Work vs workout

ttfnweight

I wondering if work can substitute for workout. I am a courier. I walk ALOT. I lift, load, and unload approx 3500-5000 lbs a day as well as in and out of my truck and load the plane. I work up quite a swear and by the time I get home I'm whooped. I feel guilty if I don't do my workout. So I'm wondering can my work substitute for a workout on those plane loading nights or when it's been a very busy day. I walk approx 10,000 steps a day. And MFP tracks my steps but I try not to eat those cal.

ttfnweight

I work up quite a " sweat " not swear.

Liftng4Lis

Put your activity level on active.

atypicalsmith

It really depends upon how much you eat. If you are eating enough calories to support the calories you are expending while working, then you still have to burn more and/or eat less. It's the same with everyone. When you set up your MFP profile, you need to show that your activity level is high, and it will calculate the rest for you.

ttfnweight

I have it set at sedentary because I want to lose.

jdleanna

Are you asking for permission, basically, to skip workouts? Because you can. You don't need to work out to lose weight, and you don't need a formal workout routine to be physically active. If you've had a crazy busy day, rest.

malibu927

Your work is part of your activity level and should not be logged as exercise. If your job is more active, then you should set yourself to that. If you have a Fitbit or other activity tracker, then setting to sedentary and letting it add in those calories is fine.

atypicalsmith

ttfnweight wrote: »

I have it set at sedentary because I want to lose.

Then you should lose as long as you are careful about weighing your food. Best of luck!

ttfnweight

Thanks I really appreciate the response.

MysticRealm

ttfnweight wrote: »

I have it set at sedentary because I want to lose.

That's not how it works. You set your activity level to be correct (if you're active it should say active) then set Mfp to how much weight you want to lose a week

Liftng4Lis

ttfnweight wrote: »

I have it set at sedentary because I want to lose.

Work is part of your activity level.

arditarose

You're active. Set it to active and eat that amount. Don't log work as exercise, you'll lose and get to eat a bit more.

ttfnweight

I think why I ask is I don't seem to be losing really. I fluctuate between 159 and 155. I'm eating roughly 12-1400 cal. I started trying to not eat what the step tracker added in but I've never had this much trouble before losing weight. I lost 40 lbs back in 08 and kept it off without exertion till I met my husband and he's a great cook.

ttfnweight

Thanks everyone. You helped. I'll take the slow steady approach.

malibu927

You should take a look at these threads. They'll answer many questions.

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1235566/so-youre-new-here
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1296011/calorie-counting-101
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1234699/logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide