Jumbled and confused in need of insight!

chaarlotte289

Hi!
my story:
So, I lost weight over a course of about 10 months eating 1200-1400 daily. I am 5'3, small boned, 18 years old.
I've been trying to maintain for awhile. Was eating 1700-1900 and doing so, but with stress slipped to 1500-1700 since about late November. I have lost around 3-4 pounds since then... Should I go back to my pervious calorie amount or will I now gain on that? If so, should I increase all at once or in increments?
I am a college student and walk anywhere from 2.75-4.25 miles a day from going to class, grocery shopping, etc. I also do basic chores everyday like clean my dorm, laundry etc.
I don't exercise other than that, however I find out of a 16 hour day I'm on my feet for maybe 4-6 hours.
This past week I really slipped from being sick with a virus and was eating around 1500-1550. Recon, I didn't do much exercise but how should I increase and how fast?
Any insight? I'm pretty confused!
Anyone have any success stories from upping calories after restricting for a while?

socioseguro

Hi:

Maintenance for me has been "trial and error". I add a small increment of calories and stay on that calorie target for at least 3 months, all other things being equal.
If I am losing weight or gaining weight after the 3 month period, I adjust accordingly for another 3 month period.
Good luck in your healthy journey