Estimating calories burned confusion

bjkoziara

I haven't exercised in a laughably long time, and plan to start working it in now that I've lost my first 20. My back and ankles hurt a lot more before those 20 pounds, which is why I'm slowly introducing it.

I'm very obese (SW 360 CW 340) and don't intend to hit the ground running, as it were. I'm going to start going to the park a few days a week to walk on some very even trails at a moderate pace, so nothing crazy.

My question is about estimating calories burned. MFPs calculations for calories burned seem ridiculously high. My current Fitbits aren't much better. But I have nothing to go on.

How do people know what they've burned? Should I just switch my activity level in MFP since I'm only doing light exercise? I'm so confused.

It's also worth mentioning that I have benign PVCs and I'm not sure if I should be using something with a HRM to monitor that because I have no idea if it's affected by exercise.

apullum

Folks here have used the equation (weight in lb) * (distance in miles) * 0.3 to calculate walking calories.

Your MFP activity level includes routine activity, like your job and chores. Most people log exercise separately, but if you do the same exercise every day, you could include it in your activity level. Just be sure you’re not double counting it.

I would check in with your doctor regarding your heart question, just to be absolutely sure your exercise plan is safe for you.

bjkoziara

apullum wrote: »

Folks here have used the equation (weight in lb) * (distance in miles) * 0.3 to calculate walking calories.

Your MFP activity level includes routine activity, like your job and chores. Most people log exercise separately, but if you do the same exercise every day, you could include it in your activity level. Just be sure you’re not double counting it.

I would check in with your doctor regarding your heart question, just to be absolutely sure your exercise plan is safe for you.

There's a formula! Now that's speaking on my level lol thank you! That's very helpful. I felt just totally overwhelmed by how I was supposed to know. I was like, do I just guess? So a formula is very helpful. I understand it probably won't be super accurate but it'd be a better estimate I think.

I will speak with my doctor about it during my physical that's coming up. Thanks again!

spiriteagle99

Since you weigh more, you do burn more calories walking than someone who weighs less. As you lose weight, you'll burn fewer calories per mile, but you'll be able to go farther, so it works out.

You don't need to do any calculations as long as MFP has your current weight information. There are various categories for walking, ie. 2 mph, 2.5 mph, 3 mph. When I walk the dog I enter 54 minutes @ 2.5 mph and MFP does the calculation. If I am walking on my own, it may be 30 minutes at 4 mph, and MFP figures out the calories. Very helpful for those of us who don't like to do math.

robertw486

bjkoziara wrote: »

apullum wrote: »

Folks here have used the equation (weight in lb) * (distance in miles) * 0.3 to calculate walking calories.

Your MFP activity level includes routine activity, like your job and chores. Most people log exercise separately, but if you do the same exercise every day, you could include it in your activity level. Just be sure you’re not double counting it.

I would check in with your doctor regarding your heart question, just to be absolutely sure your exercise plan is safe for you.

There's a formula! Now that's speaking on my level lol thank you! That's very helpful. I felt just totally overwhelmed by how I was supposed to know. I was like, do I just guess? So a formula is very helpful. I understand it probably won't be super accurate but it'd be a better estimate I think.

I will speak with my doctor about it during my physical that's coming up. Thanks again!

Actually that number is based on a study, and should be fairly accurate for walking on level ground. Add in hills and things get a bit trickier, but there are some decent calculators out there. And if the Fitbit works out close, that saves you some math in the future.

Also keep in mind that you will have feedback from your actual weight loss. If your food entries are tight, you can get a general gauge of your exercise estimates from your weight loss trends.