Expert: Ryan Hale - 7/9/2009

Question
I have been eating about 1000 calories or less a day and my weight is staying the same and i walk 4 miles a day, My therapist said that if i stay like this i will eventually loose but im really confused! Im trying to eat properly after suffering with anorexia but trying jsut to keep my weight steady not gain! Im 35 kilos and 5ft 1, please help im sooo confused!

Answer
Rachel- I'm curious about your 1,000cal per day.  Is that a number you just decided was good or has that been recommended by a health professional?  As someone who is recovering from an eating disorder, it is important to concentrate on being healthy...that means eating enough calories to maintain your health and energy needs and exercising for enjoyment and health.  Try not to worry about the mileage you are walking, walk for fitness and fun, or find another activity you enjoy to include.

Our bodies are designed to try to avoid starving and it will resist loosing weight, especially if you are already near your body's desired weight.  That's why we tend to lose, then plateau, lose again and then plateau.  

Please continue to see a therapist as you recover. Also, make sure your caloric intake is based on science and not just an arbitrary number you've come up with.  Hopefully you are working with someone who can help you calculate your caloric needs and give you ideas for healthy meals and eating.

Good luck!  You can do it.