Uncomfortable gaining weight.

So, heres my situation.

I'm 17, Female, 5' 2.5", and 88 lbs.

I'm obviously underweight, and need (and am working on) gaining at least 9 lbs to be considered at a healthy weight.

I know how important it is that I gain because i'm starting to have heart problems and haven't gotten my period in probably 3, 4 months, but am having a hard time actually allowing myself to gain without feeling self conscious, as this is my natural build and how I have always been, NOT the result of an eating disorder.

So I guess my question is, does anybody have any tips on how to make gaining less akward?

 

Original Post by midnightgoddess:

 

So I guess my question is, does anybody have any tips on how to make gaining less akward?

knowing that you wont die soon.

 

Throw out your scales: ignorance is bliss

keep up with regular exercise, that way you will still feel fit and less "gross" about gaining weight (just make sure you eat back the calories you burn or you'll just be defeating the purpose).

If I didn't stop weighing myself, I think I would have died from stress by now. I had 20 lbs to gain just to get to a BMI of 16, and no freaking way could I watch every little pound come on without going insane.

Also, I highly recommend weight training (lifting weights) as you gain weight. Instead of a lot of the weight you gain being fat, you will build a lot of muscle and appear less 'flabby' as many anorexics fear. It will also help boost your metabolism, so you will be more hungry and eating will seem easier and less of a chore.

Find the calorie rich foods you like and consume them...every day. And lift weights.

Think of all the people here that gain a pound or two just from going out to eat twice in one week and consider yourself lucky you get to eat what you want.  

Well - I know while losing weight, even though the scale shows it it is hard for our mind's eye to see it.  It must be the same when gaining - you will get used to it after awhile so try re-affirming it to yourself until your mind believes it too.  At age 17, your body is still going through a lot of changes and growing so it's important that you eat the right food, and enough of it to help yourself become a healthy full grown woman!  When you start having negative thoughts - replace them with positive. And good for you doing something about it!

Seems to me that if your period has stopped making it's annoying appearance for 4months then that is most definitely NOT your natural build.  As for gaining weight, I recommend going out to beautiful, wonderful restaurants with delicious food that make you want to seriously consider considering calories out the window and delight in roundness.  I think if you find out the wonderful things that a chef can do to a fish or a cabbage, you'll never have the problem of missing your period again!