Afro Bob,
What a reaction! I think a lot of people are genuinely concerned for you and your health when you talk about going down to 500 calories a day. It's just like if your parents found out you were doing drugs and got really mad and started screaming... it's only because they care and are shocked that you are harming your body. It is a bad idea, full stop, for all aspects of health and diet.
Vegetarianism, on the other hand, is a personal choice that you shouldn't be made to feel guilty. Although most LC diets champion meat, there is nothing that says you cannot eliminate the meat. Just keep the calories up and incorporate protein, like nut butters and soy products for example. There is even a vegetarian forum on this site, remember.
The most important thing is too eliminate sugar, avoid hydrogenated fats, and processed grains. Go veg, by all means, but leave out french fries, breads, cakes, etc.
I had seen your success by looking back through the files. You did great. Looking at what you are saying, though, I think that the issue lay with your decisions and choices.
When everyone talks of Way of Life (WOL), they really mean it... following a certain practice for life because it works for them. Fortunately, for many of us (including you
), we have a choice to eat in a healthier manner. Some, like diabetics, don't have the luxury and going off their diet can mean death. But just as vegetarianism is a choice not taken lightly, so should this WOL of eating a low amount of carbohydrates not be persued as a quick fix. Hopefully, you didn't choose to be veg just because a celebrity does it or because of fashion, but because you believe in it. It is the same here with your method of eating.
I am concerned with your body image, saying that you HAVE to wear a certain size. Man, I don't even do that, and I've got much further to go than you. Men fill out naturally as they go beyond their teens... you don't want to look like those actors who keep playing teenage roles well into their 30's, do you? Yikes. Give me broad shoulders to hang onto, is what I say.
Just my humble opinion.
Lastly, I would just like to reiterate that whatever you do is your choice. Please make sure you are aware of the consequences of your actions. If you eat junk, your body will look and feel crappy, as you know. If you don't eat enough good food, your body will look and feel crappy. Balance is the key. It's the only body you have. If you abuse it you don't get another, so take care of it the best way you can.
Good luck, Afro Bob!