more calories + exercise vs less calories and no exericse

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  • WaterBunnie
    WaterBunnie Posts: 1,371 Member
    I don't know whether others agree, but I feel totally different now at this weight than I did when I was this weight on the way up to my peak. I feel strong/balanced/healthy and in control and put that down to the exercise. My heart rate and breathing come down quickly after exertion and I'm not totally pooped just from day drifting around the shops. I also love having more to eat as a consequence.
  • Edmond_Dantes
    Edmond_Dantes Posts: 185 Member
    I don't know whether others agree, but I feel totally different now at this weight than I did when I was this weight on the way up to my peak. I feel strong/balanced/healthy and in control and put that down to the exercise. My heart rate and breathing come down quickly after exertion and I'm not totally pooped just from day drifting around the shops. I also love having more to eat as a consequence.
    That's great! You must be significantly healthier at the same weight than on your upward trend. I can only imagine how an achievement of your weight loss must feel like!
  • ovi212
    ovi212 Posts: 145 Member
    Ok so I get the jist that exercising is better for my health and looks. I guess I am more concerned about rest days...I don't really take them. I feel to much anxiety and feel like eating on these days will make me gain. So I struggle deciding whether to exercise so I can eat more/look better and to rest and eat less. I don't think I have found a balance between the two. I find I struggle to push myself to exercise somedays. The extra benefits don't seem worth it all the time. Especially when I'm busy or have something else preferable to do.
  • stef_monster
    stef_monster Posts: 205 Member
    . I feel to much anxiety and feel like eating on these days will make me gain. So I struggle deciding whether to exercise so I can eat more/look better and to rest and eat less.

    I struggle with this, too- you're not alone!

    Let's say MFP gives you 1600 cals per day to lose 1 pound per week. At 1600, you're ALREADY in a deficit. So on active days, let's say you burn 300 calories running and strength training. That gives you 1900 calories for that day, which is STILL a deficit; still less than you really burned all day. Like the other posters said, you can just eat your 1600 cals on days you don't feel like working out and still lose. Heck, you could bump it up a couple hundred calories and still not gain (probably would still be in a deficit)! Your loss might be a tiny bit slower, but you won't be slipping backwards.

    It takes a lot of trial and error to find a plan that works with your lifestyle. As long as you're logging accurately and working out regularly, there's nothing wrong with having a few days per week to rest, study, or do errands.

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