Advice on my new food lifestyle please - ommitting ultra processed foods

[BeTheGoddess]

Evening all!
I want a bit of advice regarding a change in my eating habits I've made for the new year. Basically, I'm trying to avoid all ultra processed foods, and mainly eating fruit, veg, meats, eggs and a bit of fish. I've cut out white bread, which I loved, and now make my own wholemeal bread in my breadmaker, and I eat 2 sandwiches a week, so four slices a week (I only make a small loaf). I've also swapped white rice for brown, and normal pasta for wholewheat pasta. Still have milk (Skimmed)

Now, so far it's been going okay. I've lost 11 pounds since January 1st, although I can't see it in the mirror yet. But...I downloaded an app called 'Weight Loss' by the NHS. This recommends I eat 1700 calories a day, and I am finding this impossible!! I am lucky to be touching 1000 a day, and 250 of that is drinks! I really do log everything down in the app, even to a sneaky strawberry Quality Street. So does anyone know if by NOT reaching this calorie target I'm stressing my body out?

I know I'm deficient in Vitamin D and Folic Acid as shown in recent blood work done in December 2023, and my Dr has put me on supplements for them, but apart from that I'm hoping this new diet will boost those again through a correct diet.

My usual day is a banana for breakfast (At my desk at work), grapes for mid break, a sandwich or jacket potato for lunch, and then meat/fish and veg for my evening meal. I just can't see how to eat more calories!

Anyone got any tips for me??

So does anyone know if by NOT reaching this calorie target I'm stressing my body out?

You'll be fine, I've been given a few different numbers for calorie count and have found they are based a lot on psudoscience, just like BMI. if you're not feeling lethargic, then will be fine.

I tried switching to brown rice and found out it wasnt for me.

What cooking oils do you use?, I use rice bran oil for asian style dishes and olive oil for most other things, I've been told to switch to canola oil as a healthy change, but I didnt like it.