how slowly should i add more calories to my diet after undereating?

I've been on weight watchers for four months. I wasn't counting calories until recently so I didn't know how few I was eating. I've figured out that I've been eating just about 1000 each day but usually no more. Sometimes I eat less too. I've decided to try to maintain now because I feel much better than before. I'm at 122 and 5 foot 7. The BMI here says that I'm underweight.

 I'm wondering if this is a good idea. I sort of want to stay on weight watchers so I've decided to add one point a week. That's about 50 calories. Is this too fast/slow. I'm worried that my metabolism has slowed down and I'll gain all the weight back. (I lost 26 pounds.) I realize that I might gain a few pounds because of the fact that I wasn't eating enough but I just was wondering if someone knows the best rate to add calories back to your diet when trying to maintain your weight.

Thank you so much for any answers! Sorry that was so long...

From what I understand, if your body is in starvatation mode then its going to hold on to food more, as far as adding calories as long as we arnt doubling it go back to what you want and your weight may fluctuate for the next 1 2 or even 3 days but after that it should be accurate to what you owuld maintain at that calorie increase if that makes sense. 

i am in the exact same situation right now. While i was not on a formal diet like weight watchers, for the past 2 1/2 months i've been eating less than 1000 calories a day, usually more around 800. I'm still doing the same thing, and I've lost about 20 pounds since I started. (i'm 5'6 and 119 pounds). I've stopped getting my period, which I assume is a sign that I need to stop before it goes too far.
To boost my metabolism I'm planning on creating a low impact exercise regimine (i'm a runner, but I had to stop because of a knee problem), and lots of protein. i hear protein is a good metabolism booster. what you should do is start aiming for 1100 cal/day for maybe a few weeks, then 1200 for a few weeks, etc. that way you shouldn't be jerking yourself out of starvation mode.
now the toughest part is to take my own advice...i'm so not ready for it.

im in the same situation too. the bad thing is that i love the way i look now that ive lost so much weight. i really wanna keep it off. ive been eating really healthy for the past few days, but not too much. i dont know how many calories im having now, but im definitely having alot more than i did before because before i had alot less than you guys did. i keep trying to find out the best way to do it so i cant answer your question because i dont even know the answer. I DO WANT AN ANSWER THOUGH! lol, but anyway, i just wanted to know that im in the same boat and i understand how you feel.

bre54321~ Slowly adding calories is a great idea... You could even add 100-200 calories a week though if you want.  You might gain a few pounds but if you continue to eat healthy and exercise your weight will level out.

My best suggestion though would be to schedule an appointment with a nutritionalist.  Explain to them your past eating habits, current eating habits, and your goals.  They will be able to put you on an eating "plan" tailored for you. 

elbowsmgee~ While your weight may be within a healthy range, it sounds like you are already starting to have health related problems (lack of period) due to your undereating.  Have you discussed this with your doctor? 

Are you increasing your calories as you become more active and to compensate for the lack of calories you have been consuming?  What are your current calorie goals?  Next weeks calorie goals? Etc. 

You are ready for it!  The fact that you are talking about it shows that.  Just remind yourself that you want to be healthy. 

boombastical~ When you say you have been eating healthy for the past two days but not too much, what do you mean by that?  How many calories are you consuming, what does your meals/snacks consist of?  I am glad to hear that are eating more than you previously were but it sounds like it still may not be enough.  You might benefit from seeing a nutritionalist as well.  They can give you the answers (and more accurately) that you are wanting.  At the very least you should consult with your doctor because your BMI is currently 16.5 which is well past the healthy weight mark putting you in the underweight category as SMWhipple mentioned in your other thread.

I was in your exact position some time ago.

add 2 points for the first week. it will be hard!!

do NOT weigh yourself.

add a further 1 point for the second week.

the weight you lost will NOT return overnight!!!!!!!!!

if the scales says your up- tell yourself its water and its only a number, your body needs more food to function- see it as fueling yourself!

Keep an eye on the scales, adding points 1-2 weekly until it stablises- if you go up a pound(gasp- shock- its only a pound by the way- you are not going to die because there's an extra pound layered on your body- it wont even be noticeable!!!!!!!!!) you can take off one point, recheck!

everyone maintains their weight by keeping an eye on the scales- you will not suddenly forget that you want to keep the lost weight off and pile it all back on.

hope this helps.

I began eating around 1100 cals now eat 1700-1800 calories im maintaining but keeping an eye on the scales from time to time. I go for a half hour walk daily and love dancing on nights out which pretty much keeps me fit. also releases endorphines to reduce any anxieties you may have. don't see exercise as burning calories, see it as an enjoyable part of your day, appreciate the way your body moves.

somedays i go over, somedays i go under- its called balancing!!!!!! check the calorie target on this site. v helpful.

Most of all- be happy within yourself!! Weight is just a number... if your happy nothing else matters especially not food- its not the enemy but something which nourishes your mind, body and soul!

Adding 100 calories a week (or every few weeks) is MUCH TOO SLOW. All you are doing is prolonging your undereating behaviour and letting your disordered thinking get the better of your health and body.

Your body will not explode from going up to 1200 in one day; that is still insufficient food for most people, especially teenagers. And yes, you need to gain weight, both the OP and elbowsmgee. The recommended amount for weight gain is to start on 2500+ and go up from there if needs be.

You could work up to this amount over a week or two if you want, but your body will react the same: some water retention and temporary bloating that will settle down within a week or two.