Seeking advice on Metabolism

You guys have probably heard this type of question 1000000 times over today, and I'm sorry! But I'm tired of feeling anxious all the freaking time.

I'm 18, 5'9 and 68kg.

It starts out like this.. I lost around 39 pounds (18 kg) this year. I lost the majority of the weight the HEALTHY way, eating between 1500-2000 and exercising my butt off, but getting to the last 9 pounds, 4 kilos or so, I wasn't eating enough, due to stress. I need about 2000 a day and was only making 1200-1400 most days. For the past few weeks I've increased to a stable 1600-1700 and today I'm trying for 1800. I am still losing weight at this point, which means my metabolism is still "on the ball", does it not? Otherwise weight loss would slow down? I'm just lightly active some days, highly active other says, but I feel satisfied with what I eat. I don't feel light-headed or fatigued. I feel great, in fact. So if  I'd increase to 1800-2000 and keep with the light activity I should be able to maintain this weight, it shouldn't result in too much weight gain, considering I'm still losing weight?

I don't have scales, but I can actually notice a weight loss.. especially around my abdomen and legs..

Again I'm sorry that you guys have to repeat yourselves, but It is SOOO much appreciated. Thank you.

Original Post by evaopala:

I'm 18, 5'9 and 68kg.

It starts out like this.. I lost around 39 pounds (18 kg) this year. I lost the majority of the weight the HEALTHY way, eating between 1500-2000 and exercising my butt off, but getting to the last 9 pounds, 4 kilos or so, I wasn't eating enough, due to stress. I need about 2000 a day and was only making 1200-1400 most days. For the past few weeks I've increased to a stable 1600-1700 and today I'm trying for 1800. I am still losing weight at this point, which means my metabolism is still "on the ball", does it not? Otherwise weight loss would slow down? I'm just lightly active some days, highly active other says, but I feel satisfied with what I eat. I don't feel light-headed or fatigued. I feel great, in fact. So if  I'd increase to 1800-2000 and keep with the light activity I should be able to maintain this weight, it shouldn't result in too much weight gain, considering I'm still losing weight?

First, the fact that your metabolism is still on the ball does not give you a green light to continue to lose weight.  I, too, can lose weight and keep my metabolism revved up, but I know what my healthy weight is, and I know that I should not go below it, just to prove that I can. And even though I can maintain at 3200 calories, I can also cut down to 1200 and "feel great."  So the feeling great is not an indication that we are taking enough calories.  You are only 18--I would very much caution you against losing weight in an unhealthy manner. 

I would be surprised if you had weight gain, if you are losing now, by increasing to 2000.  You should, indeed, be in maintenance at 2000.  You don't need to lose any more weight.  Definitely, increase to at least 2000. Maybe you need more than that.   I think someone who knows more about this should suggest to you how many calories you really do need. 

http://www.bcm.edu/cnrc/bodycomp/bmiz2.html

Enter your stats into this chart to get the current picture.  You'll find that 149lbs makes you the perfect, dead-centre weight for your height and that there's no need to lose more weight.

To maintain your weight, be well-nourished and be in good health with a light to moderate activity level you need between 2300 and 2600 cals a day.

Thanks for your advice. Its really going to help me in the long run. I can't open that link on my computer.. it makes it freeze. But I think I get the gist.