Daily Calorie Goal is the same for 1.5lbs vs. 2lbs/week?

AshlyRamos

Hello,

I recently purchased a FitBit Flex (which I love) and on my FitBit I opted for a loss of 1.5lbs/week to allow for additional calories over the 2lbs/week. Therefore, I went into MFP to update the preference from 2lbs to 1.5lbs so that my goals on all of the linked apps are the same. Why is it that when I changed my lbs/week on MFP it still remains at 1200?

Regardless, I have my FitBit linked to MFP and I'm allowing for negative calorie adjustments based off of my activity level (which I haven't seen yet, yay!) I'm using my FitBit dashboard to guide my calorie intake for the day since it automatically logs my activity for me as well.

P.S. I also use a HRM with chest strap to closer pinpoint how many calories are burned during my cardio workouts - FitBit adjusts this based on their estimate as well.

Any insight on ANYTHING would be appreciated - I'm learning and your help is greatly appreciated.

Erikalynne18

May I suggest you check out:
http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/


When I first started it had me set as 1200 in the beginning as well but it was too low for me try that link and see what you get

Dnarules

1200 is the lowest MFP will go. Which means you would have been below this for 2 pounds per week, but it won't do that.

nataliegant

1,200 is the lowest it will go because that is the lowest amount of calories that is safe/healthy for your body. Anything lower than that, your body could go into starvation mode.

elyelyse

1200 is the lowest MFP will go. Which means you would have been below this for 2 pounds per week, but it won't do that.

(just want to add to that)...because anything less than that is unhealthy.

You look like you do not have a large amount of weight to lose...if your profile pic is current. Read this before going back to reset your goal...
If you have 75+ lbs to lose 2 lbs/week is ideal,
If you have 40-75 lbs to lose 1.5 lbs/week is ideal,
If you have 25-40 lbs to lose 1 lbs/week is ideal,
If you have 15 -25 lbs to lose 0.5 to 1.0 lbs/week is ideal, and
If you have less than 15 lbs to lose 0.5 lbs/week is ideal.

Dnarules

1200 is the lowest MFP will go. Which means you would have been below this for 2 pounds per week, but it won't do that.

(just want to add to that)...because anything less than that is unhealthy.

You look like you do not have a large amount of weight to lose...if your profile pic is current. Read this before going back to reset your goal...
If you have 75+ lbs to lose 2 lbs/week is ideal,
If you have 40-75 lbs to lose 1.5 lbs/week is ideal,
If you have 25-40 lbs to lose 1 lbs/week is ideal,
If you have 15 -25 lbs to lose 0.5 to 1.0 lbs/week is ideal, and
If you have less than 15 lbs to lose 0.5 lbs/week is ideal.

Yes, good info. I need to copy this so I can include it, too.

AshlyRamos

Yes, my picture is recent. However, my pictures are very deceiving - I think. I'm 5'4" and 183lbs currently.

I'm eating around 1500-1600 calories a day. I was just wondering why MFP had it set for the same amount if the goal was different.

Thank you for all of the help. I'm going to take a look at some of the links posted as well.

AshlyRamos

1200 is the lowest MFP will go. Which means you would have been below this for 2 pounds per week, but it won't do that.

(just want to add to that)...because anything less than that is unhealthy.

You look like you do not have a large amount of weight to lose...if your profile pic is current. Read this before going back to reset your goal...
If you have 75+ lbs to lose 2 lbs/week is ideal,
If you have 40-75 lbs to lose 1.5 lbs/week is ideal,
If you have 25-40 lbs to lose 1 lbs/week is ideal,
If you have 15 -25 lbs to lose 0.5 to 1.0 lbs/week is ideal, and
If you have less than 15 lbs to lose 0.5 lbs/week is ideal.

My ultimate goal is 140lbs. I'm currently 183lbs. My goal is set at 1.5lbs/week. But, I'm still staying away from the 1200kcal mark - that's just too low.

elyelyse

Yes, my picture is recent. However, my pictures are very deceiving - I think. I'm 5'4" and 183lbs currently.

I'm eating around 1500-1600 calories a day. I was just wondering why MFP had it set for the same amount if the goal was different.

Thank you for all of the help. I'm going to take a look at some of the links posted as well.

wow seriously, you carry that weight really well! Maybe you got some good muscle under there.
1500-1600 does sound much more reasonable, I'm glad you aren't falling into the "faster is better" mindset; this is much more sustainable.

Tevajane

Here's a suggestion, Stop focusing on all the numbers and ask yourself how your body feels. When becoming more active you are building muscle which weighs more than fat. Have your measurements changed? Do your clothes fit differently? How is your sleep? Are you eating foods that are low in calories and focusing on the nutrient contents that they provide your body? Are you making consistent good choices of the healthy foods that you consume? I would rather eat nutrient dense foods than let the numbers consume my life.

I know it's a lot to balance. If the numbers are ruling your life maybe you need to change your focus. I have taken this approach and have eliminated most dairy, breads, and sugar from my diet. I have seen a tremendous difference in the way I feel and my moods and inflammation have improved dramatically.

ReneeDawalga5100

Bump

04ward

Yes, my picture is recent. However, my pictures are very deceiving - I think. I'm 5'4" and 183lbs currently.

I'm eating around 1500-1600 calories a day. I was just wondering why MFP had it set for the same amount if the goal was different.

Thank you for all of the help. I'm going to take a look at some of the links posted as well.

wow seriously, you carry that weight really well! Maybe you got some good muscle under there.
1500-1600 does sound much more reasonable, I'm glad you aren't falling into the "faster is better" mindset; this is much more sustainable.

I started 25 days ago. I set my MFP and Fitbit for 750 calorie deficit. I lost 1# the first week but quickly put right back on plus some. I have lost some inches BUT today (after being a little frustrated) I put down on a spreadsheet my Daily Cal Burned, Calories Eaten, and Net Calories for each of the last 25 days then averaged it out. I thought I was doing good because I was eating exactly what both plans said I should BUT after figuring....... my average daily burn is 2179 and I ate an average of 1307 calories per day which is 40% below my TDEE! I need to re-figure and I guess eat more. I went to the "Scooby" site and it says my TDEE is 2112 (which is close to what my Fitbit calculates) and says I should be eating 1689. HOPEFULLY this will get me off square one. I see all these stories of losses so I know it has to work! I just have to figure out what I'm doing wrong.

EvenThatNameIsTaken

You can adjust your goals in the Goals section of MFP (which I have done, trying to do 1200 made me miserable even just for a couple days).

Go to "My Home," "Goals," "Change My Goals," and then "Custom."

The "Diet Profile" probably won't be completely accurate even then, but at least you'll be able to change the intake and nutrient ratios if you want.

Lots and lots of great info is on this forum about how MFP decides what numbers to use, and how to customize it to suit you best. Figuring out my TDEE and BMR (at least decent estimates) has helped me a lot.

Good luck!

AshlyRamos

Here's a suggestion, Stop focusing on all the numbers and ask yourself how your body feels. When becoming more active you are building muscle which weighs more than fat. Have your measurements changed? Do your clothes fit differently? How is your sleep? Are you eating foods that are low in calories and focusing on the nutrient contents that they provide your body? Are you making consistent good choices of the healthy foods that you consume? I would rather eat nutrient dense foods than let the numbers consume my life.

I know it's a lot to balance. If the numbers are ruling your life maybe you need to change your focus. I have taken this approach and have eliminated most dairy, breads, and sugar from my diet. I have seen a tremendous difference in the way I feel and my moods and inflammation have improved dramatically.

Thanks for the input and not to be rude, but my post certainly doesn't dictate that my life is ruled by the numbers. I was simply asking why it was the same - it didn't make much sense to me. Yes, I count calories - it works for me. It holds me accountable for what I put into my mouth. Lately, I have lived by my FitBit and the information it has provided me. It has helped tremendously. The pounds are shedding. I feel wonderful and when I'm hungry.. I eat! I just make better choices at what I consume.

AshlyRamos

You can adjust your goals in the Goals section of MFP (which I have done, trying to do 1200 made me miserable even just for a couple days).

Go to "My Home," "Goals," "Change My Goals," and then "Custom."

The "Diet Profile" probably won't be completely accurate even then, but at least you'll be able to change the intake and nutrient ratios if you want.

Lots and lots of great info is on this forum about how MFP decides what numbers to use, and how to customize it to suit you best. Figuring out my TDEE and BMR (at least decent estimates) has helped me a lot.

Good luck!

Thank you. My FitBit helps determine my actual overall calorie burn for the day and adjusts my intake accordingly throughout the day based on my activity level. Following the guidelines they have set seems to be working. I use MFP more for logging food easily and finding support. I greatly appreciate your response.

AshlyRamos

Yes, my picture is recent. However, my pictures are very deceiving - I think. I'm 5'4" and 183lbs currently.

I'm eating around 1500-1600 calories a day. I was just wondering why MFP had it set for the same amount if the goal was different.

Thank you for all of the help. I'm going to take a look at some of the links posted as well.

wow seriously, you carry that weight really well! Maybe you got some good muscle under there.
1500-1600 does sound much more reasonable, I'm glad you aren't falling into the "faster is better" mindset; this is much more sustainable.

Thank you so much!! That's so sweet. There definitely is some muscle under there, I just need to melt away my fat in order to see more of it. lol