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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Eating Disorders > Anorexia/Eating Disorders > Confused
Expert: Gerri Helms - 10/26/2009
Question
Hi. About 2 years ago, I decided it was time to lose weight. I had tipped the scales at 170, which had been the heaviest I had ever weighed. I am 5'4 and now weigh 120. I began my weight loss journey the healthy way. I cut back a small amount of calories, and was working out 5 days a week (60 min each time). I was eating anywhere between 1500-1750 calories a day. I was losing 2 lbs a wk, but eventually hit a plateau around 145 lbs. I decided to cut back some more calories. I started eating 1400 calories, and eventually dropped to 135 lbs. My goal was to reach 125, but I hit another plateau, and couldn't get past it no matter how hard I tried! Around the same time, I started a new job with a crazy schedule which caused me to stop going to the gym. To make up for the lack of exercise I cut back to 1200 calories. In doing so, I slowly dropped more weight, and eventually weighed in at 120.
I was so happy to have hit my goal weight! (actually five pounds less!) Although I hit my weight, I'm afraid to start eating more. I don't work out the way I once did because of my work schedule (I work a swing shift). I stopped getting my period, among other health problems. When I eat, my body gets so cold that my finger nails turn blue. I've gone to my doctor who blew me off...her advice was to take a multivitamin and fatten up my fingers. My legs and arms fall asleep very easily, and I'm severely constipated. I'm afraid that my metabolism is so severly damaged, that if I increase my caloric intake, I will definitly gain weight. I'm at a healthy weight for my body, and I don't eat below 1200 calories, but I know my body is starving for more nutrition. What do I do?
Answer
Hello Valentina,
Unless you are a vary small frame, 120 may be too low of a weight for you, especially if you stopped getting your period. You may need to see a specialist, such as a nutritionist. Also, you may wish to consult a gynecologist.
To increase your weight a bit, try adding something very small to your food plan, such as a piece of fruit or an extra ounce of protein daily, so your weight goes up very gradually. For the constipation, try taking 2 tbs milled flax seed daily. You can find it in the baking aisle of any Super Walmart store.
It worries me that your fingers are turning blue when you eat. I've never heard of that. My area of expertise is really working with people who want to lose weight in a healthy way, so I probably am not of much help on this subject, other than to tell you not to give up, find the right health care professional.
Sincerely,
Gerri Helms
Life and Health Coach
www.lifecoachgerri.com
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