Sounds like from everything you’ve said, you’re doing a great job!! The only thing I’d watch is that you’re eating enough, unless you’re super tiny (sorry if I missed your height), 1000-1200 calories is very low. Saying that, if its just once in awhile, its fine. I track calories for the week as opposed to daily, and sometimes its low, sometimes high, I just try and make sure its where I want it for the week.
Keep it up, you’re doing awesome! Also, we’re always the last to see our own results. Take some pics, I’m sure you’ll notice a big change between those :)
15lbs in 3 weeks is amazing! You should definitely take some pictures if you haven’t because there is definitely visible change already but it’s normal that you won’t notice it since you see yourself every day. You can also take measurements if you really want to see how your body is changing.
I think you should just keep doing what you’re doing since it’s clearly working.
As for consistency it doesn’t really matter? I mean obviously you will lose more if you do more longer fasts but it’s not like doing a short fast will negatively affect your next fast or anything. I also see people who recommend switching things up if you hit a plateau so it might even be a good thing (don’t quote me on that tho)
If you don’t want to take pictures take some measurements. Even a string with a knot for your waist will show you the regular progress you’re making.
I’d say you shouldn’t worry about a plateau until you are stuck in one for more than 2 weeks. Your current plan is great with the codicil that keeping your low days at a minimum of 1200 may be healthier.
You should work with what is sustainable if you want long term change. You’ll no doubt hit plateaus and possibly need to have short term bursts of stricter control to break through that, but generally, if you’re not the kind of person that finds strict control easier than a looser regime, you won’t stick to a tightly controlled regime over the long term, so you’re better off with slower weight loss while forming habits that are sustainable for you personally.
You will likely hit a plateau soon. 18lbs in 3 weeks is a lot and likely to be a fair amount of water weight. Just keep going and you will see much more progress.
Also something I started working on is the day after I order food I try to recreate it myself. This develops a new hobby, can save money, and allows me to control the ingredients so I’m not eating mostly salt and butter.
A lot of people advocate for a mixture of calorie totals and fasting times, so what you’re doing there makes sense. Most importantly, what you’re doing is currently working. I wouldn’t change anything until you hit a stall for a 2-3 weeks. I’ve always felt that the best weight loss methods are the most relaxed ones that still cause you to lose weight. You have a lifetime ahead of you to tighten things up if you eventually need to.