Quote Originally Posted by alevinsky View Post
My NET calorie intake shouldn't be so low as 1,200, correct? Because that's what I'm hitting most days.
IMHO - you are absolutely right. 1200 cal would be low for a somewhat active woman of your size. It's definitely low for an active woman.

Again, if you have your body fat tested, you can get an estimate of how many calories you need a day based on your lean mass, then add in what you burn with activity and you have a decent estimate of your daily caloric needs. Keep in mind of course that estimates of calorie expenditure are all over the map depending on the source, I usually use lower estimates to err on the side of caution.

Then finally, if you want to lose weight, you would be best off trying to hit a consumption level that is about 80% of your daily caloric needs. This level of restriction allows for weight loss while not upsetting you metabolic hormone levels.

I hope that helps.