Eating within my calorie limit

I've had horrible eating habits for years and now need to loose 30 pounds. I've never been a calorie counter so this is all new. On top of this, my doctor has prescribed a HIGH sodium diet because of low blood pressure and I'm learning sodium is not my friend when I'm dieting. My question is this, I'm supposed to be eating an 1800 calorie diet. Since I started my diet, I'm right around 1000 calories a day. Not by choice as much as schedule, and if I eat more, I feel stuffed. I know starving my body is no good and I'm not trying to do it intentionally, it's just happens that I can never sit down to eat. I grabbing yogurts and rice cakes on the run. I've dropped 5 pounds just be getting off the pop and switching to diet drinks and water. I'm enjoying eating healthier and feel so much better in the last two weeks. Is the 1800 just a guide that I need to stay under, or is it the goal I need to reach to have my body work like it should to burn the fat. Help!!

Hello and welcome!

For you, 1800 is the maximum daily intake recommended to see weightloss based on your BMR (how much you burn daily) and your stats.
If you eat less, it will not hurt you, unless you are routinely eating as little as you are.
You already stated that you know that it's not good to starve your body.
You really DO need 1200 minimum a day.
If you find you aren't hungry enough to eat more, just eat more calorie dense items when you DO eat.
Switch from lower fat to higher fat cheese or milk to up calories.
Even if you just throw a few 100 calorie pack bars in your purse or car for pick me ups...
Just little things to make sure you are getting the bare minumum your body needs.

However, if you stick with 1200 and that is comfortable for you, depending on what your BMR is, you will see results for sure.

Please let me know if you have any other questions!

MCDerin,
Volunteer Moderator