TDEE further explanation please!

Kixshots

I'm deciding to switch from Mfp's design to a TDEE - 10% sort of calculation , mainly because I don't want to have to estimate exercise calories etc. However when I go on to a TDEE calculator (this particular one is from iifym.com) the activity level is a little vague in the sense that it has it down as exercising a number of times a week, but exercise can vary a lot in intensity so how can you know if the calories it gives you is too low or too high? For example what if you do yoga 5 times a week versus swimming 5 times a week , for half an hour, or 3 hours? The calorie burns would be vastly different..

Sincerely fitness noob.

SezxyStef

try Scooby TDEE and Mayo Clinic TDEE as well...

Scooby gives time in hours and intensity, Mayo does as well...then take them all and average them.

cmeiron

Any calculator will only give you an estimate - most calculators put my TDEE at something around 300 calories LOWER than my actual. Perhaps pick an intake level somewhere between the two that you calculated, and then "try it on" for two or three weeks. Carefully track (weigh, measure, log) your intake and your weight during that time. With the data you collect, you can get a reasonable estimate of your actual TDEE, and make adjustments to your intake as needed (i.e., if you lost weight too quickly, you can increase your intake; if your weight didn't change or you gain, decrease your intake accordingly). The calculators are only tools to get you started - the best and most reliable measure of your TDEE is you - your own body

neanderthin

You'll need to record your progress and make adjustments because internet calculators are just starting points and real results are what you actually need.

MzzFaith

Thanks, for sharing. I never understood tdee

Kixshots

try Scooby TDEE and Mayo Clinic TDEE as well...

Scooby gives time in hours and intensity, Mayo does as well...then take them all and average them.

Thank you, I shall check those out !

Kixshots

Any calculator will only give you an estimate - most calculators put my TDEE at something around 300 calories LOWER than my actual. Perhaps pick an intake level somewhere between the two that you calculated, and then "try it on" for two or three weeks. Carefully track (weigh, measure, log) your intake and your weight during that time. With the data you collect, you can get a reasonable estimate of your actual TDEE, and make adjustments to your intake as needed (i.e., if you lost weight too quickly, you can increase your intake; if your weight didn't change or you gain, decrease your intake accordingly). The calculators are only tools to get you started - the best and most reliable measure of your TDEE is you - your own body

I see what you mean, thank you for your reply (fat chance of me losing weight too quickly, last 10lbs is a *kitten* :laugh: )

Kixshots

Ok so based on 3 different calculators my TDEE is 2000 (scooby said 2100; Maya - 2000, iifym - 2005) This is higher than I thought it would be o.o
confessional time, I haven't been using a food scale and I just ordered one, because I gained a couple lbs in the past week and I think it's due to bad estimations since I haven't been eating up to 2000 ( well I probably have without knowing :laugh: )

Moral of the story, don't try to cheat the system XD

cmeiron

The scale is going to be REALLY useful (i.e. very important) as you figure out your proper intake level. Without it, you're just guessing at what you're eating and that makes it really hard to tweak things appropriately! A very sound investment! :drinker: