People seem to have a predisposition to the idea that we need to be consuming 2000kcal per day based on outdated dietary recommendations we have heard throughout our lives. But for most people who aren't particularly active, that seems like far too much, and likely a contributing factor to obesity rates.
I have always eaten slowly, and stopped when I did not feel like eating anymore. In contrast most people I know eat quickly and until they feel full for every meal. I don't know which is better, but in terms of avoiding the most likely outcome of obesity related health issues, eating less is probably a better decision for most people. Your body will make up the deficit however it needs to, and unless you totally lack body fat, overeating leads to far greater health concerns eventually.
For most people with sedentary lifestyles, 1200 really is plenty. Not sure what the problem with voluntary calorie restriction is. This smells like the actual HAES cult, incorrectly and unethically proporting that obesity is not unhealthy.
I have always eaten slowly, and stopped when I did not feel like eating anymore. In contrast most people I know eat quickly and until they feel full for every meal. I don't know which is better, but in terms of avoiding the most likely outcome of obesity related health issues, eating less is probably a better decision for most people. Your body will make up the deficit however it needs to, and unless you totally lack body fat, overeating leads to far greater health concerns eventually.