Double dipping with exercise calories

LotusCass

I've been wondering, if I log an exercise that uses a lot of steps (running, Zumba etc.) and then also include the calorie adjustment from my Garmin for the amount of steps I've done in a day, would that be double dipping in counting calories burnt? I did 5000 steps in my Zumba class today, so that would have added many extra calories in my adjustment, as well as the calories logged from putting in Zumba. Obviously I burn more during Zumba than I would had I just stepped those steps, but I shouldn't count them twice. Should I maybe just eat back half the Zumba calories and not eat back farming adjusted calories for those days? Does that make sense?

dalerst

Have you worked out what your TDEE is? That is a good indication on you calorie burn then log any extra for exercise and eat them back.

try2again

Giving this a bump, since I'm curious what sort of answers you'll get.

I believe it's double-dipping, and that your activity tracker will more accurately reflect the burn than the MFP database. I understand what you're saying though about the Zumba not just being steps.

malibu927

It shouldn't double dip. What MFP does with Fitbit (and I'd assume the same with Garmin) is when you log the time you worked out, it will override what your tracker says you burned for that time period.

LotusCass

malibu927 wrote: »

It shouldn't double dip. What MFP does with Fitbit (and I'd assume the same with Garmin) is when you log the time you worked out, it will override what your tracker says you burned for that time period.

That's really interesting! So I need to make sure I put the right time when I log exercise in MFP so it overrides the steps. I calculated my TDEE using a formula I'd seen over the past 4 weeks & it worked out almost exactly what my Garmin had when I averaged out the previous 28 days.

Rebecca0224

LotusCass wrote: »

malibu927 wrote: »

It shouldn't double dip. What MFP does with Fitbit (and I'd assume the same with Garmin) is when you log the time you worked out, it will override what your tracker says you burned for that time period.

That's really interesting! So I need to make sure I put the right time when I log exercise in MFP so it overrides the steps. I calculated my TDEE using a formula I'd seen over the past 4 weeks & it worked out almost exactly what my Garmin had when I averaged out the previous 28 days.

When I log exercise in mfp and add the time it will adjust my garmin calculation. Sometimes it even changes my garmin calories to 0 but within an hour it is all correct again.

MelissaPhippsFeagins

Rebecca0224 wrote: »

LotusCass wrote: »

malibu927 wrote: »

It shouldn't double dip. What MFP does with Fitbit (and I'd assume the same with Garmin) is when you log the time you worked out, it will override what your tracker says you burned for that time period.

That's really interesting! So I need to make sure I put the right time when I log exercise in MFP so it overrides the steps. I calculated my TDEE using a formula I'd seen over the past 4 weeks & it worked out almost exactly what my Garmin had when I averaged out the previous 28 days.

When I log exercise in mfp and add the time it will adjust my garmin calculation. Sometimes it even changes my garmin calories to 0 but within an hour it is all correct again.

This. And I still only eat back half of the exercise calories adjustment because it gives me wiggle room if I need to estimate calories. For instance, I don't measure every tablespoon of half and half. I did when I first started and put it in my coffee mug first. Now that I know what a serving looks like in my empty mug, I guesstimate how much I have poured in it. Also, I may drink sweet tea at someone's home. I know exactly how much sugar I put in mine when I make it, but I am not going to quiz my friends about it. I log mine and let those exercise calories be my cushion.

LotusCass

I just checked the time my Zumba class was logged and adjusted it, and it took off 200 calories so that works well. Glad I asked.

try2again

LotusCass wrote: »

I just checked the time my Zumba class was logged and adjusted it, and it took off 200 calories so that works well. Glad I asked.

I'm glad you asked too! I don't have my Fitbit synced with MFP, but it's good to know how that would work

RhiAndy11

i personally try not to eat the calories back that iv burnt. i try to stick to my calories allowed on a lightly active day. That said...it would depend on how many calories i have burnt with the exercise. if its more more than 200 then i will allow myself an extra snack on something that is less than 200 cals.
obviously i am trying to lose weight though so depends what your goal is