Opinions' poll on TDEE vs NEAT? (lifting)

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  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
    edited November 2014
    Having problems with the new edit =D
  • ana3067
    ana3067 Posts: 5,623 Member
    The_Enginerd wrote: »
    ana3067 wrote: »
    The_Enginerd wrote: »
    I use the default MFP method because my exercise varies quite a bit depending on my current training. I have a good idea of my basic calorie goal and how many calories I'm burning for different exercises at this point since I have years of data with different exercise levels (sedentary, just lifting, lifting and running, and less lifting/running 25 miles/week). I also make tweaks based on what my weight does long term versus predicted. I had to recently up my base calorie goal from 2200 to 2300 after I completed a bulk/cut and started running more because I kept losing at 2200. Whichever method you use, it's going to be a case of trial and error and a feedback loop based on what your weight is actually doing to determine how much you should be eating to meet your weight loss/maintenance/gain goals.
    I find this excellent tool useful for making tweaks: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/EvgeniZyntx/view/new-mfp-data-export-tool-major-update-659927
    BenjaminMFP88 wrote: »
    Yeah, I've just never heard it called that. I've always just thought of it to be just another variable in the TDEE equation.

    That's how I've seen it as well (BMR+NEAT+EAT+TEF=TDEE), but I knew what @ana3067 meant.
    lol well, I do not have years of data :p if using MFP method then and logging lifting time, would you log the entire time? Or a portion, 50%, 75% etc? My training has been pretty consistent, other than changing number of days (4 upper/lower vs 2 full body, with like 20 min difference overall for both days combined). I think I might just go back to TDEE so I can more easily raise or lower my intake based on results, and I guess if I know that I'm about to change my schedule I can eat like 50-100 cals less or something if needed. Or just recalculate for an estimate.
    When I was losing and originally maintaining, I used 50% of the calories for my entire lifting time to be conservative. Since I only spend maybe 10 minutes out of the 45 minutes actually doing anything, I figured it was a safe assumption. I now use the full amount, because the data showed this to be correct for me and my lifting program (5x5 type of program with 90 second rests between sets). In the beginning, I didn't know in the beginning if I was losing slowly due to my estimate for my base calories (BMR+NEAT+TEF) or exercise calories being too low. As long as I was being consistent, it didn't really matter.

    When I calculate my TDEE and then compare the NEAT method + logged exercise, if I do 100% cals then it does add up (give or take a bit) to my estimated TDEE. At least for lifting! I think if I do try it again in the future I will eat back all the calories and adjust as necessary.
  • ana3067
    ana3067 Posts: 5,623 Member
    3laine75 wrote: »
    ana3067 wrote: »
    BenjaminMFP88 wrote: »
    Don't think I've ever heard of NEAT as a standalone method? But I guess if we're going to use it as such, I very much prefer TDEE method. There's not point in spending any energy stressing over every workout calorie every day... there's other things to occupy my time :)
    Neat is mfp default lol. Thats why everyone always asks if they need to eat back calories.

    I would disagree with this statement. NEAT is fidgeting and walking about and things you do everyday - I know SOME people enter activities like housework etc but they are definitely in the minority.

    Again, N(on-exercise)EAT.

    Yes, I use TDEE. MFP estimates are too 'out' for me.

    non-exercise activity thermogenesis, yes. Which I take to mean any activity you do (includes fidgiting or just like.. sitting on your *kitten*!) that is not deliberate and planned exercise. So housework would be in NEAT because it's not actual exercise, it's just part of normal activity.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    WalkingAlong wrote: »
    BenjaminMFP88 wrote: »
    Yeah, I've just never heard it called that. I've always just thought of it to be just another variable in the TDEE equation.

    It is. I don't understand the logic for calling the MFP method the NEAT method. I guess because it doesn't let you use exercise to increase your deficit, unless you refer to your exercise as "NEAT" (activity level) instead of as "exercise"?

    Because your calorie goals are derived from you Non Exercise Activity...your NEAT. Your EAT is logged separately.
  • __freckles__
    __freckles__ Posts: 1,238 Member
    TDEE. FTW.
  • __freckles__
    __freckles__ Posts: 1,238 Member
    Do whatever works best for you. I just do TDEE because I don't have to think about it. I just eat the same number every day.
  • ana3067
    ana3067 Posts: 5,623 Member
    AliceDark wrote: »
    I do TDEE just because it's better for me, mentally, not to have a variable calorie target from day to day. I would end up getting way too obsessive about calories if I did the MFP eat-back method. I completely understand how the eat-back method is helpful for people who maybe are newer to incorporating exercise (not saying this is you, btw), but it's not healthy for me personally to think of exercising in order to "earn" more calories.

    And I never even did exercise to earn calories, I just tried MFP method because I was like "well, I've been inconsistent with exericse, let's try this!" and... yeah, welp. Just gonna stick to TDEE, and if you see me complain about it just tell me to shut up and eat :p

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