Should I be cutting calories

[Fitfab]

I am at my “target” weight and can’t lose anymore as then I would be in the underweight category for BMI.

The thing is I want to tone and have been following a program for 6 weeks. I am seeing a real change in my body and can see muscle and definition.

The only thing is I have also been calorie counting and eating clean as much as possible. I eat about 1500-1700 calories per day and have a treat at the weekend.

The problem is I am waking up energised but as soon as I do my workout I am feeling drained and spend the full day with a strange brain fog. I feel utterly exhausted and have no energy.

The workouts are hard and challenging but I enjoy them and feel stronger every week. I used to go to the gym regularly but after starting this 12 week program I am seeing the results I want but mentally I’m just exhausted.

Should I be increasing my calories or what? I definitely don’t want to gain weight or lost weight I just want to lose the jiggly fat I have.

It might be worth looking at what you're eating. I know you said you eat clean, but do you have much protein in there? What are your iron levels like? Protein helps give you long lasting energy. If you don't have enough you'll feel limp after a work out. Could you be missing a food group whilst focusing on your clean eating?

It might be worth getting in touch with a nutritionist to help you modify your diet now you're at the ideal weight.

What is a typical day’s food?

Are you getting enough sleep? Drinking enough water?

Thanks for the replies.

This is my food for a typical day on my fitness pal.

I feel like I eat lots and try to focus on protein as much as I can too.

I drink 3-4 750ml bottle of water a day too.

I sleep about 6-7 hours a night, I struggle to sleep any longer and feel refreshed when I wake up.

I would up it to 1800 with enough carbs then see if you have more energy/gain weight, if not, up it to 2000. Have rest days too. And focus on other goals not around weight and shape.

I suspect you're not eating enough calories to sustain you through the workouts - do you have a sports watch with a HR monitor? They can help estimate your burn (based on your weight, age, height and heart rate), which would better help you gauge how many extra calories to eat on workout days to maintain rather than lose.