Calorie Goal

lwetzler512

Hi all. Back to MFP tomorrow. I'm wondering why MFP is only giving me 1320 calories when most other calorie counting sites give me at least 1600 or more. All info the same. Any ideas??

janejellyroll

Do the other sites include your projected exercise goals?

Lees75

Could it be from the goals you set? i.e. 1.5-2lb per week loss

lwetzler512

janejellyroll wrote: »

Do the other sites include your projected exercise goals?

No, just current activity levels. But MFP doesn't seem to include those either as it doesn't change when I add my exercise goals. And I would think if it did, it would give me more.

lwetzler512

Lees75 wrote: »

Could it be from the goals you set? i.e. 1.5-2lb per week loss

I have 2 lb on MFP. The other sites just asked for lose-maintain-gain. Just seems like a large difference to me. It's like another meal almost!

lwetzler512

I'm not sure whether to leave it at 1320 or increase to like 1500. I want to lose as quickly yet safely as my body allows.

tara_means_star

2 pounds is too aggressive for most people. What is your height weight and goal weight?

Lees75

If you change it to 1lb, your calories will adjust themselves up, probably to around the 1500 mark.

lwetzler512

taracan25 wrote: »

2 pounds is too aggressive for most people. What is your height weight and goal weight?

Height 5'5"
Weight 250
Goal 175

lwetzler512

I mean, I can do the 1320 if that will help me lose 2 lb/week. But I want to make sure it's not way off.

Then, should I eat the calories that I "get" from exercising?

tara_means_star

If 1320 is too little adjust your goal to lose 1.5 and it will add back some calories. Better to lose at a slightly slower rate than to be hungry alot and risk binging.

Yes, most people eat back a percentage generally like 50% of exercise calories. MFP generally overestimates burns through exercise (and for that matter, so does the gym equipment) and that is why people eat back only a percentage of calories earned through exercise.

lwetzler512

taracan25 wrote: »

If 1320 is too little adjust your goal to lose 1.5 and it will add back some calories. Better to lose at a slightly slower rate than to be hungry alot and risk binging.

Yes, most people eat back a percentage generally like 50% of exercise calories. MFP generally overestimates burns through exercise (and for that matter, so does the gym equipment) and that is why people eat back only a percentage of calories earned through exercise.

Thanks!! You guys rock
Excited to start my long journey tomorrow. 175 is the main goal but 150 would be best. 75+ lbs to go!!

Cynthiamr2015

I found it to set my calories for the daily to low too. I go by what my dietitian says to do and it works. She told me to set mine at 1800 at the beginning and that worked. Now I just tried to stay around 1500 to 1800 when I am not sick.

tara_means_star

You got this! And seriously, don't hesitate to change your goal to lose a bit slower. In the long run, it's usually the fastest way because you are less likely to lose time on long binges due to deprivation. You can do it!