Counting calories- deficit

winkwink8487

Why is it that when I log my exercise it adds to my calories. My calories remaining goes up. I am wondering if that will still give me a deficit to lose weight.

kami3006

Your deficit is already included in the number calculated by MFP but it does not include exercise. You're expected to add it in as you go and eat those calories. If you eat those, you'll still be in deficit.

Excellent video on the topic: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10503681/exercise-calories-do-i-eat-these-a-video-explanation/p1

GottaBurnEmAll

Yes. Your deficit is programmed into your base calories when you set up your log.

MFP works on the NEAT method of calorie calculation. NEAT stands for Non Exercise Activity Thermogensis. That means that it will give you a base level of calories based on your stats and stated activity level less your deficit and then give you additional "credit" for burning more calories for exercise.

Exercise calorie calculation isn't an exact science. Some people decide to eat just a portion of their exercise calories back, then watch how their weight loss goes for 4-6 weeks and gauge how the real results are vs. how they were expected to be. If they're losing faster than expected, they eat back more of their exercise calories. If they're losing more slowly than expected, they eat back less.