Eating enough calories?

Before I start - let me say this is the first time using this app, and I hope I'm using it right lol.

People, my mother especially, are always bugging me about eating more. She comes up to me and will squeeze my shoulder and tell me I'm skin and bones. Well obviously, I don't see that (not going into detail but I have insecurities). I don't weigh myself/exercise excessively, throw food up, or binge eat, so don't get me wrong I'm sure there's something not exactly healthy about my eating habits I'm not coming out to say I have an eating disorder.

Now, I'm 14 years old, about 5' 3'', and weigh somewhere roughly around 100lb. Though I used to not be like this. I can't think of exactly when but about a year ago roughly maybe a little more I weighed 120-130lb and I ate a bit. I remember one day just as I was getting something to eat, it just clicked in my mind and I was going to create a new goal to eat healthier, and eat a little less.

Soon after I decided that I was eating healthier and watching what I eat and slowely ate less and less. And soon I went from 120-130lb to 100-102lb. Now what's the problem you may ask? Problem is I eat so little in the day, but I'm scared to eat any more.

I wanna say I eat roughly 500 calories a day sometimes a little more sometimes less. With my parents both working from early morning to late at night it's up to me to make food for me to eat and I just don't. Like today I've only eaten a piece of bread and 2 cups of cereal and it's 7:10pm. The cereal was 170 calories per cup, not sure how much the chunk of bread was. But then I'll eat half of my dinner and I'm done for the day. I don't generally run or exercise as I feel more weak sluggish.

I also have gotten so used to when I stand up, I can't see cause my eyes get all black and my legs get shaky and I feel really lightheaded. That happens probably once a day at least it's just become normal for me. Don't know if that has to do with how much I'm eating?

I'm not gonna lie, I do watch for the things I eat and peek at the calories on the box and have a couple foods I won't eat, but I don't think it's anything insane. I would like to get opinions, and I'm not gonna lie if I said I'm not worried about people just telling me I'm a 14 year old craving for attention and that it's just a phase and I'll get over it but I seriously need to know if something is wrong with my eating patterns and how to fix it because I do have a slight fear of gaining weight and if my stomach bloats at all I get a little worried.

Thanks in advance,

[Activity2004 Administrator]

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[RiceyBug]

First, you aren't alone with this way of thinking. There are so many girls and even guys that go through this. I don't think this is a phase for you at all, but more like a curse that's going to haunt you maybe for the rest of your life.

You must know deep down that it's not healthy to not be eating enough that your own body gives you signs, your vision blacking out. This is your bodys way of telling you that you aren't getting enough vitamins, probably iron. You are adjusting to this like it's ok, "nothing will happen to me, I'm young and this is the only way to be skinny without going through the effort of an eating disorder." Well, this is an eating disorder...

You justify it saying that you are trying to be healthy by reading labels on food. But being healthy is more than counting calories. You need to eat balanced meals. Meals that have protein, carbs, vegetables, fruits. You are mainly eating carbs so your body is missing out on a lot. I know you are afraid that if you start eating more, you are just going to gain weight. But if you continue with around 500 calories a day, you're going to end up in the hospital. Those blacked out visions are going to turn into passing out.

It's not going to be easy, but you need to tell your mom or someone about your eating habits. Try to eat healthier food, vegetables, fruits and try to eat them throughout the day instead of at just one meal. When you feel stronger, exercising is a much better way to burn off stored food. Being 14, you can find a sport or activity pretty easy, just look around and try new things till you find something you enjoy.

I know you worry about your weight and appearance but trust me, you are perfect the way you are. You don't have to be model skinny for anyone to love you. Most if not all models have an eating disorder that is practically pushed on them. They are all airbrushed in magazines, ppl don't look like that in real life. Try to love who you are as a whole, the good and the bad.

[TownMan10 in reply to RiceyBug]

This is an excellent response and my thoughts exactly. I've known a few people through certain diets who aren't eating enough and it affects the way they live their lives.

Honestly don't worry about calories. A girl your age should be aiming for about 1,500 a day just to manage existing. The blackouts are probably happening because your body simply doesn't have enough energy to function.

It's not easy to overcome and if you're worried about this then it's worthwhile seeking some professional advice.

I wish you well

[mustgetthin]

I have nothing to add to the great responses you have already had but I want to say how brave you are asking for help and advice. You do need to eat more and can still like a healthy lifestyle. Keep posting and asking questions. We will all try to help xx

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Thank you all for the lovely advice, any meal ideas or anything would help if you have any for motivation

[Pattyvorndran]

No one can be healthy on 500 calories a day!If you are afraid to eat more,you have an eating disorder! I have seem so many on talk shows who look like a skeleton and they don't see that!Please get help before its too late!