I'm 15 years old, 5'8" tall and 110 pounds. My epileptic doctor has forced me to see an eating disorder specialist for counseling every 6 months. I'm not trying to lose weight, I just can't put any on. I only want to gain about 8-10 pounds but I want to do it in a healthy way, not candy bar after candy bar. But through healthy foods. I don't want to give up doing things outside like rollerblading. But it seems as if I burn twice as many calories doing the same things as an average person. Is there anything I can do?

If you eat a banana before breakfast that will help a bit. They increase your appetite. Have an 8 oz glass of orange juice every morning, too. It has natural sweetness, so is a little higher in calories, but it is the healthiest juice you can drink. Try using honey as a sweetener instead of sugar, and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables - especially green, leafy veggies like spinach, lettuce, & cabbage.

Eat your largest meal in the morning, don't skip any meals, munch on fruit or veggies between meals. I wouldn't stress about the eating disorder specialist. They will be able to make some healthy recommendations too! Maybe you should ask about a nutritionist.

You might just have a different metabolism. Are you extremely active? Your doctor is right to be concerned because being underweight can be just as dangerous as being overweight. Your main thing is to increase your calorie intake in a healthy way. The easiest way is too eat small, but frequent meals. Increase your carbs, (ie: eat more whole wheat bread, muffins, bagels) but make sure you do strength training exercises so that the added weight is healthy weight, not fat.

Drink plenty of water (six to eight glasses), don't fill up by drinking soda, alcohol or coffee - in fact stop drinking those items at least until you reach your goal; reduce red meats (animal fats), dairy products, white sugar (use honey or brown sugar), and white flour. Oh, and do NOT smoke!

Hope this helps! Don't get discouraged. :)

Love, Didi

Eat more grains, like cereals, pastas and breads. Potatoes are really good, just don't eat fried. Tried wheat bread and some natural peanut butter, bananas, Nuts and seeds are great protein and they might help you put a few pounds on. Try Milk shakes with low fat milk but add fruit. Or protein shakes. I had a had time most of my life gaining weight no matter how much I ate, if I missed even one meal I lost a few pounds, so don't miss a meal! And eat more, if you can at meal times.

Thanks for all the ideas and advice. I'll try those things.

Baby I'm 30years old, 5'8", and usually 95 to 100 pounds... (sometimes 90). We are all different. I like you don't try to lose weight... I actually eat like a horse... it just burns off fast. We are all different and your doctor should realize that. At 110 pounds your really not that thin... go see a different doctor!!

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Originally Posted by KellyAlexander

Baby I'm 30years old, 5'8", and usually 95 to 100 pounds...(sometimes 90). We are all different. I like you don't try to lose weight...I actually eat like a horse...it just burns off fast. We are all different and your doctor should realize that. At 110 pounds your really not that thin.....go see a different doctor!!!

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Since the OP is only 15, I'm guessing that her parents are the ones choosing her doctors. I sincerely doubt that they would be having her see an eating disorder specialist for no reason. I suspect there might be more to this story that we're being told.

With that said, you can add healthy fats and extra calories to your diet through nuts and seeds, as has been suggested. Avocados are also wonderfully healthy, rich and delicious. One of the best things you can put into your body is very high quality extra virgin olive oil. Drizzle it on your veggies, use it in cooking, make your own salad dressings with it, toast country bread then rub a garlic glove over it and pour some olive oil on it... the possibilities are endless. You'll also see improvements in the health of your skin, hair, nails, joints... it doesn't have any cholesterol, plus it works to reduce bad cholestorl, keeps your heart healthy, and works as an antioxidant.

Making your own salad dressing is very, very easy. The basic method is to use about 3 parts olive oil to 1 part acid. Acid in this case means lemon juice, red or white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar... then add a little salt and pepper, and it's done.

Smoothies are also great. Try blending a banana into your favorite yogurt. You can also do this with any other fruits you like. Peaches and berries are especially good additions. I am at the right weight for my body, and this is how I eat. By the way, I never use or recommend low fat versions of products. I think you wind up with more chemicals in your system when you go that route.

Trust in what your parents are telling you. You should believe that they only have your best interests in mind.