how many calories to burn??

VirtualMellie

I'm new to this calorie counting thing..I have also added exercise to my plan ( for over all health benefits) My Calorie goal for each day is 1200, and so I was wondering how does calories burned play into this? Is there a amount to aim for while exercise? In order to lose weight of course..

lynn_glenmont

MFP sets your calorie goal assuming you will not exercise. It expects you to "eat back" your exercise calories (assuming you are accurately accounting for exercise -- many people only eat back a portion of their exercise calories in case their exercise estimates are too high).

malibu927

You don't need to exercise to lose weight. The 1200 calories MFP gave you already has calories deducted out to give you a deficit, as you burn well more than 1200 just by living and going about your day.

When you do exercise, though, it's best that you eat at least some of those calories back to bring you as close to 1200 net calories as possible.

VirtualMellie

Thanks! They are definitely eaten back