foods to find what works best for you.  (I also have IBS, so I can relate... not fun.)

Just keep at it!

I've always been skinny.  I come from a genetically thin family.  (My dad was only 135 lbs. at his max weight.)  Before my first son I maintained at 94 lbs.  I kept 5lbs. of postpartum weight with him and was 102 lbs. until I had my second son 5 years later.  I maintained at 104-105 after I had him.  I had my daughter last January and found that I was maintaining at about 106 until the beginning of this year.  I have dropped down to 102 since January.

We have also had two deaths in the family in the past year and a half.  Both my in-laws passed away and we've been working on their house, trying to get it ready for market.  This has added more strenuous activity over the weekends, and I think that's a big chunk of my weight loss.  I've been trying to figure out how to get back to college, as well.  I know stress is a huge factor in my weight loss.  Some find comfort in food, but I seem to forget to eat when I'm overwhelmed.

One thing I can tell you, start pre-natal vitamins now.  Even if you're a year or more from conception, the vitamins will help prep your body.  Hang in there. 

We can do this!

Crunches for the abs!!!  Make sure you start off slowly and don't strain for quicker results.  It takes an average of two years for your body to recouperate after childbirth, but my OB reccomended beginning light workouts after my 6 wk check-up.  

Swimming is a great form of exercise after giving birth.  The boyancy of the water puts less stress on your joints, especially if you are nursing.  Calcium depletion and hormonal changes from pregnancy/nursing can put strain on your joints and tendons. 

Well, you're right on the boarder for your hight.  If you just want to gain a few pounds you should strive to add on about 300-500 cals. a day.  Also remember to increase cals to compensate for heavier excersize. 

The food log is very helpful here.  I never paid attention to my cal intake either.  When I started logging my food intake through out the day, I was shocked at how little I actually took in.  Track your intake for a week and make the proper adjustments where needed.

The most important thing is to strive for a healthy lifestyle.  Make sure you eat healthy and work out. 

Some of us are just built small.