Hiya, I'm new.
I've been working for 18 months on building. Well... I actually gained weight without losing any fat at all. It was perplexing and frustrating. So many blood tests... so many urine samples, acupunture, herbs, to no avail. My diet is good and balanced. Sometimes have a hard time getting enough protein, but from the looks of it, that seems common. I'm 5'7" and 35, so was only eating 1200 cals/day and balancing cardio with various body parts 6 days/week. My actual, fasting RMR was taken through a blood oxygen test as I woke up and it turns out to be somewhat higher than average for someone of my size (2280), then my working metabolic rate was tested at 3300. So much for my doctor's initial weirdo version of hypothyroid theory... guess it's also why I don't look like I'm anywhere near 185 lbs. Still, I would like my physique to reflect the enormous amount of work I have put into it. Now I just look like another slightly pudgy, hyperactive girl struggling with that last superset.

Has anyone gone through this? It is counter intuitive to add 1000 calories into your diet, so I want to make certain I do it in a structured way. I already know that 5 small meals a day looks like a way to go... one being some shake or other. Are there any other supplements (besides the usual mega-multi) that might lower those temporarily high cortisol levels or something else so support my body during this transition phase? I have spent my whole life trying (and being told) to eat less, and am new to the idea of having one of those metabolisms.

Well, I'd better go have a snack...

I appreciate your time.
Cheers,
Tatjana, apparently part bear