New to MFP... Need some help in understanding

Evilmuffin666

Good day. I recently joined MFP and have started the program as of yesterday. However I am a bit confused on some of the Panels. First off, I am 47 yrs old and weigh 163 PDS, at 5 Ft 0 In. I would like to lose approx 35 PDS. I completed the Profile and started entering in my info. At the start of a day, it has my daily calorie intake at 1200. When I put in my exercise for the day, my daily calorie intake increases. It states that I am not reaching my calorie Goal. This is where I get confused. Am I supposed to be eating more? How do I lose weight. I assume that eating 1200 calories a day would have me stay at my current weight, and then with the exercise, I would have a calorie deficit and therefore lose weight. If someone could help and explain it to me to make sure that I am doing this right. I cant imagine eating more... I have a hard time getting to 1200 calories a day. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I would also like to find some online friends to help me out on my quest. Thanks.

Health_Lady

Good day. I recently joined MFP and have started the program as of yesterday. However I am a bit confused on some of the Panels. First off, I am 47 yrs old and weigh 163 PDS, at 5 Ft 0 In. I would like to lose approx 35 PDS. I completed the Profile and started entering in my info. At the start of a day, it has my daily calorie intake at 1200. When I put in my exercise for the day, my daily calorie intake increases. It states that I am not reaching my calorie Goal. This is where I get confused. Am I supposed to be eating more? How do I lose weight. I assume that eating 1200 calories a day would have me stay at my current weight, and then with the exercise, I would have a calorie deficit and therefore lose weight. If someone could help and explain it to me to make sure that I am doing this right. I cant imagine eating more... I have a hard time getting to 1200 calories a day. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I would also like to find some online friends to help me out on my quest. Thanks.

Hi Welcome to MFP! Feel free to friend me if you would like a friend
You are currently at 163 and you want to lose 35 pounds. MFP put you on a 1200 calorie per day diet to LOSE that weight. It may be a deficit of 1-2 pounds a week depending on what you selected. The extra calories you earn from exercising allow you to eat back those calories because the 1200 calories is already at a deficit for what you would normally need. For example, if you needed 1700 calories and subtract 500 per day to lose one pound per week, that would mean your deficit for one pound a week would already be accounted for and not eating your exercise calories would result in a bigger lose... theoretically. However, I would NOT dip below 1300- 1400 calories. I think 1200 calories is too low for any adult.

By MFP saying you have not reached your daily goals means you need to increase calories! At this rate you are likely under your 1200 calorie goals and you definitely need more. Eat some extra carbs if you are looking for quick calories or protein if you need just a few extra

CassarahW

What the previous post said
I will also say that 1200 is pretty low so definitely eat back your exercise calories. Work with it though. You will get a better feel for where you lose the most fat (not lean muscle mass). MFP just gives you guide lines, it's up to you to do what works for you. I know for me if I don't hit at least 1700 on days that I exercise I won't lose weight.

Evilmuffin666

Thanks for the info. Now I understand alot better. I think the biggest Problem I have is the 1200 cal per day concept. I have bad eating Habits... in that I dont eat alot.... I will go two or three days without eating. If I do eat, it is usually one meal only. I honestly dont eat alot even at that meal. One other question, when filling out my Profile, it asked how much exercise I do per day and how many times per week. Is this already calculated into the formula of 1200 calories? I put in that I do 90 mins of exercise a day in the Profile. I actually do 135 mins. So should I put in on my exercise page 135 mins or only 45. Thanks for the great help.

MsLoserpunk

The exercise is not counted automatically. The site uses some information about your daily activity level to help calculate the calorie goal, however what you burn must be logged each time. You will find that the calorie goals will increase as you log your exercise.

Example:
Starting goal 1400
Burn 400 running
Now I need to eat 1800 to hit my goal.

Going to low on a consistent basis is bad. It can actually slow your weight loss.

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but the exercise info it asks is really just to set a daily exercise goal.

On a side note, not to be preachy, but those eating habits sound like a problem. I'm no doctor, but... Perhaps you should talk to one.. Just to make sure that type of diet isn't harmful?

Evilmuffin666

Thanks for the quick reply. Now I understand it much better.

For your side note, yes, you are right.... my eating Habits are a big Problem and probably my biggest hurdle. But that is another reason why I joined this site. To eat right and get healthy. In 2004 I was 125 lbs and had just competed a Military Ironman competition. Was in outstanding shape. Then a tour in Afghanistan that same year, and I came back with PTSD. Over the next 9 years, I went steadily downhill...... And then on a subsequent tour in Afghanistan 2011, another injury and I can no longer run. In November, I retired from the Military and in December 2012, I peaked at 183 PDS. I decided that it was time to pick myself up, get moving and get healthy. I was able to lose 20 PDS since Xmas, but I also was not able to exercise as I had a cast on my leg until mid May in an attempt to correct my injury. As of mid Jun, I have been able to exercise Little by Little. Of course, I know that I must also address my eating Habits and Lifestyle. So here I am..... eager and motivated to get back into a healthy Lifestyle. I am currently walking a Minimum of 10 km a day and up to 14 km some days. Now that I am retired and dont have to work, there is no excuse.

Tomorrow I will take my BEFORE Picture for comparison in a few months.

Health_Lady

Thank you so much for your service in Afghanistan. I will likely never understand, but I am very thankful for your service and time there! Thank you for protecting America!

Evilmuffin666

You are welcome. But I was actually protecting Canada. I am a Canadian Forces Veteran... but we like to help out our friends to the south!