Calorie counter?

FeelGood329
FeelGood329 Posts: 10 Member
in Getting Started
Hey guys!

Does anyone here count their calories on a daily basis?
If so, how do you do it!?

And...is there something that I could buy that calculates exactly how many calories burned? I know they have lots, but anyone know the most accurate one??

Replies

  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    Hey guys!

    Does anyone here count their calories on a daily basis?
    If so, how do you do it!?

    And...is there something that I could buy that calculates exactly how many calories burned? I know they have lots, but anyone know the most accurate one??

    The total number of calories you burn during a 24 hour period is called TDEE (total daily energy expenditure) ....this includes your basal metabolic rate, activity level, and exercise.

    http://iifym.com/iifym-calculator/

    This is based upon estimates. To get a better reading on activity level many people here use an activity tracker (FitBit is one). To get a better reading on steady state cardio workouts many people here use a heart rate monitor (Polar FT4).

    An exact reading would require use of a laboratory. Your height, weight, age, gender, muscle mass %, hormones, exertion level during a workout are factors......way too many variables.
  • rose313
    rose313 Posts: 1,146 Member
    Yes, what the above post said. I'd say 95% of us count our calories on a daily basis. In my opinion it is the number one key to losing weight.
  • maanders
    maanders Posts: 39 Member
    Does anyone here count their calories on a daily basis?
    If so, how do you do it!?

    Ummm...yes. That is pretty much the main purpose of this site. And, most people on here count calories and track them on a daily basis, or at least try too.

    Not sure what the "how" question really means...you weigh/measure your food, look it up in the database, add it to your log.

    More detail on the mechanics can be found here:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1296011-calorie-counting-101?hl=calorie+counting+accuracy&page=1#posts-20068266

    Good luck!!
  • 1princesswarrior
    1princesswarrior Posts: 1,242 Member
    You need an activity tracker to get an idea of total calories burned in a day but it's still just an estimate.

    For an experiment I used my Polar FT4 and wore it for a week to track my total calories burned and it was within +- 10 calories of 3 online calculators so I'd say that's pretty close.

    You can also get a BodPod measurement if there is one in your area. They are a little costly but also supposedly the most accurate for body fat measurement and also will give you a RMR and TDEE estimate.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    You need an activity tracker to get an idea of total calories burned in a day but it's still just an estimate.

    For an experiment I used my Polar FT4 and wore it for a week to track my total calories burned and it was within +- 10 calories of 3 online calculators so I'd say that's pretty close.

    You can also get a BodPod measurement if there is one in your area. They are a little costly but also supposedly the most accurate for body fat measurement and also will give you a RMR and TDEE estimate.

    Hmmm.....heart rate monitors are designed for steady state cardio, and not designed to be worn 24/7. I'm not sure what your results indicate really.

    A heart rate monitor uses your height, weight, age, gender....then uses the comparison between your resting heart rate vs. your heart rate while working out as the estimator for exertion level.

    General activity doesn't raise your heart rate, but lots of general activity does increase total calories. A FitBit (activity tracker) is like a fancy pedometer. If you take lots of steps during the day, your activity level is higher than sedentary......even if you sit at a desk all day.

    Any TDEE calculator is going to ask your activity level.....a HRM doesn't really help there.

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