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ttfnweight

I'm not understanding the difference between setting the activity level at active, because I have a very active job, all day everyday, and having a calorie deficit. Versus just setting it at a sedentary activity level and having fewer Cals to consume, instead of a deficit. I feel like if I see the Cals are there I'll eat them back. :-/

janejellyroll

If you set the activity level correctly, you'll have a deficit either way. I'm not sure I understand your question.

Different levels of activity burn different amounts of calories -- you NEED more food if you're active as opposed to sedentary. If you are active, you want to make sure you're fueling your lifestyle to avoid lack of energy or losing too much muscle. Many people also find they are prone to binges when they eat too little, so this is also something to consider.

pmm3437

Its a matter of trying to more accurately estimate your baseline required intake, that's why you have activity levels to select. As you get lighter, the differences in TDEE between the activity level narrows, so if you followed it strictly, your weight loss rate would narrow. Where as, with an accurate activity level and a targeted deficit, you can update your goal periodically and stick close to the targeted loss rate, at least until you are very close to goal.

Personally, I set mine to Sed, log my cardio, and let any difference from my strength training or higher activity level offset the inaccuracy/estimations inherent in recording intake. If that means a lose a little faster than my target, that's great. But doing it with a calculated deficit helps ensure fairly regular and consistent loss rate.

ttfnweight

Ok. I think I understand. I just need to keep it at active so I fuel correctly. But can "I" set a deficit BEFOREHAND? Say I have 1680 everyday. Can I set a deficit before I eat anything? So the amount of avail Cals is lower? I guess I just got used to 1210 and I feel like 1680 is WAY over what I need. But I also get tired too and don't sleep well. But I thought that was due to being 50.

jemhh

As long as you have your profile set up to lose weight (i.e. you've chosen to lose .5, 1, 1.5, or 2 pounds per week in your profile) your goal already has a deficit built in. Your calories available are already lower than they would be if you didn't have a weight loss goal chosen.

ttfnweight

Oh. I wasn't aware of that. Well that makes me feel a lot better about eating 1680 everyday.