I would be petrified of really slowing down my metabolism if I tried to eat even only 1400 calories day.

What are your opinions on fluctuations? For instance, 1200 calories on some days, 1400 calories and maybe even 1600 calories on some days.

While I have a set number that I'm trying to stick to, I already know that some days will be higher or lower. One of the tutorials I watched while setting up my bodybugg stated a good point...the main number to be concerned with is the deficit. It also explained that as long as you have a deficit of calories at the end of the week, you will lose weight. For example...if I have a deficit of 7000 at the end of the week, I should lose about 2 lbs. Of course we should strive to keep the numbers close. I surely would not do a 2000 deficit one day and 1000 the next. I guess I'm just saying I personally think it is okay to fluctuate but at the same time keep it fairly close. I would think that a 200-400 difference would be okay as long as it all balances out.

I haven't read many of the other responses so sorry if this is a repeat.
1200 cals is not a good place to start because in order to stay healthy and get all of the things you need you cant really lower them any more when you hit a platue. I started at 1600 @ 200 lbs wanting to get down to 125 I have lost 7 lbs in less then three weeks with very little exercise. So I think it works well for me and if at all my weight loss stops or slow down I still have wiggle room to cut my cals back at the most to 1200 but I will do 100 at a time and thats the lowest I will go 1200 that is. If you are working out then I think 1600 is plenty no need to starve just move a little more lol!

oh and to add about fluctuations I have heard that when you do that it throws you metabolism off and makes it burn more idk if thats true just something I do. and to be honest I do it some but not on purpose I dont ever go over 1600 but some days I am really under but I really regret it come bed time (those are my super busy days!)

Some people don't find it hard to function on 1200 calories. If you don't exercise and are trying to lose weight and you feel satisfied on 1200 calories and it's working for you, then great.

Personally, I just can't do 1200 calories AND exercise.

Seems awfully low to me too. Granted if you do a week of 1200 and then go up to a healthier amount of calories it seems like tons of food! lol

I am currently on 1,200 but just for a few days to compensate for a FoodFest I had on Saturday. Normally I eat 1,500 on weekdays and 2,000+ on weekends (i try to maintain on weekends)

I think fluctuations are good - check out the thread called Calorie Cycling for thoughts on that ...

I think one of the things to keep in mind is that if you can't live the rest of your life eating a set number of calories, you probably shouldn't diet at that rate. If you can't see yourself eating 1200 calories a day for the rest of your life, then it's going to be hard to keep the weight off when you reach goal.

1200 is awfully low, and at your current weight you should be able to eat more than that and still lose weight well. I've tried 1200 calories and didn't lose a single pound. Currently, when I stick to it, I can be completely and entirely inactive and still lose weight with 1700 calories a day.

But, once again, it's different for everyone.

I find that happening with me too. I'm actually finding it hard to get to 1600 calories a day without drinking a non-fat latte or some kind of snack. On just meals alone (whole foods, veggies) I go into the 1200-1300 range.

I started at 1200 and I felt fine- and sure I was loosing about 4-5 lbs a week but that's not healthy... I uped my calls to 1400-1600 a day trying to stay at about 1500 and I feel great! I can even treat my self to a mcdonalds happy meals once a month or so! and I still eat a dessert every night

1200 is the very lowest you should go. this is the bare minimum you need to consume in order to make sure your getting all the vitamins and minerals you need.

i'm losing around 2lb a week atm and i'm eating around 3000 a day. i just work hard the more i burn the more i eat. i could never go hungry i'd rather go for a run and have another meal than sit going hungry infront of the tv

There seems to be a lot of conflicting advice, i was playing with this nintendo DS game called My Health and Weight loss Coach (or something like that) and i put in all my details and food etc, and when i got to 1000 calories, it told me id eaten plenty for the day! I bet lots of teenage girls bought that game, its a bit worrying.

My dr put me on 1500 per day when i weighed 306. I am still able to lose on 1500, but its alot slower now. He has recommended that I go down to 1200 but i am not doing that yet. Maybe when i get down to the last 10lbs or something.
FOr me I have found what kind of calories i eat matter more than how many.I can eat less than 1400 and if its not good calories then i dont lose. I can eat more than 1400 good calories and still lose.

More like horryifying

I think 1200 is okay, but anything less that that would be way too low. I personally feel just too deprived at 1200 calories. I usually keep my total at 1600, but I work out A LOT. If I couldn't work out as much as I do, I'd have to eat less.

I love to eat, so I have to burn the calories. I refuse to give up delicious food, I just keep it healthy. Lots of veggies and whole grains filll you up for less calories.