How to calculate my calorie deficit? Have I done it right?

failteromhat

Aside from using the counter on MFP.

So if my BMR when I calculate it is 1385 and then I add in my exercise (i.e. multiply x 1.55 for moderate excercise*) I get 2146 cals a day- so to create a calorie deficit of 1000cals to lose 2 lb a week, I need to eat 1146 cals a day. Is that correct?
(N.B.) MFP has me on 1200 minimum and then more if I excercise. )

*Moderate excercise as defined by me is: 20 mins on treadmill x 5 days a week, 3 x 30 min Circuit training classes a week, 6 x Jillian Michaels workouts a week= 370 mins or 6 hours, 10 mins a day.

SezxyStef

with less than 25lbs to go you shouldn't have the goal of 2lbs a week...that is typically for those with over 100lbs to lose.

Setting it for 1/2lb a week is a healthier more sustainable goal. and you get more calories to eat as well.

As for your calculations where do you get your numbers...a calculation is only as good as the numbers used.

As well why over complicate it...

editorgrrl

with less than 25lbs to go you shouldn't have the goal of 2lbs a week...that is typically for those with over 100lbs to lose.

Setting it for 1/2lb a week is a healthier more sustainable goal. and you get more calories to eat as well.

As for your calculations where do you get your numbers...a calculation is only as good as the numbers used.

As well why over complicate it...

^^^This. Set your goal to .5 lb. per week.

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

Mischievous_Rascal

That minimum is set to ensure you get enough nutrients to function. And I agree that 2 lbs a week is far too aggressive a goal.

What is your profession? I have a desk job, but I'm still "moderately active" before I add any form of exercise, and you do way more exercise than me. (I use the average between moderate and strenuous activity to set my calorie goal.)

lrmall01

In general it seems right but it is hard to say for certain without knowing all your info. However, IMHO it really doesn't matter. All calculations are a starting point and things change over time.

I would suggest you start with eating 1800 calories a day and do it consistently for about a month. Then go back and see what your average loss per week was over those 4 weeks. If it isn't between 0.5 - 1 lb per week, then eat 100 less calories per day for a few weeks and see if that gets you in the range.

As long as you are tracking your food accurately, using a custom goal and adjusting it up or down like this will serve you well.

Good luck!