I'm counting calories and aiming for 1600 a day, since that level worked for me before I got pregnant last year. However, the scale isn't moving much, so I'm considering doing an induction of sorts, and staying around 1200-1300 calories for a week or so. I figured if so many other plans have an induction phase, why not calorie counters. Is this a reasonable plan? Or will I stall out my weight loss completely by doing this? Has anyone done anything like this before? If so, what were your results? Thanks for any answers you might have.

I'm your height, and I eat around 1350 and just barely lose normally (2 lbs a week if I'm really lucky, plus I weigh 25 pounds more than you).

1600 calories hasn't worked for me since I was 250. I think your plan for 12-1300 is a good one.

I think there's no harm in trying. It's all about figuring out what works for you and your unique body...

Please, be careful with lower calories. Does it yield results? Yes, but not necessarily in a safe way. You may want to check in with your specialist before you dunk down there. Don't forget, simply moving is an alternative way to slash calories.

Split the difference and try 1400?

I'm at 1500 and run every day. I lose but it's slow and really okay by me.

I personally could never lose weight at 1500-1600 calories per day. It seams that I am only successful if I eat between 1200-1250 calories per day and work out at least an hour 3-4 days per week. It is all about figuring out what works for you. It might be hard to get down to 1200-1300 right away, so you might want to lower your daily calories by 50-100 per day to let your body get used to it slowly. I would only worry about your calories being too low if you start losing weight too fast (I know, a "worry" that we all wish we had!).

Thanks for the responses! Isn't it amazing how differently everyone's bodies work?
I haven't been able to stay at 1200 calories, more like 1350. I'll stay this low for a couple more days and then try upping my calories to the 1600 level. I reallllly hope I can lose at that level, because I'm starving where I'm at now.
The reall challenge is coming tonight: a picnic. Usually I don't do so well at get togethers involving food.... hopefully having a plan will help.

My weight loss is extremely slow as well, but I blame that on my age (I'm 53). I only have five to ten pounds to lose now, and it's like watching paint dry.

I def wouldn't go below 1200. You can't be properly nourished at that level.

If you are really hungry with where you are now, maybe you should look at eating different foods? Find out what's filling for you and what lasts longer for you? For example, among what I ate yesterday, a big pile of steamed asparagus was 35 calories and a small handful of trail mix was 150 calories. There are a lot of different ways to "spend" your calories and it can take some work to figure out the right way for you.

well I have been watching the show cook yourself thin, and their little formula is to take your goal weight (I see yours is 135) and multiply it by 10..thats how many cals. they say to consume per day. 135x10= 1350..so give 1350 a try and see how it works out! They have had great results on the show, btw!