What am I doing wrong?

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Replies

  • Spliner1969
    Spliner1969 Posts: 3,233 Member
    I think the problem with fitbit is that it’s an all-activity tracker. So using it with a tool like MFP means you are getting credit for activity that MFP has already calculated into your daily calories. MFP uses the NEAT method which is based on your daily non-exercise activity. Calories burned during exercise (at least the accurate part of it) should be added to your daily calories given to you by MFP so that you can eat more and still lose at the same rate. However Fitbit gives you exercise calories (which I found very inaccurate) plus more calories for movement you do during the day. At least that’s why I think my wife and I did much better getting rid of the fancy activity tracker and simply log our purposely done exercise using apps on our phones. Hope I explained that well enough lol.

    It’s likely that if you set your MFP calorie goal manually at your sedentary BMR instead of using the NEAT calculation the Fitbit might work better with MFP. /shrug
  • Monisfit4life
    Monisfit4life Posts: 228 Member
    Your body might be used to the caloric intake try varying your calories, 1200 one day 1400 the next. Also try working out more than 3 times a week. 4-5 times a week is ideal for weight loss. 3 times a week is for maintenance.
  • Monisfit4life
    Monisfit4life Posts: 228 Member
    Also try weight lifting as well if you are not already. It helps the body to burn more calories at rest. Twice a week is recommended with cardio at least 4 times a week.
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    Your body might be used to the caloric intake try varying your calories, 1200 one day 1400 the next. Also try working out more than 3 times a week. 4-5 times a week is ideal for weight loss. 3 times a week is for maintenance.

    Working out more will burn more calories. But there is no specific amount of exercise that is "ideal for weight loss" and maintenance. Weight loss, more specifically fat loss, is driven by calorie deficit. To the degree exercise contributes to that, it is helpful but there are many who lose weight with no exercise.
    Also try weight lifting as well if you are not already. It helps the body to burn more calories at rest. Twice a week is recommended with cardio at least 4 times a week.

    There are so many variables, like intensity, duration, volume etc. that impact Excess Post Exercise Oxygen Consumption that it really becomes a non factor. Will it help a little, yeah. How much impossible to say but not enough to make a significant difference especially in a person who is already active.

    The OP has not been back in a while!
  • JayMri
    JayMri Posts: 241 Member
    edited November 2017
    Im 26, 5'9 and now weigh 83k, not ideal ive been stuck for nearly a year now

    I think you would look stunning at that weight and height :smile:

    Your calories are too low. Your BMR is around 1600, that's just what your body burns without doing anything, add in little to no exercise and it goes up to around 1900. To loose around a pound a week you'd be better at around 1500 or 1600 calories per day.

    Don't even worry about adding in or eating back exercise calories.

    For years I stuck to the 1200 calorie guideline and didn't loose anything. I uped my calories and loosing was so much easier.