Beachpatrol, you and I are the same height, and I'm starting at about the same weight you started at and am aiming for the same goal weight. Also, we're around the same age. When I was trying to figure out how many calories to eat, I tried several online calorie calculators and averaged the numbers. Also, I specified that I wanted see how many calories I would need to maintain my goal weight. I am eating around that many calories now. I figured if I am eventually going to have to eat that number of calories to maintain my goal weight, I might as well start getting used to it. If 1500 is your maintenance calorie level, maybe you would want to stick with just that (rather than going up to 1600) or 100 calories lower. You may be losing a bit slower than you would like, but at least you're getting yourself used to what it will take to maintain your goal weight.

thanks y'all!!! it seems the census is that since I am losing at my current caloric intake, I should probably stick with that & not be so gung-ho to lose faster. I must keep reminding myself that I'm in this for the long-haul and I don't want to get over-excited and mess up & start gaining. Uh-uh, no way! :nono:

I do exercise - weight lifting 2x/week and swimming/walking/biking or whatever at least 3x per week.

And y'all are right... again! - 19 pounds (20, as of today!!! :yay: ) is good steady loss for 6 months... just over 3 lbs per month, yeah, I'm doin' it right. thanks for reminding me of that!! :D