Hi Sparkle!

I have noticed that my weight loss is progressing better now that I am limiting my grain/starchy carbs to only dinner. Lean sources of protein and healthy fats, along with fruit/veggies, is what I eat for breakfast and lunch.

Oh, and you are really pretty, girl!

Sparklenshine, I agree, don't eat any more if you're full just because you think you're supposed to eat a certain number of calories! It just doesn't make sense to keep eating if you're full, no matter what you're munching on. We want our bodies to learn to stop eating when we've had enough. I often don't eat the same number of calories from day to day because I don't eat if I'm not hungry. If I eat a lot one day, my body tends to naturally compensate by wanting less the next day. Then I have some periods where I go several days eating about the same number of calories each day. My goal with eating is to: 1) eat a variety of healthy things, 2) eat under a certain number of calories each day, and 3) eat only when hungry. For 3, I do fudge that a bit sometimes- for instance, if I'm leaving for work and won't be home for 8 hours, I'll eat something small even if I'm not hungry because I know there won't be any opportunities for eating at work and I'll be very hungry when I get home in 8 hours if I don't eat something then.

So many answers! I really do enjoy this forum, people here are kinda awesome. :) I just quickly wanted to pass on a link about a possible side effect of extreme caloric deficiency:

http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/88/4/906.long

I will absolutely agree that there is no such thing as 'Starvation Mode'; however, our bodies do have hormonal/metabolic reactions to long-term weight loss and calorie restriction. 'Adaptive reduction of thermogenesis' just means that your body produces slightly less heat, in order to conserve energy; it tends to become a concern when consuming <80% of your TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure). Stated differently, the 'literature' says you should be aiming for no more than a 20-25% deficit (I'll keep looking for the source I read, for that number...). When losing fat there are plenty of positive changes in your body, but there is also the potential for long-term downregulation of your body's energy consumption (ie. you could have to eat fewer calories than an individual of the same weight, whom has not been overweight). As always, be sure to do your own research, ask questions, and check with medical professionals with any concerns when changing your diet/lifestyle/fitness choices.

You are TOO sweet! Thank you so much! :hug:

Thank you to everyone for their awesome advice! I can't believe how supporting and motivating this forum is :)

Well, I have to say, upping my calories by just a couple hundred each day must have really helped--I weighed this morning and am down another 5 pounds! 17 pounds total in exactly a month now :) I didn't go overboard, but I think going a little more than 1500 was better for me. Maybe as a lose I can reevaluate, but I think 1700 is my magic number. :)