In the past I have found that if I do something like a cleanse to lose a quick few pounds, I can get more motivated to lose more. Anyone have any suggestions or something you have tried? The cleanse I have done is pretty expensive to buy the supplements.
This is the first time I have had a problem losing weight. I used to be able to change my diet a bit and excersise a little more, but now it seems like I try and just get fatter. I know my metabolism is shot because 5 years ago I was anorexic, and have had other health problems ever since. I also strongly believe my birth control pill is causing problems because I switched a few months ago. I feel like things are getting impossible!
I could use some help!

Hi Kalishea,

Are you drinking 64 oz of plain water daily? That usually helps get rid of excess water weight and can help with motivation.

Good Luck--BJF

I am seeing that your curretn weight is 133. Can I ask how old you are, how tall you are, and what your activity level is like? I really don't think that birth control pills are such a huge issue. They can cause a *slight* weight gain, but we are talking 3-5 pounds...not 10 or 20. It is usually due to other issues in your life:

~Change In Daily Activity that isn't "exercise" per say: A change such as being a waitress and walking around at work all day, and then taking an office job where you sit most of the day is an example.

~Change in age: It is very common for a 15-19 year old girl to still have "teen" physique and maintain a low weight more naturally, and then as they mature into a full fledged woman and reach their 20's, they can no longer weigh 105, 110, 115 pounds...weights such as these are no longer maintainable/healthy for them.
My goal weight, for instance, is 140. As a grown woman, there is no way I can get to or maintain a weight of 120 pounds and be healthy for my frame and height.

~A Change In Diet: It can be something small-such as picking up a new habit, such as having a mocha every day can add 200-300 calories to your regime. Not a lot of excess each day-you aren't pigging out or anything, but over the course of a year that could lead to gaining a few pounds.

As far as "cleansing", really I don't recommend doing anything other than drinking plenty of water-and eating cleaner and healthier when you start your eating regime. (More fresh fruits over canned, whole grain over white bread/pasta, and so forth...) this will cleanse you naturally.

There is no reason at all to do any sort of "detox" or cleanse other than that-especially with your history of an eating disorder.

Aphil,
Hi there. I am 24, 5'5 and I think I am quite active, except during work, which I sit at a desk all day. Nothing has really changed in the past year except my birth control pill, that is why I bring that up. I have had the same job for almost 6 years and have always been relativly active. I did have 4 bouts with pancreatitis last year, but that shouldn't really cause any long term weight issues. I was a vegetarian since I was 14 and when I became anorexic my doc had me add chicken, fish and turkey. I have always been aware of what I eat and usually eat around 1500 calories a day. We don't keep treats or soda in our house. Last year I ran a lot because I wanted to run a city 5 k just for fun. I try to walk everynight because I have a hyper dog. I also built a new house last year, so this year has been nothing be weeding, and yard work, everyday until I am exhausted. I also got Turbo Jam do that once in a while when I don't have to weed!
Basically the reason I asked about "jump starting" my diet is because it seems in the past when I see some results I get motivated. I just can't seem to lose a pound! I have been gaining more it seems in the past couple months. I went on a crusie in Feb and actually weighed less after the cruise (which is supposed to put on 5lbs because of all the food) then I do now. I am about at wits end.

Well, if you are eating 1500 calories a day, and you are exercising with walking, gardening/yardwork, etc. then there really isn't a whole lot you can do. 133 pounds is actually in the healthy range for your height as well.
What I can recommend, is that you pick up either Pilates or strength training with weights (at the gym or with a video) because while your weight may stay around the same, you can actually get a little smaller since you will be building muscle, and it is leaner (smaller) than fat.

kalishea,
Just to butt in, I read where you said you weighed less after your cruise despite all the food. I was just thinking that maybe you are eating too few calories. Sometimes eating more calories for a day or two, and then going back to your regular amount helps shock your body into dropping a pound or two. Good luck.