Unlike propobably most users on this site, I have never struggled with weigth issues or even thought about weigth and fitness. I've always been naturally very thin (and healthy!). I am 26, female, 5'4, petite. My normal weight varies from 104 to 109 lbs (I don't actually own a scale, I use my them when I go to the bathroom at other people's houses, that might explain the slight differences!). I have NEVER weighed over 110lbs in my life.
I've always had an overall healthy diet (heavy in veggies and whole grains, occasional meat, minimal dairy, plenty of water, no coffee, no soda, very little alcohol), though I often indulge (I get salt and sugar cravings and can't resist fries!). I pretty much have always eaten what I want, and I've never had to restrict food. And I eat A LOT for someone my size, (most of my family is the same, we're small people who eat a lot). My point is, I know some might think my previous BMI was too low, but BMI is a generalization, not everyone fits into that model. I was naturally small and thin, and perfectly normal and healthy!
I was never sporty or athletic, but I walked everywhere, jogged occasionally, danced a lot, yoga sometimes, hike and swim in the summer, cross-country ski in the winter. Nothing "very intense", but enough to stay constantly active, I hate not moving! I don't excersise for weigth or body issues, it's purely because I love these activites and they make me feel good!
The past year I have been sick. First I got a severe viral gastritis which evenutally turned to IBS, then fructose intolerance, then my iron (ferretin) dropped dramatically. I was 103lbs in July (doctor's scale). Then I had surgery at the end of July, my ferretin levels dropped even more (even though I don't have periods because I take continuous BCP and started eating more meat and taking prescription iron supplements), and I was extremely exhausted all the time, had low grade fevers (no doctor has been able to determine why). I stopped all physical activity because my body can't handle it. I'm really bored and want to do things again. But the more I push, the more bedrest I need to recover. Even doing little chores or going grocery shopping requires a long nap afterwards. In fact, I have been on sick leave since the surgery!!! I am unable to stay fully awake and alert for a full 8 hour work day, I need to stop and lie down every few hours.
I'm now 122lbs (doctor's scale). It doesn't sound like a lot, but considering my weight pre-surgery, suddenly gained 20 lbs and being at least 12lbs heavier than I've ever been seems preety drastic. I'm not used to seeing myself like this, and I don't like it. And all the weight I gained went to my hips only, so I look very odd and disporportional. Tiny arms and shoulders, no boobs, and huge hips and a butt bigger than JLo. I can't fit in any of my pants :S.
I'm on this site because I know nothing of weigth control and fitness. I want to know what I can do to go back to normal weigth without worsening my health.
I've always had an overall healthy diet (heavy in veggies and whole grains, occasional meat, minimal dairy, plenty of water, no coffee, no soda, very little alcohol), though I often indulge (I get salt and sugar cravings and can't resist fries!). I pretty much have always eaten what I want, and I've never had to restrict food. And I eat A LOT for someone my size, (most of my family is the same, we're small people who eat a lot). My point is, I know some might think my previous BMI was too low, but BMI is a generalization, not everyone fits into that model. I was naturally small and thin, and perfectly normal and healthy!
I was never sporty or athletic, but I walked everywhere, jogged occasionally, danced a lot, yoga sometimes, hike and swim in the summer, cross-country ski in the winter. Nothing "very intense", but enough to stay constantly active, I hate not moving! I don't excersise for weigth or body issues, it's purely because I love these activites and they make me feel good!
The past year I have been sick. First I got a severe viral gastritis which evenutally turned to IBS, then fructose intolerance, then my iron (ferretin) dropped dramatically. I was 103lbs in July (doctor's scale). Then I had surgery at the end of July, my ferretin levels dropped even more (even though I don't have periods because I take continuous BCP and started eating more meat and taking prescription iron supplements), and I was extremely exhausted all the time, had low grade fevers (no doctor has been able to determine why). I stopped all physical activity because my body can't handle it. I'm really bored and want to do things again. But the more I push, the more bedrest I need to recover. Even doing little chores or going grocery shopping requires a long nap afterwards. In fact, I have been on sick leave since the surgery!!! I am unable to stay fully awake and alert for a full 8 hour work day, I need to stop and lie down every few hours.
I'm now 122lbs (doctor's scale). It doesn't sound like a lot, but considering my weight pre-surgery, suddenly gained 20 lbs and being at least 12lbs heavier than I've ever been seems preety drastic. I'm not used to seeing myself like this, and I don't like it. And all the weight I gained went to my hips only, so I look very odd and disporportional. Tiny arms and shoulders, no boobs, and huge hips and a butt bigger than JLo. I can't fit in any of my pants :S.
I'm on this site because I know nothing of weigth control and fitness. I want to know what I can do to go back to normal weigth without worsening my health.
