What level should I set the Scooby/TDEE calculator to?

SarahBeth0625
SarahBeth0625 Posts: 685 Member
edited February 7 in Health and Weight Loss
I just want to make sure my caloric intake is what it should be. I am working out 6 days a week: 3 of those days are hard cardio (elliptical for 36 minutes; occasionally swimming laps instead); the other 3 days I warm-up with cardio (16 minutes) and then do about 45 minutes of strength training. I use the heartrate monitor on my cardio days, but I don't log the calories from strength training, I just use it as a guide (usually start the next set when my HR gets down to about 115 or so).

Anyway, If I add up all of my exercise time, it's about 5 hours a week. I am thinking I should put in the "moderate" category, for 3-5 hours/week of moderate exercise. My day job is a desk job and while I do some walking, it's mainly sedentary. I have 3 young kids as well, but since I am not the one home with them, it's not like I'm lugging them around all day.

I am 33, 5'7 1/2", and presently 130 lbs. Basal Metabolic rate of 1375. My goal weight range is 125-127 lbs, so I'd just like to drop a little. I had been maintaining my goal all summer long into September and at the end of October is when I noticed I have been more in the 129-131 range.

So, on the calculator, which goal should I pick? "Gain muscle/lose fat", or "lose fat - 5% calorie reduction"?

Replies

  • Greenrun99
    Greenrun99 Posts: 2,065 Member
    Moderate activity
    lose fat 5%

    But really at 5'7 your pretty skinny already.. so a few lbs isn't going to make much of a difference. if that is you in the picture, your not gonna see anything more than what you see now.. so if you are looking for abs or something your gonna need to bulk/put on muscle then cut.
  • SarahBeth0625
    SarahBeth0625 Posts: 685 Member
    Yes, it's me... that was taken September 1st. I feel like at the moment, I am seeing less definition in my abs, but mainly at night before I go to bed. I remember this summer, my abs were still looking decent, even after a full day of water and eating. LOL. I realize I am pretty anal about the number on the scale, but it's just my nature. A few pounds could turn into a few more, and suddenly, I don't want to be up 10 pounds. I want to stay on top of things.

    But yes, I am definitely looking to have more ab definition. I am happy with most everything else in its current state.

    Thanks! Goal changed to the 5% calorie reduction, which gives me 2026 cals for the day. It was at 2100 before.
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