How do I decide my ativity level?

snazzyjazzy21

Hey guys, so I'm trying to work out my activity level, which sounds easy but I'm struggling. Using the links found in the BMR and TDEE guide post I've found myself with about 26.6% bodyfat and used that to calculate my BMR of 1550. 3 days a week I work in a bakery, standing for 8 hours, doing some lifting and mixing etc but on my days off I'm general seated or doing light chores. I do HIIT 3 days a week (15-25min as hard as I can) and run 2/3 days a week (an hour, with a pace of 11min/mile). So, do I just ignore the fact that part of the week I'm sedentary and mark myself down as moderately active? According to the table that means I should be eating 2268 to lose weight, do I log my exercise calories on top of that or should they be included in? I've been eating about 1600 (days off work) and 2000 (days working) for a month but no luck with weight loss?

Sorry if this is a bit confusing but I'm getting really frustrated not being able to lose these last few pounds and other places I've looked haven't really provided any helpful answers!

shadow2soul

If your doing the TDEE method:


1) Don't eat exercise back

2) Make sure your taking a percentage off your TDEE. You will maintain if you eat at your TDEE and lose weight if you eat under that number.
For example:
My average cal burn for the past 2 weeks: 2273 (from fitbit)
If I was using the TDEE method then I'd eat: 1818 every day to lose weight

3) No online calculator will be exact, you might have to play with the numbers a bit.

Francl27

I think moderately active would be right on for you. And yes, don't eat back your exercise calories... and make sure to eat 20% below your TDEE.

And obviously make sure to weigh all your food etc.

snazzyjazzy21

Okay, I'm going to calculate using a few different sites and will get my average and try that for a month or so. Fingers crossed for some results this time! Thanks for the input guys