How do I count calories right?

inegvin

Ok, so the app suggested me a calories limit for 1200 per day.(I need to loose a few kilos in two months) And I follow this limit quite successfully. But what should I do with my trainings? Let’s say I ran 10km for an hour this day and the app counted this exercise as 500 extra calories burned today. So should I eat more (1200+500) to keep my progress safe for my body, or I still eat 1200 and the exercises are just a bonus?

L1zardQueen

MFP is designed for you eat back your calories burned. So, yes, eat them back.

yirara

Yes, eat them back.
Keep in mind that the lowest calorie amount MFP will give you is 1200 calories. You say you only have a bit to lose. There's any chance you won't be losing at the rate you selected as it would require a too high calorie deficit. Too high is unhealthy, and it doesn't matter if you create it by eating less or by exercise.

nooshi713

The most accurate way to count calories is to measure your foods on a scale in grams, especially higher calorie foods like peanut butter, grains, meats, etc. Do not eyeball things or use cups or spoons except for liquids because it is not a very accurate method. Extremely low calorie foods like lettuce can be estimated.

conniewilkins56

MFP gives you too much credit for your exercise….I eat back 25% to 33% of my extra calories….this way I do not go under 1200 calories a day and I still can eat some extra food!