Starter Activity Level?

25lbsorbust

Hey guys,
I know it's trial-and-error, but I'm wondering where you all think I should start out. I have a Fitbit charge HR and my goal set to 12,500 steps/day. I easily hit that most days, and hit 10k almost every single day (except maybe a lazy sunday here or there!) I work at a desk job, and I don't work out specifically, but I walk on my lunch break and walk my dog after work, and am always up/moving, going on little walks, etc.

I currently have myself as sedentary, which is giving me 1200 cal/day to lose 1.5lbs a week at 158/5'8. (GW is 130). I don't think that's right considering how much I move!

So, what would you recommend setting myself to if I'm always above 10k steps, and usually around 12500 for a day?

Thanks!

sammyliftsandeats

I would say the reason why it is giving you 1200 calories is because you set your deficit too big. If you have 28 pounds to lose, you may want to set it to 1 lb/week or even .5 lb/week.

That will give you more calories to work with.

You could also change your activity level to 'lightly active' and see if that changes things.

malibu927

Reset your goal to a pound a week with less than 30 pounds to lose. As for activity level, with your Fitbit it's personal preference. Going higher will give you more calories to start with and a smaller adjustment from your Fitbit, but it will average out to be about the same as sedentary.

capaul42

I'd say you were at least lightly active. My step goal is set to 9,000 currently (have to up it soon) and I hit that most days (except lazy Sundays) and go over by 1-3,000. I'm also set to lightly active (after upping it from sedentary because I was losing quicker than I planned).

I'd say, switch to lightly and reevaluate in 3-6 wks based on whether you're losing at your planned rate.

beetle_stomper

Lightly active for sure.