Calories & Deficit

_inHisGrace
_inHisGrace Posts: 183 Member
edited November 20 in Health and Weight Loss
MFP says I have 1390 calories for the day. My question is that when reading the forum posts I read people write "eat at a deficit".

Do they mean eat less than 1390? And if so, how much less?

Or... is there another deficit number that I'm supposed to subtract from that I am missing?

Sorry I feel so confused.

Replies

  • estherdragonbat
    estherdragonbat Posts: 5,283 Member
    1390 includes your deficit. When you told MFP your height, weight, activity level and how much you wanted to lose per week, it gave you 1390 as the amount to eat below your (estimated) maintenance/break-even point.
  • _inHisGrace
    _inHisGrace Posts: 183 Member
    Thank you so much! Gosh, you have no idea how much this helps me thank you so much.
  • db121215
    db121215 Posts: 60 Member
    Agreed with Esther. You can eat up to 1390, which already has your deficit built in. Even if you go over the 1390 slightly, you're likely still at a deficit, but that depends on how many pounds per week you have it set to.
  • nowine4me
    nowine4me Posts: 3,985 Member
    and eat back all (or a portion) of your exercise calories, that is how MFP is intended to work. Most will suggest 50% to start, then adjust accordingly.
  • db121215
    db121215 Posts: 60 Member
    nowine4me wrote: »
    and eat back all (or a portion) of your exercise calories, that is how MFP is intended to work. Most will suggest 50% to start, then adjust accordingly.

    While I agree, it's also important to have an accurate measurement of calories burned. Some people do themselves a disservice by eating back what they think/show that they burned, when the actual is a lot less.

    I haven't yet figured out how to accurately account for cals burned myself, so I don't eat them back. May just have an extra helping of non fat plain yogurt that day..and log it of course.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories