Activity level help

Sharonmdenham

I've got a question for those of you that have been around a bit so here goes. After reading posts about 1200 calorie diet vs eating more and changing goals upward and adjusting activity levels I think I need to make changes. My question is this, I put my activity level as sedentary, but now that I have read those posts I believe I may be slightly active, please tell me what you think based on my work day: go to work, start computer, print paperwork for clients I know are coming n, get up walk over to the printer, about 50 steps there and back, get paperwork for first client, do this for each client, at least 4 clients a day. Walk in clients are put on my log 5-10 times a day, print log sheet, go to printer, back to desk, look up what client may be lacking to complete case, go up front, about 100 steps from my desk to the waiting room, see client and come back. I usually am walking at a brisk pace, dont want to waste time, I do a lot of printing. I also take a water pill so back and forth to the bathroom at least 4 times a day , again about 100 steps there and back. On breaks I get up and will go outside to get a breath of fresh air which is about 200 steps there and back and I get 2 breaks and a lunch. Ok so would you consider that slightly active or still sedentary?

WBB55

So very few people are truly sedentary. That being said, I think you should just pick one and go for it. I'm not trying to make you feel bad, but you have a lot to lose. Whether your calorie goal right now is 1600 or 1800, it really isn't gonna make a big difference a year from now.

WHAT WILL make a big difference a year from now is whether you're sticking with it and staying consistent and accurate with your food intake and exercise. WHAT WILL make a difference is not giving up. Choosing to NOT diet. Choosing to make the hundreds of little changes you need to make so that you want to eat healthy, nutritious foods.

If you want, you could give us your BMR and the TDEE estimates for each of those settings using this calculator. (http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/) But really, I think the trick for you RIGHT NOW, for the next year, is just pick something and eat that level consistently for a year. If it's too low, you'll be hungry and won't stick to it.

editorgrrl

Everybody's different, and weight loss takes a whole lot of trial & error to find what works for you.

Change your activity level to lightly active, give it a couple weeks, then reevaluate.

Read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

Sharonmdenham

So very few people are truly sedentary. That being said, I think you should just pick one and go for it. I'm not trying to make you feel bad, but you have a lot to lose. Whether your calorie goal right now is 1600 or 1800, it really isn't gonna make a big difference a year from now.

WHAT WILL make a big difference a year from now is whether you're sticking with it and staying consistent and accurate with your food intake and exercise. WHAT WILL make a difference is not giving up. Choosing to NOT diet. Choosing to make the hundreds of little changes you need to make so that you want to eat healthy, nutritious foods.

If you want, you could give us your BMR and the TDEE estimates for each of those settings using this calculator. (http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/) But really, I think the trick for you RIGHT NOW, for the next year, is just pick something and eat that level consistently for a year. If it's too low, you'll be hungry and won't stick to it.

You really are a mean spirited person. I was genuinely asking this question not asking for you to tell me how fat I am and it doesn't matter. If it did not matter then why in the world do they ask the question? I have a low enough self esteem which is how I got this way in the first place. Maybe if you are going to answer questions you should consider other peoples feelings and if you can't just don't answer!

editorgrrl

Please don't let anyone derail you from your goals! I'm proud of you for speaking up.

notnikkisixx

So very few people are truly sedentary. That being said, I think you should just pick one and go for it. I'm not trying to make you feel bad, but you have a lot to lose. Whether your calorie goal right now is 1600 or 1800, it really isn't gonna make a big difference a year from now.

WHAT WILL make a big difference a year from now is whether you're sticking with it and staying consistent and accurate with your food intake and exercise. WHAT WILL make a difference is not giving up. Choosing to NOT diet. Choosing to make the hundreds of little changes you need to make so that you want to eat healthy, nutritious foods.

If you want, you could give us your BMR and the TDEE estimates for each of those settings using this calculator. (http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/) But really, I think the trick for you RIGHT NOW, for the next year, is just pick something and eat that level consistently for a year. If it's too low, you'll be hungry and won't stick to it.

You really are a mean spirited person. I was genuinely asking this question not asking for you to tell me how fat I am and it doesn't matter. If it did not matter then why in the world do they ask the question? I have a low enough self esteem which is how I got this way in the first place. Maybe if you are going to answer questions you should consider other peoples feelings and if you can't just don't answer!

The poster wasn't being mean, they were just being honest with you. Your PUBLIC profile says you have 152 lbs to lose, which is a lot. The poster wasn't criticizing you, they were just stating a fact. That being said, back to the question at hand....

I work at a desk job too. I set my activity level at sedentary because I don't consider walking around the office to be activity. When I do exercise I log it and MFP gives me extra calories in my diary. As far as the 1200 calories thing goes, I really do think that is too low....especially for someone just starting out. Figuring out your TDEE is a great first step in finding out how many calories your body is burning a day. Take that number and reduce it by 200-500 calories and you should end up in a good range to lose weight but not feel like your starving.

Weight loss and lifestyle changes are daunting at first, but you can do it! Just make sure you're taking things slowly so that you don't get overwhelmed/stressed and fall off the wagon. Only make changes that you are willing to live with and stick to.