Looking for some advice on deficit

[Daisychain96]

Just a little back story- I started at 184lbs, have maintained a 500 cal deficit since January and am currently 138lbs. My goal weight is around 135lbs.
I've been carrying on as I have previously, but recently I'm beginning to feel hungrier, and unsatisfied with meals that used to be fine and I'm wondering if it's time to cut my deficit back to 250 or 300. Has anyone cut their deficit when they are close to their goal weight? I just obviously don't want to put it back on, but I feel like something needs to change.
Would love any advice at all! Thanks 🙂

[SunsetRunner]

I don't see why you couldn't up your calories a little bit. You are very close to you goal weight as it is.

[Wilkovian]

I read something about this recently. Apparently if you operate on too low a calorie ratio for too long your system adjusts accordingly, especially if you're exercising so you find it has to try and balance between weight loss and keeping you fit enough to exercise. 

Be careful though; I've gotten close to my target weight and gotten complacent so bounced back up dozens of times over the years! That being said; I started using Fitbit and MyFitnessPal religiously about 3 years ago and I've managed to stay far lighter and fitter than I ever could before despite oscillating a bit. 

I guess up your calories slightly and just be very careful with it?

[Ukase]

Now is the time when you need to be very careful.... 

But congrats thus far. 

Your deficit was more than 500 per day, that's for certain. Otherwise, you'd have lost only 35 pounds since Jan 1. 

[JamieS_Wisco]

I have heard of lots of people decreasing their deficit closer to their goal weight.  It would make sence, you are getting closer to eating to maintain your weight and not lose any further.   I would still keep tracking things though and not go crazy.

Way to go on being so close to your goal!

[emili]

congrats!!! I was 197 and dropped down to 134 in a very similar way. Unless you are doing a lot of cardio (which could make you hungry)- you aren't hungry. You are bored with what you are eating and its coming out as thinking you are hungry. Unless your stomach is growling- you aren't hungry- your brain is bored. You could eat more and just be careful or you can switch up what you eat or how you eat it. You can add a snack in - just account for it in calories. Or you can distract yourself. For me, sitting down to watch something is an instant trigger for food. If I am having a "hungry" day, I won't watch TV. Go for a walk, read, clean, call a friend, visit the fitbit community- distract yourself until it passes...

[Dominique]

I agree with @Ukase that your deficit must have been higher than 500 (average weight loss: 1.4 lb per week). You may want to take a diet break, in order to allow your body to recover from the stress it had to endure.