UnCafeCvooPlay, I don't think you should go below 1500 calories. That equation of multiplying by 12 is very general and does not take into account your age or activity level, both of which make a difference. You're 18, so your resting metabolic rate is higher than someone like me who is 36. I recommend a book called DIETING FOR DUMMIES. In it the author gives some good, common sense advice on dieting, with a focus on counting calories. She gives you an equation for figuring out how many calories you need. I used this book to lose 40 lbs. When I started I was 180, and I believe I was allowed to eat a little over 1600 calories per day to lose 1 lb. a week. I ended up trying to stick with 1500 per day, and it worked! This was a revelation to me since on past diets I'd tried to stick to 1200 per day and felt as if I was starving. However, at 1500 per day, I felt satisfied. So, my advice is to get that book and do the calculation. However, even with the calculation, I wouldn't go below 1500 if I were you, even if it meant losing only 1/2 lb. a week. At your age you need the nutrition, which brings me to your original questions . . .
Like others have stated, I believe you can lose weight just counting calories, but you won't get proper nutrition and you won't be making a permanent change in your eating habits. My advice is to eat healthy most of the time (80%) and treat yourself some of the time (20%).
Good luck!
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