If I eat 1200 calories does that mean I

healthy_chick72
healthy_chick72 Posts: 19
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi,
So I don't get what they mean when they say burn more calories then you eat or something like that.. So if I consumer 1200 calories a day I should burn off 1200? That's a lot of working out

Replies

  • uconnwinsnc
    uconnwinsnc Posts: 1,054 Member
    Well, say your TDEE (how many calories you need to stay your current weight, Total Daily Energy Expenditure) is 2000 calories, and you eat 1200. You're already at an 800 deficit. You need to find out how many calories your body needs to maintain it's current weight BEFORE you figure out how many calories you should eat. It is really difficult to burn more than you eat, and you should never try and do that or else you're body is just going to be a mess.

    In order the lose weight, you want to ultimately be netting less calories than your body needs to maintain the weight it is. Find your TDEE, net %15-%20 less at the most, and you'll lose weight. The bigger the deficit usually the harder it is to maintain. Try to find what works best for you.
  • Ninkyou
    Ninkyou Posts: 6,666 Member
    No, if MFP says to consume 1200 calories, that already has your deficit worked out for you. Basically yit's your Maintenance calories - deficit = MFP goal.

    Now, if you exercise, MFP will tell you to consume more calories.

    So say your MFP goal is 1200. You exercise 350 calories off. It'll look like:
    1200+350=1550 calories to consume
    1550 (consumed) - 350=1200 NET calories.
  • ChrysalisCove
    ChrysalisCove Posts: 975 Member
    As PP mentioned, the goal is to burn more calories than your body requires to maintain your current weight, NOT more than you are eating! The latter is exceptionally dangerous & will land you in a hospital bed.

    In order to calculate your TDEE, use the link below. Then take a "cut" of 15-20%. This approach already takes routine exercise into account, so you will not need to eat back additional calories unless you go far above & beyond your norm.

    http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/
  • yewbic
    yewbic Posts: 37
    Hi,
    So I don't get what they mean when they say burn more calories then you eat or something like that.. So if I consumer 1200 calories a day I should burn off 1200? That's a lot of working out

    in this context, burn is referring to the total amount of energy your body is naturally going to burn by itself throughout the day -- not to be confused with calories you would burn through exercise.

    so its pretty much just saying, dont eat all of the calories your body is going to naturally burn. by leaving a deficit, you'll lose weight :)

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