Choosing an activity level

MBrothers22
MBrothers22 Posts: 323 Member
in Getting Started
I just started using MFP so I figured I would ask this before I get too far in to it, I'm confused on the activity level choices.

I only work part time right now because I'm 19 and just saving for school but I work ~15 hours a week. All on my feet walking around and lifting boxes. I work at Target. The boxes can be anywhere from a pound to 40ish and this is all my job consists of.

I'm also working out 4 or 5 days a week but never less than 4. I run every time I go to the gym and do some weight machines. I'll also throw in some stationary bike if my legs aren't too sore.

I've had it on lightly active so far and I have no problem staying under. In reality, if I picked sedentary it wouldn't be too hard for me either. I just want to pick the RIGHT one so my body doesn't go into starvation mode during the day.

Replies

  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    With MFP, you log your exercise after the fact...you don't include that activity in your activity level...just day to day stuff...working, cleaning, cooking, etc. When you log your exercise MFP gives you additional calories to "eat back"...this is how you account for that activity.

    Just pick the one that best describes your job and make adjustments as necessary per real world results. Also, you don't have to stay under your calorie GOAL...you should be hitting it.
  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    Weight loss takes a whole lot of trial & error to find what works for you. The goal is to find the maximum number of calories at which you lose weight, not the minimum. Moving boxes is definitely not sedentary—you might even be active. The only way to find out is to try it for two weeks, then reevaluate.

    Whatever your activity level, log your workouts. Work (including housework) & anything else you do regularly = activity level. Workouts = exercise.

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