Should I adjust my calorie intake?

Deena_Bean

I am starting to think I should lift it up some from what I'm reading....like it's too low given what I have left to lose.
Here's my info:
Height: 5' 7.5"
Age: 35
Femaile
SW: 187
CW: 172.4
Goal: 155 (ish - I'm flexible here, up to 160 is fine with me)
Caloric intake: 1200/day (if I exercise I increase that to close to the amount I 'burned' - so I eat back my calories).

I've been losing weight, a pretty big chunk at first and it's tapered off to anywhere from .2 to 1lb/week. I'm fine with this rate because I'm not in a big rush. I've read recently, though, that my goal should be less per week than what it's set at (2 lb/week). If I change my settings to say 1.5 lb a week it goes up to 1390 and 1 lb a week is 1600 (ish). I'm just nervous about changing that intake and then not losing weight at all...that's not desirable of course. What are your thoughts? Leave well enough alone or adjust it and take in a handful more calories? I'd hate to be sabotaging my metabolism without realizing...or not taking full advantage of my body's capabilities by not providing sufficient fuel

Deena_Bean

I should add that I'm sure I've been a bit over from time to time, but I get as close as I can to accurate...I do eat out quite a bit, though, so I can't totally vouch for what they put in my food.

ottermotorcycle

Congratulations on your loss so far. Given that you have less than 20 pounds left to lose, it's time to lower your rate of loss. I'd say adjust it and start taking in more calories. You may want to eat back fewer of your exercise calories (50-70% or so) since you won't have such a low goal and MFP tends to overestimate exercise burns.

I calculated your BMR and have you at 1555, so I would never have suggested you eat 1200 calories to begin with (you're too tall.) I would lose at a rate of 1lb/week by setting your goal to 1600 and see how it goes from there... but give it a chance to catch up, don't weigh yourself for a little while.

Deena_Bean

Thank you, I'll give it a try and avoid the scale for a week or so lol. I don't want to freak out if it goes up a bit! I suspected I might be under-eating (which I know can also be a problem for weight loss...ironically). Anyhow, I'll adjust that amount today and move forward with that.
Thanks again