Sorry - another IIFYM calulation ques/same #?

jolt28

I don't understand why the numbers don't change if I vary my responses to the questions: I'm 50, Female, 5'5", 305. I have just started doing a little bit of exercise and am not as regular with it as I hope to be soon. So I looked at the numbers if I chose "little or no exercise" vs. "3 times per week" -- the Text book/ 20% the numbers and the aggressive/ 25% numbers all show 2440 for the total calories I should have, regardless of exercise or not. How can all the different criteria get the same result?

Also, sticking with that famous 2440 number - the macro nutrients in the next section come up with a negative carb amount - I know that's not possible so how do I know what to adjust and by how much?

Thanks for the help

elvensnow

This isn't meant to sound rude at all but: Did you try clicking the "Calculate" button? Every time you change something you have to click the button in that section to recalculate. If that doesn't do it, then I'm not sure.

Actually, never mind, I just ran your numbers and I see what you mean. My guess is that for your weight/height there is a minimum recommended to eat (the same way they say 1200 is the "minimum" for a normal person). So maybe just go with whatever it tells you? Or maybe send them a message since I'm no expert on IIFYM

As for the negative carbs - that's because IIFYM recommends 1 g of protein per lb of body weight, and then calculates the rest around that. This is just not feasible at your weight (or at any weight above normal, IMO). I would recommend using MFP to do a 40/30/30 split (that means 40% of calories from carbs, 30% from protein and 30% fat).

You can change that on the IIFYM calculator in section 3 as well. Use the "Textbook" option and enter the % you want.

Hope that helps.

jolt28

Thank you; you are probably correct that it is a minimum amount and I guess that might then mean I should eat back some of the exercise calories?? I've sent them an email to see what they suggest. Thanks so much for responding

jonnythan

I don't understand why the numbers don't change if I vary my responses to the questions: I'm 50, Female, 5'5", 305. I have just started doing a little bit of exercise and am not as regular with it as I hope to be soon. So I looked at the numbers if I chose "little or no exercise" vs. "3 times per week" -- the Text book/ 20% the numbers and the aggressive/ 25% numbers all show 2440 for the total calories I should have, regardless of exercise or not. How can all the different criteria get the same result?

Also, sticking with that famous 2440 number - the macro nutrients in the next section come up with a negative carb amount - I know that's not possible so how do I know what to adjust and by how much?

Thanks for the help

MFP expects you to eat back exercise calories. The goal you're talking about does not affect how many calories MFP says you can eat, because it expects you to log those exercises later.

jolt28

That info I referred to was on the IIFYM website; not here; maybe I just don't get it... No wonder I'm obese!