Where to go from here? Do I need to eat more?

I hesitate to post my questions since so many posts here address my concerns, yet I want to have some input... So, here goes.

I started my weight loss journey in June 2012 with 40 pounds to lose. I went with MFP's suggested calories but quickly adjusted my macros to 40/30/30. The weight began coming off gradually as I ate with more awareness and moved with intention. I was consistently under my calorie goal.

Within a few months I was down to the suggested 1200 calories and feeling pretty good with my continued success and felt satisfied with my caloric intake. By September however, an MFP friend of mine (who is now in maintenance and has lost over 70#) expressed concern about my being a busy mom with an active life and my eating so few calories.

This led me to do some research on BMR, TDEE, Body fat % and eating at a healthy deficit based on those #'s (In place of a road map). At the time my BMR was just over 1400, TDEE just under 2000. So, I decided to up my calories to 1500 and see what happened. I did not eat back my exercise calories since this was based on my projected activity. (Unless I had an extra active day).

The first two weeks I gained several pounds, but within a short while started dropping about a pound a week again. I felt great!

By early 2013 I had lost 25 pounds and thought I was on a roll... When another MFP buddy challenged me to join her in doing Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred DVD, I jumped on it. I had not been very active and was ready for a new challenge to get me out of my winter slump of lower activity.

I began doing 30 DS in late January, 4 days a week (also doing my regular, one day a week "Cardio Dance" class). Within 6 days I was up 3 pounds!!! YIKES! I didn't panic, just kept going... thinking it had to be water weight or some crazy over-reaction my metabolism was having. Couldn't be muscle gain yet, right? I know others have experienced this, so I wasn't too worried.

However, my measurements haven't changed much. At first I was losing inches, but they seem to be back to where I started. I am currently on level 3, day 4... doing only a couple of the modifications to protect my knees. I do feel stronger, tighter, and have greater flexibility. Just wish I was seeing more changes.

February 16 I decided to sync my Fitbit with MFP so I was sure I was eating enough based on my daily calorie burn... instead of just sticking with 1500 calories across the board. I have both MFP and Fitbit set at a 1 pound loss per week, which means 1200 calories, but I am eating my exercise calories which brings my consumption up to 1600 -1700+.

I question whether I'm eating enough? Do I need to do a metabolism reset? Do I just need to give it more time?

With the new quest I'm on to figure out what my body is doing (and what I should do about it) I have seen the benefits of adding more strength training to my routine. I will be purchasing "The New Rules of Lifting for Women" soon and realize that I will need to eat more. But, I don't have the book yet... so we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

I will open up my diary for your perusal. Please note that yesterday was the first time I was over my calories. The other days that show I was over have to do with completing my food and exercise diary before my Fitbit had synced with MFP and made the adjustment.

I am 5'4" hovering around 150# with a goal of 130-135#. I am on Armour Thyroid to help with an under-active Thyroid. No other meds. My thyroid levels have been normal.

Thanks in advance for your input!:flowerforyou: