Living The Lifestyle Monday 3/4/19

imastar2

We meet here to explore, share, celebrate and (sometimes) agonize over how we do (or don't) incorporate weight loss guidelines into our daily lives. "It's a lifestyle, not a diet" is easily and often said, but sometimes not so simply put into practice.

This is a thread for everyone. If you're new to GoaD, or to weight loss, your questions and comments are always welcome. If you're maintaining, or a long-term loser, your thoughts on the topic may be just what someone else needs to hear. If you're reading this, join in the discussion!

Each weekday, a new topic is offered up for discussion. Thread starters for March are below:

Monday - Imastar2 (Derrick)
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday - misterhub (Greg)
Friday-88olds (George)

Today's Topic: 2 Different Topic points today

The average person uses as many as 2,500 calories daily, or 17,500 calories per week.
(quote/emedicinehealth)

1. What do you feel is the best method of calculating the calorie intake you should burn based on your distinctive height and weight.

If you eat the amount your body needs, you will maintain your weight. It takes 3,500 extra calories to gain 1 pound. (quote/emidcinehealth)

2. Based on the above quote (not saying. emedicinehealth has it right) how do you calculate or keep up with your intake.

I realize most LTL thread participants have been at this awhile but I've temporarily gotten off on the wrong path. To get back on the right path your discussion of these two questions are significant to me. (I know the basics track, & exercise to be sure are essentials)

michael_atx

1. For me, the biggest uncertain variable is activity level. Some reputable online sources would consider me to be "lightly active," while others would consider me "moderately active." I tend to go with the lower level figure to be safe.
2. I've started using this site to track calories in addition to WW's tools. As much a fan as I was of Core/SimplyFilling the first time on WW, this go-round I do not feel comfortable with the large number of zero point foods, simply because I want to be able to accurately track my calorie intake. I'm leaning towards cancelling my WW Online and just using MFP for that reason.

cakeman21k

I have not tracked calories in many years, instead focusing on points as defined by the WW plan of the moment. I don't claim its a better way then calories but I find it too confusing and or too much work to try and track both. I know that if I am truly honest with my tracking then I lose weight, if I am dishonest (don't include the butter or mayo on my sandwich, or the cream in my coffee) then I either don't lose weight or heaven forbid gain weight! So for me its the truly honest approach that works tracking everything that goes down my throat including water.

88olds

Well, currently in a calorie/scale creep phase. I’ve ticked over 170lbs and blame my ankle injury and resulting pouting. Good news. Saw a new Dr last week. P/T starts today. Calorie counting is on my mind.

MFP says I should eat 1900 calories to maintain at 170lbs, 1700 to lose .5 per week. So if I keep under 1900 I’m heading in the right direction.

12 years a WW GW and my food scale has never left the counter. I think my issues are to weight or measure the small details like salad dressing and track my snacking. When I track, I lose. It’s a fact. It’s that simple.

podkey

I hear ya michael_atx. You make a good point. NIH in studies uses 10,000 steps or equivalent to be lightly active. WHEW! That's quife a bit but for fitness points pretty close. Jusr do what we can and combine it with what we have to do.
BBL

gadgetgirlIL

Based on tracking my intake continuously since June 2011, I've worked out what level of calories that I need to maintain my weight. It is higher than what the formulas predict. I do eat extra for my activities like biking, hiking, treadmill walking/running, and stationary biking. I don't eat anything extra for my weight training nor walking that is just part of my daily routine.

I've been tracking with MFP since October 2013, before that was an app on my iPad called "Tap & Track" but it was not supported when I upgraded my iPad.

misterhub

I use the MFP guideline for the number of calories (1900 to lose) since I don't do WW "officially" any longer. I often hit just below that number, but I do not feel deprived in any fashion.

The main thing I focus on is portion size. Legit portion size, not typical American portion size. I try never to eat more than 4oz of meat in any meal. I do not eat meat at every meal, or even every day.

The second thing I focus on is fiber content. I read all nutritional info on foods, but fiber is a good indicate of more complex carbs, which is something I am after.

The third thing I do is eat a lot of vegetables. The fourth is that I drink a lot of water.

The fifth thing is that I try very hard to only eat out once a week, usually Friday evening. Even then, I try to be sensible; although, I may indulge a bit.

If I do these things, I am able to control my calorie intake. All basic stuff. But, portion size is the the key element in all of it.

Al_Howard

Both TOL and I double track. I find it interesting the days they do not correlate. (Under on calories, over SPs, or vice versa)

minimyzeme

The average person uses as many as 2,500 calories daily, or 17,500 calories per week.
(quote/emedicinehealth)

1. What do you feel is the best method of calculating the calorie intake you should burn based on your distinctive height and weight.

If you eat the amount your body needs, you will maintain your weight. It takes 3,500 extra calories to gain 1 pound. (quote/emidcinehealth)

2. Based on the above quote (not saying. emedicinehealth has it right) how do you calculate or keep up with your intake.

I really don't know. One of the things that appealed to me about WW was that they converted calories to points. I have been fortunate that by following the structure provided by the various WW points systems I've used, I've been able to manage my weight to align with my objectives: first losing and now maintaining.

It became obvious to me when I tallied up some of my pre-WW fave meals and snacks I was eating way more calories (points) than I was burning. I had to honestly acknowledge the reality that if I was going to lose weight, I needed to eat significantly less.

Doing that, and sticking with it has worked well for me thus far. I count points because it's easier for me than managing calories. If I'm reasonable with the "free foods", I generally get the results I'm looking for. Thus I'm really not a calorie-counter at all.