1200 calories vs. TDEE. 1550 calories.

hollykirsten

Ive been reading up a lot on TDEE and the calories it says I need to consume to loose weight. According to TDEE I should consume 1550 calories as opposed to the 1220 that myfitnesspal has set for me. I know a lot of people say how you need more than 1200 calories for your body to get the correct nutrients and for your metabolism not to drop. The only thing is that Ive been loosing 1-2 pounds a week (only once was it more than that due to my crazy attempt to workout 2-3 hours a day... not worth it!) with the 1220 calories. I have more energy and haven't noticed any problems associated with malnutrition. I spread my calories out throughout the day eating Breakfast, a morning snack, lunch, an afternoon snack, and dinner to keep my metabolism up. On the days I exercise I make sure to eat back about half of my calories. I also allow myself a cheat day on Saturdays to enjoy whatever I may have been craving throughout the week. So I really don't feel deprived or starving. So part of me really doesn't want to jump up to 1500 calories because things finally seem to be getting me on the right track and I don't want to stop loosing weight. Im so confused right now and don't know which path I want to take! It would be so nice if there were just one set way to do this that worked for everyone! grrrrrr!

appifanie

I just heard about TDEE a few weeks ago and man, I am so confused! I found something on the forums that was helpful though:

If you follow the MFP calories, then when you workout, you can eat those calories that you burn (like if you work off 200 calories, you get to eat 200 more calories). If you follow TDEE, you don't eat the calories you burn.

I myself have been eating 1200 calories for years (I'm 5' and 148lbs) and some friends suggested that I switch to TDEE because I wasn't eating anywhere near enough.

nomeejerome

MFP creates a deficit based on the information you put in at setup. If you use MFP settings, you are supposed to eat your exercise calories back. So, if your calorie goal is 1500 and you exercise and burn 200, you eat those extra 200 calories.

If you use TDEE method, you do not eat back your exercise calories because they are already counted in that number. (To lose weight, you eat under your TDEE)

The method you choose, is up to you. If you want a set number everyday, go with TDEE approach. If you prefer, eating a different amount everyday, go with MFP method.

ETA: Another note...meal timing is personal preference and metabolism does not stop or slow down because of a missed meal or snack. :flowerforyou:

mimi337

I suggest everyone check out the "eat, train, progress" group for great info on calories. They are pretty opinionated about NO 1200 cal diets because it's more calories and more working out that allows for weight loss. I'm just learning it all myself but i'm not restricting while starting weight training because i know it will stall my loss.