Quote Originally Posted by goldfinch View Post
Given how small I am (4'11") even with exercise my calorie needs are not large.
Heh - I was about ready to freak out on you about not eating enough until you said the above. I know a number of small women who really struggle to keep a deficit when trying to lose. Yeah a 400 calorie bar will definitely destroy your totals...but really, I probably would have just eaten as normal for the rest of the day and let that be a 'surplus' day instead. Don't make yourself miserable to make the numbers! It won't leave you with enough energy to function and certainly not to exercise...and then your burn suffers and it's a vicious cycle!

How long have you been in a deficit? I ask because if it's been a long time, it may be time for a maintenance period and a bit of a 'refeed'. You may be able to reset your metabolism at a higher level if you give yourself a month or so of eating at maintenance or slightly above. You won't lose and you may gain a small amount, but then when you start cutting back again, you'll likely be able to lose more while eating more than you are now.