Activity Level

DianaGabriela2013

Did I pick the right activity level?

I just read a post about how a lot of us pick the wrong activity level, like those who have a desk job but then get home to young kids (me!).
So I chose sedentary, I have a desk job. I literally don't have to get up but like 5 times a day and only to a few cubicles away.
I get two 15 minute breaks in which I take a walk ( I log it)
I get up to use the bathroom a lot because of all the water I drink. But the bathroom is close.
So anway, I pick up my kids from grandmas house, cook, feed them, bathe them, wash dishes. And excercise (I log it.) And I eat back ALL my excersice calories. I really really try to target 1,200 a day.
So did I pick the right activity level?

Greenrun99

you target 1200 calories a day PLUS your exercise calories? Or 1200 calories a day including your exercise calories??

One of those is the correct method to try.

DianaGabriela2013

I target that after I have excercised and ate my calories back I hit 1,200 calories.
I also keep reading that 1,200 is too low, that's exactly what MFP suggest, why is everyone saying its too low?

gerla_k

You should not eat below your BMR - it's the bare minimum calories your body needs to function. You should eat between your TDEE and BMR to lose weight.
MFP can give you a very low number if you set your goals to say 2lbs weight loss per week.
I'm in my healthy range and put to lose 1 lb a week i got 1350 cals a day . Let's just say for my height (I'm tall) that's just not enough food. I was constantly hungry, angry, lightheaded and dizzy. I changed to .5 lbs a week and i'm in 1700 a day- losing weight and feeling much better.

DianaGabriela2013

You should not eat below your BMR - it's the bare minimum calories your body needs to function. You should eat between your TDEE and BMR to lose weight.
MFP can give you a very low number if you set your goals to say 2lbs weight loss per week.
I'm in my healthy range and put to lose 1 lb a week i got 1350 cals a day . Let's just say for my height (I'm tall) that's just not enough food. I was constantly hungry, angry, lightheaded and dizzy. I changed to .5 lbs a week and i'm in 1700 a day- losing weight and feeling much better.

Got it. I currently had it at 1 lb a week, I changed it to .5 and it gave me 1360. I only have 9 pounds left to lose
And I'm not tall 5'5. I am also trying to tone as I lose, is that possible? Can I gain some muscle and yet lose weight at the same time?

StaciMarie1974

The minimum is 1200 + exercise calories, not 1200 including exercise calories.

You need more, to fuel your body. The goal is healthier you.

buzybev

Did you set your weekly weight loss goal to 2lbs?

ETA: Oops! I see you already answered another post with the same question. Nvm!

gerla_k

You should not eat below your BMR - it's the bare minimum calories your body needs to function. You should eat between your TDEE and BMR to lose weight.
MFP can give you a very low number if you set your goals to say 2lbs weight loss per week.
I'm in my healthy range and put to lose 1 lb a week i got 1350 cals a day . Let's just say for my height (I'm tall) that's just not enough food. I was constantly hungry, angry, lightheaded and dizzy. I changed to .5 lbs a week and i'm in 1700 a day- losing weight and feeling much better.

Got it. I currently had it at 1 lb a week, I changed it to .5 and it gave me 1360. I only have 9 pounds left to lose
And I'm not tall 5'5. I am also trying to tone as I lose, is that possible? Can I gain some muscle and yet lose weight at the same time?

I'm afraid you can't gain muscle while on calorie deficit-

DianaGabriela2013

awww. That's what I thought, I figured first lose and then see how it goes and what I want to do next.

SugaryLynx

But with a good resistance training program, proper protein, and eating at a moderate deficit you can maintain the muscle you have much better than not. That's why losing weight quickly isn't really a good goal to have. Aim to lose .5-1 lb a week. Do some heavy lifting if you can while you lose. Aim to eat around your lean body mass in protein. It will help you look leaner along the way and at whatever your target is for weight loss. Really, you should be aiming for fat loss, which won't have a certain scale number. It'll take what it takes depending on genetics and how you choose to lose. Just be realistic with your goals and have patience. You'll get there ♡ Also, a good read

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

DianaGabriela2013

But with a good resistance training program, proper protein, and eating at a moderate deficit you can maintain the muscle you have much better than not. That's why losing weight quickly isn't really a good goal to have. Aim to lose .5-1 lb a week. Do some heavy lifting if you can while you lose. Aim to eat around your lean body mass in protein. It will help you look leaner along the way and at whatever your target is for weight loss. Really, you should be aiming for fat loss, which won't have a certain scale number. It'll take what it takes depending on genetics and how you choose to lose. Just be realistic with your goals and have patience. You'll get there ♡ Also, a good read

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

Thanks sugarylynx! I aim for protein in every meal, and my snacks consits of plain yogurt and a fruit. I only have trouble with getting protein in my breakfast, I can't have 2 eggs every single day. Its usually 2 eggs and a yogurt smoothie. I wouldn't know how else to get protein in my breakfast.

TeaBea

But with a good resistance training program, proper protein, and eating at a moderate deficit you can maintain the muscle you have much better than not. That's why losing weight quickly isn't really a good goal to have. Aim to lose .5-1 lb a week. Do some heavy lifting if you can while you lose. Aim to eat around your lean body mass in protein. It will help you look leaner along the way and at whatever your target is for weight loss. Really, you should be aiming for fat loss, which won't have a certain scale number. It'll take what it takes depending on genetics and how you choose to lose. Just be realistic with your goals and have patience. You'll get there ♡ Also, a good read

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

Thanks sugarylynx! I aim for protein in every meal, and my snacks consits of plain yogurt and a fruit. I only have trouble with getting protein in my breakfast, I can't have 2 eggs every single day. Its usually 2 eggs and a yogurt smoothie. I wouldn't know how else to get protein in my breakfast.

Do you eat greek yogurt? Much higher in protein than regular. I like to mix slivered almonds & Fiber One cereal into flavored greek yogurt. Another protein option - overnight oatmeal. This is where you mix oats, yogurt, and other ingredients store in in the fridge overnight. Some cereals have decent protein numbers (not most) some Kashi, and Original Special K .....add milk (more protein). Oatmeal made with protein powder is another option.

DianaGabriela2013

Overnight oatmeal! I"ll look it up. I love oatmeal. Right now i make it with water or milk and I do add almonds.