Should I eat 'lightly active' calories on 'sedentary' days?

girlr94

I've set my diary at 'lightly active' because I've been told that my 50 minute (on average) walk to lectures every day and (beginners') weightlifting in the gym 4-5 times a week counts as lightly active and not sedentary. So MFP has set my goal at 1500. I was going to go to the gym today but I decided not to because I needed the time to revise for exams, so I'll go tomorrow instead (which I would have done anyway). Should I aim for 1200 today or can I eat up to the 1500? I've still had to walk into uni, but I've been sat working the rest of the day, plus I had a 2 hour nap earlier. I had a bigger breakfast than normal today because I wanted energy for an interview, but I'm finding that I'm more hungry today than I have been most days since I started being more active, possibly because of a longer day/ not being as busy etc. If you look at my diary you'll see that I've been under most days so far. Can I afford to have the full 1500 even though I haven't been that active today? I know 1500 is still a deficit but I want to maximise my weight loss as much as possible.

What do you do on your day off? What do you think I should do?

Thanks

zeal26

I have never looked at my lifestyle as a day to day thing. I'm set to lightly active, too, and have some days where I don't do *anything* (like if I'm sick and don't leave my bed), but I don't switch up my calories those days. It doesn't seem to have hindered my weight loss in any way. I would consider walking to lectures active anyway.

jlynnm70

I think you would be Ok to eat your 1500 - you said that is still a deficit - however if you are really worried about it - cut it a little - eat like 1350 - not 1200 - who says you have to drop that far. You did still walk and stuff today - just no gym

sparkylady1

I eat more on the days I do work out however on my "rest" days I usually stick to 1200 calories...and try to limit carbs after 3pm on those days. Just seems to work best for me.

greentart

I would still eat the 1500. It'll balance out over the week. Plus you're studying! You need brain fuel!

farfromthetree

I would still eat the 1500. It'll balance out over the week. Plus you're studying! You need brain fuel!

I agree! Great question though! I usually try and eat a little less when I do not exercise. But, I am much older than you!