Hello ladies (& gentlemen) -

So I eat 1200 calories every day - every single day my calorie totals are the same. Is this bad for my metabolism? Would it be better to add a little variety in terms of the amount of calories? I don't feel comfortable eating less than 1,200 as I think that's just not healthy... but should I switch it up, and once or twice a week have 1,400 or 1,600? I've gotten the point where I feel guilty if I go above 1,200 calories in a day (which has happened all of three times in two months). And I feel like that's a really unhealthy mindset to have. So I guess this is kind of a two-parter. Would it be good for me to add a little variety, a.) for my metabolism and b.) so I can shake this guilty feeling? I don't like that I feel guilty for having more than 1,200 calories.

In all honesty, I know the answer to my question - yes, I should add variety for both my metabolism and my sanity - but I think I'd just like to hear what you all have experienced when it comes to varying calorie counts and suffering from the "I can't go over x amount of calories a day - no matter how hungry I may be" syndrome.

Yes, you should eat more.
Do you exercise? Eating only 1200 calories daily is low for your height and weight. (As a comparison, I am 2" taller than you and only dropped to 1200 to shed the Last Five Pounds.) If it's working for you, great, but it seems like you might hit a snag in dropping the remaining weight you'd like to on that low of an intake.
1500 calories per day might be more appropriate for you. Good luck!

First, ya, calories are too low. You have no room to go down in calories if you need to later. Try calorie cycling to kinda trick your metabolism. It can definitely get used to a certain number & then make the scale stay put. I've had the best luck with calorie cycling - my base is 1600 calories, so I do 1400, 1600 & 1800 days. Seems to be working great. I lost my first 40 that way, & that's what's been working best to lose the 22 I've lost so far.

HTH & Good luck!

^^^Ditto

Madison (or anyone else who has calorie cycled )-
I've been stuck for a while, and get stuck every few weeks. Do you mind explaining your calorie cycling a little further? What kind of foods did you eat to get to those calories, and were there any foods you avoided. Also, on the days with higher calories, what did you eat to get your calories that high. Lastly, (Madison) how long did it take you to lose that much weight on your calorie cycling plan. Sorry for the insane number of questions.. I really appreciate it Thank you soo much!!

Thanks Madison! That was really helpful! & congrats on your weight loss!!