What would you say is my activity level?

Sumiblue

I've started increasing my calories after months of 1200-1350 calories (128 lbs, 5'2" female, 46 yrs). I've used the Scooby calculator and usually select Moderate activity. I am a stay at home mom to a 3.5 yr old. I lift heavy (Stronglifts 5x5) 3x/week and try to fit in 20-30 min of cardio after my lifting sessions. I've gotten my calories up to 1650 or so, net. It feels like a lot! But I want to do this right and lose fat, get some gains with my lifting.

Jennbecca33

Hi there - I think I may have posted to one of your previous posts, but to me it sounds like moderate activity level for your exercise. Are you really active when you're at home through the day? If so, it might could push you up into the next level. I'm a stay home mom to (to a 3 year old...they are really busy) and I have to choose 5-6 hr level even though I only work out at the most 2 hours a week. You might have to test it a bit to see what your true TDEE is, but at least moderate. If you're going to use the TDEE method, you don't have to worry about netting calories. You just eat the same amount every day as your activity calories are factored in and spread throughout the week. Great job on increasing up.

Sumiblue

Thanks! That's what I selected so I guess I'm on the right track. I've lost .5 lb since April 1 and its stayed at the same number since. I do weekly recorded weigh-ins so I will see how I am doing.

Sumiblue

Ugh, so I didn't log food on Easter Sunday. Had breakfast out on Sat. and too many snacks over the whole weekend. Guess I went too far. Up a lb. today which is up 1.5 from my lowest, 126.8, last week. I'm looking forward to getting a Fitbit so I can see a more accurate number for my TDEE.