Fast metabolism or undereating?

[konrad1198]

I know metabolism in general is a controversial topic, but as a 19 year old, I have this ongoing fear of gaining weight (I was chubby as a pre-teen). However, my parents and others tell me I have a slim build (small forearms, waist, etc.) and that I shouldn't worry and just eat normally. I've been able to seemingly "control" my weight with calorie counting and exercise, but how do I know if I'm skinny thanks to that or because of my metabolism?

19 year old 6'2" 155-160 lbs

[WolfRose7]

It's irrelevant , whatever your maintenance is, 300-400 calories above it and you will gain weight. And vice versa.

It's always your diet.

If you want to gain weight then train and eat a bit more and just gain slowly. The fat gains will be minimal to none.
Otherwise just eat around maintenance

[konrad1198]

It's irrelevant , whatever your maintenance is, 300-400 calories above it and you will gain weight. And vice versa.

It's always your diet.

If you want to gain weight then train and eat a bit more and just gain slowly. The fat gains will be minimal to none.
Otherwise just eat around maintenance

Can maintenance be determined by just listening to my hunger and eating whole, minimally processed foods? I'm trying to stray away from calorie counting.

[WolfRose7]

Can maintenance be determined by just listening to my hunger and eating whole, minimally processed foods? I'm trying to stray away from calorie counting.

Yes generally speaking if you eat to hunger you'll probably be around maintenance.

Just use the scale if you don;t want to count, you'll know where you are at based off weight changes