Calorie Consumption VS Burning
prplepeep
Posts: 18 Member
I have been tracking my calorie for a week now on here, and quickly found that staying under my recommended calorie intake is normal for me. In fact, it "fussed" at me the other day for not consuming enough calories.
That particular day I was on the go but didn't get any notable exercise in that would require me to intake - plus, I simply wasn't hungry, and I ate when I was (and got too full). I am used to listening to my body tell me when it needs. Some days it is more than others. Some days I am more active than others.
It kinda stressed me out though...well because I need to maintain a lifestyle (NOT a fad diet) that supports losing and keeping fat off me with health as the main priority. I have a hundred pounds to shred... so being told I'm not eating enough was kind of discouraging. (Who eats MORE to shed pounds???) It made me feel like I have to force feed myself when I'm not hungry... is that healthy??
SO... I was wondering, if I do up my calories, but then counter it with burning more calories then I consume, will that be beneficial or give me red flags too??
(P.S. I am on hormone treatment that helps my insulin production so I'm not storing extra fat which is likely why I am as overweight as I am. I'm not sure if maybe that is why my recommended calorie intake is more than I can handle??)
Thanks!!
That particular day I was on the go but didn't get any notable exercise in that would require me to intake - plus, I simply wasn't hungry, and I ate when I was (and got too full). I am used to listening to my body tell me when it needs. Some days it is more than others. Some days I am more active than others.
It kinda stressed me out though...well because I need to maintain a lifestyle (NOT a fad diet) that supports losing and keeping fat off me with health as the main priority. I have a hundred pounds to shred... so being told I'm not eating enough was kind of discouraging. (Who eats MORE to shed pounds???) It made me feel like I have to force feed myself when I'm not hungry... is that healthy??
SO... I was wondering, if I do up my calories, but then counter it with burning more calories then I consume, will that be beneficial or give me red flags too??
(P.S. I am on hormone treatment that helps my insulin production so I'm not storing extra fat which is likely why I am as overweight as I am. I'm not sure if maybe that is why my recommended calorie intake is more than I can handle??)
Thanks!!
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Replies
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It's going to be hard to burn just carbs.
Did the app fuss at you for not eating enough carbs or not eating enough calories?0 -
I have been tracking my carbs for a week now on here, and quickly found that staying under my recommended carb intake is normal for me. In fact, it "fussed" at me the other day for not consuming enough carbs.
That particular day I was on the go but didn't get any notable exercise in that would require me to intake - plus, I simply wasn't hungry, and I ate when I was (and got too full). I am used to listening to my body tell me when it needs. Some days it is more than others. Some days I am more active than others.
It kinda stressed me out though...well because I need to maintain a lifestyle (NOT a fad diet) that supports losing and keeping fat off me with health as the main priority. I have a hundred pounds to shred... so being told I'm not eating enough was kind of discouraging. (Who eats MORE to shed pounds???) It made me feel like I have to force feed myself when I'm not hungry... is that healthy??
SO... I was wondering, if I do up my carbs, but then counter it with burning more carbs then I consume, will that be beneficial or give me red flags too??
(P.S. I am on hormone treatment that helps my insulin production so I'm not storing extra fat which is likely why I am as overweight as I am. I'm not sure if maybe that is why my recommended calorie intake is more than I can handle??)
Thanks!!
Are you focusing in carbs because of your medical condition? Because generally one could replace the word carb with calories to make this make sense
The answer is don't sweat the daily figures...average it out over the week..you might be hungrier another day so save them for then
Oh and carbs don't have a minimum..only protein and fat have a minimum ...0 -
DeguelloTex wrote: »It's going to be hard to burn just carbs.
Did the app fuss at you for not eating enough carbs or not eating enough calories?
It is indeed Calories rather than carbs- You are so right! Sorry about that, let me see if it will let me edit the post (I had them mixed up)0 -
In that case, it's fussing at you not so much because you'll lose more weight by eating more, but because there are minimum thresholds below which it is considered unhealthy to eat. It wants you to eat at a certain deficit, but not too low.0
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Are you focusing in carbs because of your medical condition? Because generally one could replace the word carb with calories to make this make sense
The answer is don't sweat the daily figures...average it out over the week..you might be hungrier another day so save them for then
Oh and carbs don't have a minimum..only protein and fat have a minimum ...
Yes, I did have them confused, I've edited it to make sense! LOL - Thank You!!
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MFP tries to discourage disordered eating. Having an odd day where you have a low calorie count is not likely a problem. But doing this on a regular basis could mean your body is not getting the nutrients it needs.
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Technically, you can't burn more carbs than you consume. When exercising, if you have carbs available, your body will use them for energy, but when they aren't available it has to get energy from elsewhere. It'll pull from glycogen most readily, but it'll attempt to get energy from fat as well. If you consume more carbs than you use, they will be converted to glycogen and fat and stored.0
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Id go with the dont sweat one days results, dont draw conclusions from just a weeks data. Tbh it was hard understanding what you wanted to say or your point. I kept thinking of an answer and then you changed track again and again. Do you wnat to list a maybe make clear questions you want answers to?0
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(P.S. I am on hormone treatment that helps my insulin production so I'm not storing extra fat which is likely why I am as overweight as I am. I'm not sure if maybe that is why my recommended calorie intake is more than I can handle??)
Since your have a medical condition going on, the "automatic" recommendations made by MFP may not be suitable for you. Do you have recommendations from your doctor or a registered dietician, with regards to how much you should eat?
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DeguelloTex wrote: »In that case, it's fussing at you not so much because you'll lose more weight by eating more, but because there are minimum thresholds below which it is considered unhealthy to eat. It wants you to eat at a certain deficit, but not too low.
I see. It still makes me feel as if I am supposed to eat more than I do. If anything, I thought I over-eat ( I get too full, you know that stuffed feeling) But I don't eat a "normal diet" ..so it is naturally going to be lower calorie. I don't shop the middle of the supermarkets. The majority of the foods I have are fresh veggies, meats, dairy, and grains and I fill up on them. I make huge bowls of salad, for instance... that I would be embarrassed for anyone to see me put down. LOL But they don't include processed dressings - I use extra virgin olive oil and spices. Last week was an off week too- I did consume foods that were much less healthy than usual (It was my son's Birthday) and was still under. Perhaps I should snack a bit more, maybe on nuts and veggies.0 -
Nuts, peanut butter, ice cream... there are plenty of things you can eat that are more calorically dense. There's no reason "unhealthy" foods can't be part of an overall good diet that meets caloric and nutritional needs.
I've lost 111 pounds eating ice cream and Tex-Mex and Snickers and whatever I want. It's more a question of "how much" than "what" at some point.0 -
MFP suggests eating 1200 to ensure you're getting adequate amounts of nutrients to fuel your body. Too low calorie intake over a consistent time frame can result in loss of muscle, as well as other serious health risks. There's a post in the Food & Drinks forum of calorie-dense items you can add to fill your day up. Just make sure you continue to log accurately.0
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DeguelloTex wrote: »Nuts, peanut butter, ice cream... there are plenty of things you can eat that are more calorically dense. There's no reason "unhealthy" foods can't be part of an overall good diet that meets caloric and nutritional needs.
I've lost 111 pounds eating ice cream and Tex-Mex and Snickers and whatever I want. It's more a question of "how much" than "what" at some point.
Good job! I agree, and I do eat what I want in moderation. I ate the last piece of twix and oreo caramel chocolate icecream cake I made, today!! LOL. I don't mind some processed foods- but in making things myself I control what ingredients go into it., and still enjoy the shelved favorites. I have a thing for all these wierd ingredients we see in pre-made foods. Especially after taking chemistry!
Thanks for the support. Like I said, health is my #1 goal- which is why I was concerned.0 -
You didnt gain your weight by eating at a deficit.
Just because you eat low calorie foods sint a gauarantee of whether you are at deficit or surplus. Im not really sure you get the whole way cico and nutrition work.0 -
MFP suggests eating 1200 to ensure you're getting adequate amounts of nutrients to fuel your body. Too low calorie intake over a consistent time frame can result in loss of muscle, as well as other serious health risks. There's a post in the Food & Drinks forum of calorie-dense items you can add to fill your day up. Just make sure you continue to log accurately.
I'll check it out. Thanks!!0 -
I have been tracking my calorie for a week now on here, and quickly found that staying under my recommended calorie intake is normal for me. In fact, it "fussed" at me the other day for not consuming enough calories.
That particular day I was on the go but didn't get any notable exercise in that would require me to intake - plus, I simply wasn't hungry, and I ate when I was (and got too full). I am used to listening to my body tell me when it needs. Some days it is more than others. Some days I am more active than others.
It kinda stressed me out though...well because I need to maintain a lifestyle (NOT a fad diet) that supports losing and keeping fat off me with health as the main priority. I have a hundred pounds to shred... so being told I'm not eating enough was kind of discouraging. (Who eats MORE to shed pounds???) It made me feel like I have to force feed myself when I'm not hungry... is that healthy??
SO... I was wondering, if I do up my calories, but then counter it with burning more calories then I consume, will that be beneficial or give me red flags too??
(P.S. I am on hormone treatment that helps my insulin production so I'm not storing extra fat which is likely why I am as overweight as I am. I'm not sure if maybe that is why my recommended calorie intake is more than I can handle??)
Thanks!!
1 week does not dictate "normal"...
the last year does...and if you have over 100 lbs to lose you were not eating in a deficit so it's not "normal" for you.
I currently eat anywhere between 1500-2200 calories a day to lose weight...depends on activity.
Today it will be close to 1800 or 1900 I suspect since I am running and lifting and I had a very busy weekend...
Wednesday...closer to 1500 as it's my rest day.0 -
Actually it does, as I didn't change a thing aside from keeping track on here- in fact, ate more calories than normal. If you read the part that said I had a medical condition leading to my weight - YES, it is quite possible I have indeed been eating in deficit and still gain (It's how we knew something was wrong). It's quite rude of you to accusingly assume you know what is normal for me. This tracker recommends I eat 1710, but I averaged right around 1200 -1300 on a higher calorie week.0
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Actually it does, as I didn't change a thing aside from keeping track on here- in fact, ate more calories than normal. If you read the part that said I had a medical condition leading to my weight - YES, it is quite possible I have indeed been eating in deficit and still gain (It's how we knew something was wrong). It's quite rude of you to accusingly assume you know what is normal for me. This tracker recommends I eat 1710, but I average right around 1200 -1300 normally.
No. That is scientifically impossible.
What happens is your medical condition affects the CO part of your CICO equation. As such, your CO may be smaller than expected. MFP and other Calculators are simply estimations based on averages. This is why I asked earlier if you had a Calorie (and possibly macronutrient) recommendation(s) from a doctor.
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Actually it does, as I didn't change a thing aside from keeping track on here- in fact, ate more calories than normal. If you read the part that said I had a medical condition leading to my weight - YES, it is quite possible I have indeed been eating in deficit and still gain (It's how we knew something was wrong). It's quite rude of you to accusingly assume you know what is normal for me. This tracker recommends I eat 1710, but I averaged right around 1200 -1300 on a higher calorie week.
Even with a medical condition you cannot gain weight while in a deficit. It is physically impossible. However, your medical condition can decrease your BMR which would make the typical BMR and TDEE formulas inaccurate for you. Since you do have a medical condition, I recommend working with a professional dietician. Although, the rule of CICO still applies.
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Actually it does, as I didn't change a thing aside from keeping track on here- in fact, ate more calories than normal. If you read the part that said I had a medical condition leading to my weight - YES, it is quite possible I have indeed been eating in deficit and still gain (It's how we knew something was wrong). It's quite rude of you to accusingly assume you know what is normal for me. This tracker recommends I eat 1710, but I average right around 1200 -1300 normally.
No. That is scientifically impossible.
What happens is your medical condition affects the CO part of your CICO equation. As such, your CO may be smaller than expected. MFP and other Calculators are simply estimations based on averages. This is why I asked earlier if you had a Calorie (and possibly macronutrient) recommendation(s) from a doctor.
I'm new to this, so no, I don't understand what you mean by your abbreviations.
My doctor and I went over my daily diet and exercise regimes and concluded that it didn't make sense that I wasn't losing weight, but instead gaining. That along with other symptoms lead to a diagnosis of having PCOS. She gave me a thumbs up on my diet, and prescribed me METformin to help lower my Androgen levels. The only instruction I have with the meds is to take with breakfast.0 -
Actually it does, as I didn't change a thing aside from keeping track on here- in fact, ate more calories than normal. If you read the part that said I had a medical condition leading to my weight - YES, it is quite possible I have indeed been eating in deficit and still gain (It's how we knew something was wrong). It's quite rude of you to accusingly assume you know what is normal for me. This tracker recommends I eat 1710, but I average right around 1200 -1300 normally.
No. That is scientifically impossible.
What happens is your medical condition affects the CO part of your CICO equation. As such, your CO may be smaller than expected. MFP and other Calculators are simply estimations based on averages. This is why I asked earlier if you had a Calorie (and possibly macronutrient) recommendation(s) from a doctor.
I'm new to this, so no, I don't understand what you mean by your abbreviations.
My doctor and I went over my daily diet and exercise regimes and concluded that it didn't make sense that I wasn't losing weight, but instead gaining. That along with other symptoms lead to a diagnosis of having PCOS. She gave me a thumbs up on my diet, and prescribed me METformin to help lower my Androgen levels. The only instruction I have with the meds is to take with breakfast.
CICO = Calories In vs Calories Out
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1 week does not dictate "normal"...
the last year does...and if you have over 100 lbs to lose you were not eating in a deficit so it's not "normal" for you.
I currently eat anywhere between 1500-2200 calories a day to lose weight...depends on activity.
Today it will be close to 1800 or 1900 I suspect since I am running and lifting and I had a very busy weekend...
Wednesday...closer to 1500 as it's my rest day.
I did point that out, but she seems preprogrammed and hears what she wants to. Hence eating at a deficit and gaining. Theres several pcos groups, perhaps she ought to join and listen to them.0 -
strong_curves wrote: »Actually it does, as I didn't change a thing aside from keeping track on here- in fact, ate more calories than normal. If you read the part that said I had a medical condition leading to my weight - YES, it is quite possible I have indeed been eating in deficit and still gain (It's how we knew something was wrong). It's quite rude of you to accusingly assume you know what is normal for me. This tracker recommends I eat 1710, but I average right around 1200 -1300 normally.
No. That is scientifically impossible.
What happens is your medical condition affects the CO part of your CICO equation. As such, your CO may be smaller than expected. MFP and other Calculators are simply estimations based on averages. This is why I asked earlier if you had a Calorie (and possibly macronutrient) recommendation(s) from a doctor.
I'm new to this, so no, I don't understand what you mean by your abbreviations.
My doctor and I went over my daily diet and exercise regimes and concluded that it didn't make sense that I wasn't losing weight, but instead gaining. That along with other symptoms lead to a diagnosis of having PCOS. She gave me a thumbs up on my diet, and prescribed me METformin to help lower my Androgen levels. The only instruction I have with the meds is to take with breakfast.
CICO = Calories In vs Calories Out
Thanks strong_curves. It seems others are into bashing me more than helping. Glad to be their punching bag- hope they get their work out in. LOL
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There's a PCOS group you will probably be interested in joining0
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I think you are misunderstanding--people aren't bashing you. They are explaining that you can't have been eating in a deficit (which means below your maintenance level) and gaining. But as others have said, you could have an unusually low maintenance level due to your medical condition, depending on the details, and that's why the MFP goal might not be right for you--better to get a referral and work with a dietician. The PCOS group here would also be helpful.
Based on the things you've posted I do have questions about your logging, which can be a little difficult to get right at first, so if you want people to look over your logging and point out any possible errors or ways to improve the accuracy, I'd recommend that (you'd have to open your diary). But again I think the ideal thing to do would be to work with a dietician who understands your health issues.0 -
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lemurcat12 wrote: »I think you are misunderstanding--people aren't bashing you. They are explaining that you can't have been eating in a deficit (which means below your maintenance level) and gaining. But as others have said, you could have an unusually low maintenance level due to your medical condition, depending on the details, and that's why the MFP goal might not be right for you--better to get a referral and work with a dietician. The PCOS group here would also be helpful.
Based on the things you've posted I do have questions about your logging, which can be a little difficult to get right at first, so if you want people to look over your logging and point out any possible errors or ways to improve the accuracy, I'd recommend that (you'd have to open your diary). But again I think the ideal thing to do would be to work with a dietician who understands your health issues.
Thank You for being nice about it.
. That makes sense! And it was explained to me that my personal maintenance level is not going to be the same as average- which is what had me so confused. (This thing telling me I needed to eat more than my normal consumption when I was normally well below 1710 was confusing as I know eating more isn't going to help me!) I will talk to my doctor and find what my personal maintenance levels should be.
I appreciate the tips. I didn't realize we had PCOS groups here either!! Thanks to all for pointing me there. Surely they'll understand my confusion a bit more. What I do know is that my body stores more than it should- that's what the meds are for. Once I can regulate an appropriate intake it should be smooth sailing!
I appreciate it!
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Actually it does, as I didn't change a thing aside from keeping track on here- in fact, ate more calories than normal. If you read the part that said I had a medical condition leading to my weight - YES, it is quite possible I have indeed been eating in deficit and still gain (It's how we knew something was wrong). It's quite rude of you to accusingly assume you know what is normal for me. This tracker recommends I eat 1710, but I average right around 1200 -1300 normally.
No. That is scientifically impossible.
What happens is your medical condition affects the CO part of your CICO equation. As such, your CO may be smaller than expected. MFP and other Calculators are simply estimations based on averages. This is why I asked earlier if you had a Calorie (and possibly macronutrient) recommendation(s) from a doctor.
I got it, Thanks for helping. I'll talk to my doc about what should be appropriate for me.0 -
Sounds like a good plan, then. Good luck!0
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People aren't "bashing". They are trying to explain that if you were truly in a deficit, you would be losing.0
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