Confused on calories

steph8679

So I'm really confused on the whole calorie count thing and I believe this May be contributing to my month long plateau. MFP allotted me 1200 calories a day. When I exercise I log it and then my net calories change. Should my net calories total 1200 or my goal calories be 1200? Any help to clarify this would be much appreciated!

SezxyStef

MFP gave you 1200 calories due to your weekly weight loss goal which you probably put at 1.5-2lb a week which is too high for 20lbs to lose.

But to answer your question yes your net calories should be 1200...in other words eat your exercise calories back.

steph8679

Thanks! Looking back my net calories have been far too low which is probably why I haven't lost anything.

editorgrrl

MFP gave you 1200 calories due to your weekly weight loss goal which you probably put at 1.5-2lb a week which is too high for 20lbs to lose.

But to answer your question yes your net calories should be 1200...in other words eat your exercise calories back.

^This.

The closer you are to goal, the more slowly you lose. Set your goal to .5 lb. and be patient.

Your calorie goal already has your deficit built in, and it does not include exercise. You must eat back at least a portion of your exercise calories. The calorie counts & burns are estimates, so some people eat back half their calories to reduce the margin of error.

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