Hello!
 

I've been lurking around this forum for awhile before I decided to join. So basically here is a little background. I'm only 19 and I never thought I'd struggle with my weight at such a young age! I was very skinny until I hit about ninth grade, and then I floated around 135 lbs until 11th grade when I hit 150( i'm 5'6 1/2 btw) currently I'm about 148 normally but fluctuate to 153. The largest I've been is 168 following a really tough phase in my life. I've always been a firm believer in calorie counting, clean eating an solid excercise. I'd love to get to 120 lbs so I'm looking to you all for support as I seem to be struggling a little! I really have a hard time with my carb situation as so many people seem to think you have to monitor them to lose weight. If I'm calorie counting do I really need to watch carbs? I'm currently eating 1200 calories a day, which some say is too low but I really dread going any higher as I really hate the thought of not losing weight as quickly as possible. Any help
Or advice would be appreciated! Thanks guys!

Savannah - WELCOME, sounds like you are doing great already, clean eating and exercise not only good for weightloss, but great for a healthy lifestyle! You do not have to watch carbs if you do not want to. Eating all carbs would not be a great idea though. :) The best way to tell if 1200 cals is too low for you is your energy level and mood. If I don't eat enough my energy level drops and I am mildly irritable. One tip that works out great for me is to eat within a calorie range. I typically eat between 1300 - 1800 cals a day. This way when I am hungrier I have some wiggle room. I also find that when I count every single calorie, every single time, I make healthier choices overall. Plus, it helps me decide if ________ is worth it. Sometimes it is, but sometimes I decide it really is not worth it.