WAITRESSING

talyaperla

Question: how do you log waitressing hours? I work 8 hour shifts, sometimes its pretty dead and sometimes it's crazy busy. Usually it peaks for 2-3 hours during the shift, and otherwise it's pretty quiet. How should i log it in my exercises (should i?) Right now I've been logging it as walking 2.0 for 2-3 hours depending on the shift but I'm scared because I've allowed myself to up my calorie intake and I'm afraid I'm gaining weight. Any input?

JoRocka

I personally wouldn't log it as exercise- I would just make sure my TDEE reflected I wasn't completely sedentary.

3dogsrunning

Assuming you are using MFP's calorie calculator -
It should be included in your daily activity levels, I believe lightly active includes waitressing. Or you could choose the next level up if you feel that you are busy more often than not.

talyaperla

the thing is I don't work everyday, I work anywhere from 2-5 shifts a week so I don't wanna change my TDEE for days i'm a lazy bum (although I do work out on days I don't work... but then I log that)

ShannonMpls

I personally wouldn't log it as exercise- I would just make sure my TDEE reflected I wasn't completely sedentary.

This.

If you can spring for a Fitbit, that would really help estimate too. The Zip is $59 and complete concealable (wear it on pants, in pocket, on bra).

3dogsrunning

the thing is I don't work everyday, I work anywhere from 2-5 shifts a week so I don't wanna change my TDEE for days i'm a lazy bum (although I do work out on days I don't work... but then I log that)

You should still be fine with lightly active and a few shifts a week. If you end up working more, then maybe add 100 or 200 calories to that day. Play around, try different levels and see how it works.

I would not count it as exercise, you are far more likely to over estimate.

JoRocka

the average is far more important than the actual daily specific.

If you're goal is weight loss- you want to shoot for that magical 3500 weekly (7 day) deficit.

So if you are more busy on one day vs less busy on the other day- you will know this- and you can mentally eat more or less by a little bit- and over the course of the week- you should have a solid average of a deficit.

I think you will make yourself go a little crazy trying to log busy days verses not busy days. Think big picture- over all you are more active than me through the week- because my fat lazy salaried *kitten* sits on a balance ball for almost 40 hours a week... yeah... big picture you are lightly active as a whole.


remember diet/exercise balance/deficit stuff is not a one click ticket deal- it takes tweaking- and adjusting along the way- so try adjusting your TDEE and rolling that way- then see if it works for a few months- adjust as needed.

lovebig30

get a fitbit or bodymedia I know since getting my bodymeida the calories I burn at work can vary be 600 or more a day depending on how busy I am in that 10 hour period

klp1017

I'm pretty much in the same situation as you. I set my activity level to lightly active. Some nights I'm sitting on my butt for 8 hours and some nights I'm practically running for 8 hours, so I think it all balances out in the end.

ETA: So, I don't log it as exercise.

jlahorn

If you can spring for a Fitbit, that would really help estimate too. The Zip is $59 and complete concealable (wear it on pants, in pocket, on bra).

Yep, this is about the best possible application of a FitBit I've ever heard.

phjorg1

You don't log it. That's how. As for how much you burn, about 1-2 cal/min above BMR. So a bit, but not much to worry about.