Hunger and Eating Additional Calories

Jubee13

For reference, I am 51 years old, weigh 120 pounds, and have 5 pounds to goal. Although I exercise 5-6 days per week, I try to stay right at 1,200 calories. Doing this has enabled me to lose about one pound per week. Some days I am very hungry eating this amount, even with eating lots of lean protein and vegetables. I really don't want to lose at a slower rate than this, but I am struggling with hunger. Should I eat a little more on those days, or just stick with what I'm doing? Any other suggestions?

TavistockToad

With 5lb to lose, you should be aiming for half a pound deficit per week.

And yes, you should be eating your exercise cals bavk, that's how MFP works

quiksylver296

That^^

Jubee13

I was thinking one pound per week was soooo slow, but apparently not! Thanks for the advice. I think eating a little more will feel a lot better.

kshama2001

MFP uses the NEAT method (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis), and as such this system is designed for exercise calories to be eaten back. However, many consider the burns given by MFP to be inflated and only eat a percentage, such as 50%, back. Others, however, are able to lose weight while eating 100% of their exercise calories.

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/818082/exercise-calories-again-wtf/p1

JBApplebee

Definitely eat the calories back. It's not worth it if you're hungry all the time.

briscogun

Jubee13 wrote: »

Some days I am very hungry eating this amount, even with eating lots of lean protein and vegetables

Not sure what your macros look like but maybe adding some healthy fats would help? Fats can keep you satiated longer than veggies.