Too Skinny!! Look like I am a concentration camp victim!!

Jennifer, have you checked the clean eating group ? 

http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/Clean_Eating/discussion/

No I haven't Hala, thank you for the info!  Hope to find more like-minded people who have researched and understand the health benefits of whole, natural foods.  Even saturated fat!!

Jennifer

There are a few of us... lol.. welcome to the club... (((HUGS)))

Hi; I looked at your photo gallery, and yes I can see why your little sister is concerned about you.
Try adding complex carbs and good fats to your intake, and do some strength training. It doesn't
hurt to have a little more padding!! You might want to talk to your doctor about a good amount to
add to your food intake so you don't go overboard.

Do you use a nutritional tracker? I find the one on Sparkpeople.com is really good, because you
can set your goals, and the tracker will help you see where you are. I know I've been paying
closer attention lately, and I definitely see where I'm just plain eating too much and NOT exercising
enough!!

Good luck!

Add some fat to your diet for additional calories. It's a LOT easier to control (and reduce if needed) than carby stuff, as it does not create the kind of cravings carbs can.

Start a muscle building type of exercise routine. The bony scrawny look is far more about loss of muscle mass than anything else. You are likely to need to eat a little more protein to support the muscle building effort. A shake or another decent sized serving of animal source protein would work (3-4 oz.).

I do not think you are too skinny. I do believe you will fill back out a little in the coming months. I've seen pics of friends and it seems they get gaunt looking and then build muscle back up.

Good luck

thank you all and those were some of the things I was thinking about as well.  Lifting weights maybe and increasing my "good" fat intake.

 What is your height and weight?

You look lovely to me - you may need to gain some muscle back.

If you need more calories --- a couple protein shakes or a bars each day can help, peanut butter, oils, fats, avocado, nuts, etc.

138 lbs and 5'5"  (I usually say 5'6 for bmi calculations).

Thank you MM and I agree, I think it has most to do w/my muscle tone.  I probably should go back to writing down my calories just to see where I'm at on an average.  Mind you, some days I can eat more than others.  I appreciate your feedback  :-)   I've got a drawer full of protein bars, but they're too darn sweet.  Sicky sweet.   I guess I need to focus on muscle tone because I feel great overall, but agree I'm getting that gaunt look.  Another poster below your post is also saying the same thing about muscle tone and I agree.

So how do you build muscle back?

I have to agree about building muscle tone;  can you afford a gym?  If so, go to the gym pro and
work with them to build yourself a workout program.  You don't have to be "Ahnold" to build a bit
more muscle.

And yes, after a couple of years, your body will readjust and redistribute fat, and you might not
need to add any calories.  If YOU feel better working out and building some muscle, then do it.

You've been very successful, and I'm pleased to see you working on your future health.

Best wishes,