The weight will NOT come off

Question
Well, to start off, I'm 18, currently 5'5'' and I weigh 161 pounds.
Last year, I had en eating disorder(anorexia) for about 5 months
where I would only eat about 800 calories a day. I dropped down
to about 119 pounds. Then, over the summer and from then on I
gradually put the weight back on; and then some. So, since
January 05 I've been eating about 1600 calories a day, and I
exercise for about and hour everyday, 7 days a week. But I
haven't lost ANY weight; at all. I'm just wondering what's wrong.
I exercise everyday, what's the deal? Thanks for any help.

Answer
Dieting CAUSES weight gain.  That's not just a saying or a myth - it's for real.  Anorexia frequently causes a metabolic slow down that can last for years.  Your body was put through what it biologically perceived as a famine (starvation) - which is what happens when anyone tries to diet by cutting calories too low (below 1,200-1,400 per day for extended periods).

Even after calorie intake increases, the body is bracing for the next famine and conserving fat, which it will need to survive the famine (muscle is not as necessary since there won't be much hunting or gathering done without food sources to begin with).  On top of the lack of food sources, you're expanding lots of energy (exercising) which biologically might be perceived as fleeing the famine, searching for new living territory, etc.. Again, large stores of fat will be necessary for the trip.  

Amazing isn't it? As smart as we think we are, as advanced as we think we've become, our body is still just another 'animal' with typical biological instincts that no pill, powder, plan or program can alter.  No matter what the sales pitch says (otherwise obesity wouldn't exist!).

So - what do you do?  STOP dieting.  Re-program your body to know that regular food sources are available and there is no stress to live.  It's important to eat from ALL food groups, including sugars, carbs, fats and perhaps most importantly, whole grains.  Start your day with breakfast, even if you hate it or aren't hungry.  A packet of instant oatmeal (any flavor) or cup of other whole grain cereal like Cheerios, shredded wheat, Life, toasted oat flakes, etc. will work (even if you just munch it out of a baggie, dry!).
Have a can of salmon or tuna (packed in water or one of those new foil packets) for lunch - with a 'serving' of whole grain bread (or half of a whole grain bagel, saving the other half for dinner).  
Peanut butter is good for you too - about a tablespoon a day - and this is something you can slather on a banana or apple slices for midmorning snack, midafternoon munchies or before bedtime.  

Eating at night, by the way, does NOT cause weight gain as long as you aren't overeating throughout the day.

If you're exercising more than an hour a day, ease up.  Try to just get in about 30 minutes of brisk walking everyday and if you want, some weight resistence work out and/or stretching for another 30.  Take at least TWO days off a week - make it a stroll if you feel you need to do something.

Patience pays.  HIDE the scale (your worst enemy and you know it).  In 30 days, if you really feel the need, check it then.  

Check my site and you'll find options to follow for eating plans (under DIETS CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN)

Let me know !

http://www.geocities.com/thereverend1investigates/

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