figuring out my base calories

cppeace

If I wore my hrm for 24 hours would that show my true calories burned in an average day? I'd like to know what my true deficit needs to be and believe most estimate I burn too much in a day. Would this work?

STC1188

HRM are notoriously inaccurate. The best way to find the correct deficit is to consume at a given level for a period of time and observe the results. That will be the most accurate way of doing things.

diannethegeek

HRM's are really only accurate for steady-state cardio. Wearing one for 24 hours would not get you your TDEE with any accuracy. You'll either have to rely on estimates or invest in something like a FitBit or BodyBugg which are designed to measure your activity level throughout the day.

MinnieInMaine

What diannethegeek said... That's not what HRMs are made for.

Mokey41

HRM's are only as accurate as any device can be if you are doing steady state cardio. They give hugely exaggerated burns for just normal daily activity.

Morgaath

HRM's are really only accurate for steady-state cardio. Wearing one for 24 hours would not get you your TDEE with any accuracy. You'll either have to rely on estimates or invest in something like a FitBit or BodyBugg which are designed to measure your activity level throughout the day.

Pretty much, except I prefer the BodyMedia, as it seems to be more accurate and based on more than your arm moving around.
But short of that, try this site, and pick the "Enter activity level" selection: http://iifym.com/tdee-calculator/

Personally, having my BodyMedia really made me aware of how much of my life is spent sitting, be it at work, at home, at a coffee shop, etc. --- Over the last 21 days I've averaged 1:51 of moderate activity (3.0-7.9 METs*), 0:05 of vigorous activity (8.0+ METs, 10644 steps, 6:32 laying down, of which 5:40 is actually sleeping, 2830 cals burned, and 1884 cals intake. --- This means I average spending 15:28 sitting or standing or moving slower than 2.5mph.

*Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET)

cppeace

Thanks all

haymancm

If I wore my hrm for 24 hours would that show my true calories burned in an average day? I'd like to know what my true deficit needs to be and believe most estimate I burn too much in a day. Would this work?

I got a fitbit a while back, & it's awesome @ telling me how many calories I burn when I work out, sleeping, etc. You know how to lose weight, you've done it before. It's all about burning more calories, creating a deficit. I have my activity set @ sedentary, manually set the goal calories under the 1200 mark to match 2 lbs/week lost (if needed), & eat back my workout calories, since the starting calories are under 1200. I eat on average 1500 calories, not net. I drink more than 1/2 my body weight in oz for water & the same for protein in grams. My point is, play with the numbers & weigh yourself to track your progress, to make sure you are making the right moves. You can do this.

Add me if you'd like.