On the right track?

TwinThompson
TwinThompson Posts: 80 Member
edited July 2019 in Getting Started
Hi all!!
So I started losing weight when I was 19st 11lbs!! I found this app when I hit 18st 3lb, I think I did well the first three months but motivation is fading.... I’m struggling to meet my calories sometimes while trying to keep in target for all the nutrients etc aswell, so I’m thinking I might just ignore them and concentrate on the calories?
Also exercising! That gains me calories which I don’t want to use, then I get wrong off the app! Should I just stop adding in my exercise?? I’m only gaining about 100-150 calories from exercises and to be honest it won’t do me any harm not having them.
If anyone’s got any helpful hints or want to be friends give me a bell! All help very gratefully received :)

Replies

  • NovusDies
    NovusDies Posts: 8,940 Member
    The macros are secondary to calories when it comes to weight loss. Assuming you are not on a low fat diet for some reason you can pretty much ignore it and carbs. Protein is the one you want to hit or exceed.

    Make sure you are kind to yourself and have plenty of treats as you need them. You don't want to be relying too heavily on motivators and willpower. Those should only be needed to plug small holes in the dam. The rest should be handled by trying to make your day to day life somewhat happy.

    I am not sure just writing off your exercise calories is a good idea if you find yourself struggling. They could buy you a treat. You could also consider saving them up and using them to have a big treat meal on the weekend.
  • TwinThompson
    TwinThompson Posts: 80 Member
    I hadn’t thought of saving the gained calories up, thanks!
    I’ve been doing calorie counting before the app so it was a bit daunting trying to monitor everything else. I find my diet is pretty low fat, but I struggle with the protein! I’m vegetarian, so trying to find high protein food/suppleness/bars etc
  • Danp
    Danp Posts: 1,561 Member
    edited July 2019
    When it comes to exercise calories the app is designed for you to eat them back but more important than following 'The Rules' is doing what is right for you.

    Some people are true to the app and will eat back some or all of their exercise calories.
    Others like to use exercise calories as 'bonus' deficit which is fine as long as your initial calorie deficit isn't too severe. This also gives them the option of eating more without busting their calorie target in the event that they do find themselves hungrier.
    I like to use exercise calories as a 'buffer' that allows me to be a bit less strict with my logging. I can be a little bit more relaxed with my logging knowing that there's some wiggle room for any errors.

    MFP is a tool to help you. The best way to use that tool is in the way that best suits you.

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