MFP v BMR????????????????????

chuckmad

I'm a little confused.
MFP tells me that I need to eat 1200 calories to lose 1lb a week. As far as I can tell this takes into account my exercise 3 times a week also.
I read on a previous post that i need to eat at least my BMR which is 1384 calories a day. Does that mean that i should eat 1384 calories plus and exercise calories every day????????????????????????????
I know this question has been answered numerous times but I'm having a dense moment.

epa422

That isn't taking into account the exercise. If you log the exercise, MFP will give you those calories back to eat.

thedreamhazer

I've actaully never understood why people say you need to eat your BMR. Not that I have a contrary opinion, I just don't understand why. If I don't exercise one day, and my net calorie goal is 1,220 but my BMR is 1500-some, then does that mean I should eat my BMR and not shoot for a calorie deficit?

lotusfromthemud

The common misconception is that your BMR is equal to your maintenance calories. It's not.

Your BMR is your Basal Metabolic Rate, the absolute minimum required to keep your body functioning. Your maintenance calories are that, plus a caloric allowance for your daily activities.

So, even without exercise, if you eat your BMR, you're still at a calorie deficit (created by everything you do during the day).

I'm an advocate of eating at least your BMR because most people still lose weight doing it, and feel less deprived.

HTH.

thedreamhazer

That makes sense. I have a pretty sedentary day besides exercising (desk job :P) so I never really consider there to be a lot of extra burn. But, no that I think about it, there's still enough of a deficit to make a difference.

Thanks Viviakay!