Additional calories received from exercise?

PhotographerOfNature

I'm curious about a few things. I'm on a 1200 calorie diet. I'm 5' 7", weigh in at 187.5 lbs. I workout 3-4 times per week. Usually run on the treadmill and weight lift. Let's say I buned 129 calories on the treadmill. So, it now says that I can eat 1329 calories. How are you supposed to lose weight if you eat the additional calories that you burn? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of working out? I haven't been eating the extra calories earned. I stay at 1200 calories regardless of how many extra calories I burn working out, and I've been losing weight. And second, I've been reading other posts and i am curious as to what the hrh (I think that is what it is called) it has to do with a heart monitor. Why are you all tracking that and what does it tell you? Thanks for the help everyone!!!

PhotographerOfNature

I'm curious about a few things. I'm on a 1200 calorie diet. I'm 5' 7", weigh in at 187.5 lbs. I workout 3-4 times per week. Usually run on the treadmill and weight lift. Let's say I buned 129 calories on the treadmill. So, it now says that I can eat 1329 calories. How are you supposed to lose weight if you eat the additional calories that you burn? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of working out? I haven't been eating the extra calories earned. I stay at 1200 calories regardless of how many extra calories I burn working out, and I've been losing weight. And second, I've been reading other posts and i am curious as to what the hrh (I think that is what it is called) it has to do with a heart monitor. Why are you all tracking that and what does it tell you? Thanks for the help everyone!!!

shorerider

Please read those posts--all should help you understand but particularly the last one, which addresses your very question about exercise calories.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/3047-700-calories-a-day-and-not-losing

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/6556-the-answers-to-the-questions

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/9433-expectations

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/10589-for-those-confused-or-questioning-eating-your-exercise-calo

Also, the HRM that you asked about (heart rate monitor) measures you heart rate while working out and gives you a more precise amount of calories burned. You can also get a more precise basal metabolic rate--which is how many calories it take you own particular body per day to keep going.

PhotographerOfNature

Yes, they're based upon your weight.

It uses the latest weight that you have entered into MFP. HOWEVER!!! they are an estimated guess only and can vary widely--depending upon the amount of exercise you're doing. Most people here, including myself, recommend purchasing a Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) to obtain more accurate results.

Here's an example--I went for a 1 hour and 40 minute bike ride Saturday. According to MFP, I burnt over 1000 calories--but my HRM, which I go by now, read 620.

Hope it helps!



Hi Shorerider! I just read this post from you on an earlier topic. What does the HRM mean? I'm really confused about the 1000 calories vs the 620 above.

shorerider

HRM means Heart Rate Monitor. They usually come with an elastic band you wear around your chest while exercising that sends a signal to a monitor you wear like a watch. It measures your heart rate while exercising and gives you a better more precise amount of calories burned.

The best that MFP, or any website, can do is an estimate based upon your age, sex, exercise, and how long; however, they are only estimates and can be off greatly! The HRM gives you a precise measurement of how hard your own heart is working during the exercise, so you can better gage how many calories you've burned.

I cited my own personal case in that post, where MFP had estimated that I would have burnt about 400 more calories than I actually did. It's not MFP's fault, it can only give an estimate. However, that estimate can increase depending upon how long you exercise.

If you want to be more careful about your exercise calories, you need a HRM. I paid $40 for mine and love it! It's a Highgear Duo I got from Amazon.com.

maverickyanda

I don't eat my exercise calories on purpose but I don't feel as bad if I do becaue I know that exercise revs your metabolism and proper exercise can keep you burning calories.

I would invest in a HRM if you're going to "eat your exercise calories".

I would not.

Personally.

shorerider

I don't eat my exercise calories on purpose but I don't feel as bad if I do becaue I know that exercise revs your metabolism and proper exercise can keep you burning calories.

I would invest in a HRM if you're going to "eat your exercise calories".

I would not.

Personally.

You might want to read this post--it might help you understand why most people on MFP believe in eating your exercise calories.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/3047-700-calories-a-day-and-not-losing

maverickyanda

I've read it.

I also eat more than 700 calories a day and I'm not 180 lbs!

But I think one of the reasons :: puls on analytical brain :: that some people who eat exercise calories still lose is because those people are exercising properly and doing certain kinds of exercise.

When you do certain exercises, your body's metabolism stays stronger longer (it also works better if you do this in the day or walk after a meal) and continues to burn.

So...yes.

That means they're pobably burning more calories than they think.

I think people who exercise are more likely to move around more in general. Even just around the house.

PhotographerOfNature

I've read it.

I also eat more than 700 calories a day and I'm not 180 lbs!

But I think one of the reasons :: puls on analytical brain :: that some people who eat exercise calories still lose is because those people are exercising properly and doing certain kinds of exercise.

When you do certain exercises, your body's metabolism stays stronger longer (it also works better if you do this in the day or walk after a meal) and continues to burn.

So...yes.

That means they're pobably burning more calories than they think.

I think people who exercise are more likely to move around more in general. Even just around the house.

PhotographerOfNature

Maverickyanda: what specific exercises do you think keep's your metabolism stronger longer? I have a hard time eating my exercise calories too. It just doesn't make sense to me but I read the links and understand what they are saying.

maverickyanda

I just saw an article, too, on specifics...and don't know where it was =(

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/anatomyandphysiology/a/rmr.htm

That may help.

Anyway, I do believe that those who exercise move around more, period. (after you get used to the OW IM SORE phase).

maverickyanda

ps i think a lot of people reccomend exercising in "spurts". round it out, and don't forget weight training and cool-down afterward.

songbyrdsweet

MFP builds in a 500 or 1000 calorie deficit for you. When you eat those 'exercise calories' you're still in a deficit, because the base you start with is already in a deficit. For instance:

I need about 1700 calories a day to maintain my weight with *no* exercise.
To lose a lb a week, MFP tells me I need to eat 1200 calories a day with *no* exercise.

However, I do exercise, and I burn about 600-900 calories a day, meaning I need 2300-3000 calories a day to maintain my weight *with exercise*, and 1800-2500 a day to lose a lb a week. When I exercise, I have to eat more to make sure I'm not in a 1300 calorie deficit, because that would impede my performance and endanger my health. But I'm not eating the 2300-3000 I need to maintain my weight. That's the purpose of eating the 'exercise calories'...maintain your performance and health while losing fat, being able to eat more when you exercise more.

maverickyanda

I also don't mean to say that your body is just a-burnin' calories after exercise - I mean if you do exercise, you're going to be keeping bloating down, have more energy, etc. Yes, if you're exercising a few times a day or in the AM and doing it right, you're going to have better results.

Personally, I have been on diets and exercised and lost 2-3lbs a week without eating the calories I just exercised away although if I'm exercising a lot I do eat SOME to replace nutrients/energy.

And I'm pretty picky about which ones - they aren't in the form of Haggen Daz.

mommy2js

I've read it.

I also eat more than 700 calories a day and I'm not 180 lbs!

But I think one of the reasons :: puls on analytical brain :: that some people who eat exercise calories still lose is because those people are exercising properly and doing certain kinds of exercise.

When you do certain exercises, your body's metabolism stays stronger longer (it also works better if you do this in the day or walk after a meal) and continues to burn.

So...yes.

That means they're pobably burning more calories than they think.

I think people who exercise are more likely to move around more in general. Even just around the house.

I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with you. Fortunately, you don't have much to lose and you may be an active person in general which may change your metabolism from others who may be less active to begin with. If you have ever tried to lose A LOT of weight and gotten down pretty far, you realize VERY QUICKLY that you can't just continue to cut your calorie intake. You have to eat a proper amount of NET calories if you are adding a lot of exercise to lose weight. I might be wrong, but from my personal experience, I have tried just cutting calories and have seen an obvious result of less weight loss if I eat too few. I would always recommend to eat most of your exercise calories - up to a point. I wouldn't say to eat an extra 1000 calories a day if you are burning that much, but you just have to use common sense about it.

songbyrdsweet

I also don't mean to say that your body is just a-burnin' calories after exercise - I mean if you do exercise, you're going to be keeping bloating down, have more energy, etc. Yes, if you're exercising a few times a day or in the AM and doing it right, you're going to have better results.

Personally, I have been on diets and exercised and lost 2-3lbs a week without eating the calories I just exercised away although if I'm exercising a lot I do eat SOME to replace nutrients/energy.

And I'm pretty picky about which ones - they aren't in the form of Haggen Daz.

That's not quite the same situation as using the counter on MFP. If I know that 2300 calories a day will maintain my weight, I'm going to eat 1800 a day to lose. However, when MFP tells you to eat 1200 calories a day to lose, they've already put you in a deficit and assumed that 1700 calories a day would be enough to maintain your weight. The point is that MFP creates a deficit for you, right off the bat. You're not actually eating maintenance calories.

maverickyanda

*note

I think you could stand to eat more calories at your height, weight, and activity level though.

I mean, I'm 112 and 5'2" and I eat the same.

astridfeline

I just saw an article, too, on specifics...and don't know where it was =(

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/anatomyandphysiology/a/rmr.htm

That may help.

Anyway, I do believe that those who exercise move around more, period. (after you get used to the OW IM SORE phase).

Actually I exercise 4-5 times a week & then sit around on the couch watching TV & studying. And I mostly sit at my job. Seriously...the two are not so related.

laurenk182004

I have also been gobbling up my exercise calories. It gives me more insentive to exercise! I know that if I go burn 600 calories I can come home and chow down..obviously I'm eating healthy foods, but I like to sit on the couch and munch of cereal or popcorn or fruit. I've also lost 48lbs rather quickly and have stuck to MFP by the book exactly as it says, eat your exercise calories! Why wouldn't u? If I can eat more and still lose weight, I'm gonna do it! lol :flowerforyou:

bonkers5975

I have also been gobbling up my exercise calories. It gives me more insentive to exercise! I know that if I go burn 600 calories I can come home and chow down..obviously I'm eating healthy foods, but I like to sit on the couch and munch of cereal or popcorn or fruit. I've also lost 48lbs rather quickly and have stuck to MFP by the book exactly as it says, eat your exercise calories! Why wouldn't u? If I can eat more and still lose weight, I'm gonna do it! lol :flowerforyou:

Right on! If you don't mind my asking, Lauren, how long has it taken you to lose those 48? (Awesome!) I can't wait till I'm there. :bigsmile: I have 140lbs to lose, but I'm taking it 20 at a time. Ha!:flowerforyou:

TamTastic

It's simple really.....you are already at a caloric deficit by reducing the calories eaten....so that deficit will allow you to lose weight a healthy way. When you add a lot of exercise on top of it....your caloric deficit can get into an unhealthy range which can be avoided by eating at least some of the exercise calories back! I don't usually eat ALL of them...because I tend to burn around 700 or so...BUT I do try and make sure my net calories are close to 1200. Soo, on days I work out, I eat around 1800 cals and days I don't work out, I eat around 1450ish....I am 185, down from 270 since September. I actually slowed down my weight loss when I wasn't eating the exercise calories.

If ALL you were doing was exercising to lose weight, then of course it would make NO sense to eat those back, but since you are already at a deficit with what you eat..then eating some or all is perfectly fine.

laurenk182004

I've been at this since about January, so I'm really pleased with my results! 140 is a lot to lose, but I know you can do it! Just stick with it and like you said take it 1 day at a time and then the days and weeks add up and b4 u know it u'll be down 48lbs too! lol

maverickyanda

Well I think it depends on your initial weight and deficits. Some people have more to play with than others. Me. Not so much.

songbyrdsweet

Well I think it depends on your initial weight and deficits. Some people have more to play with than others. Me. Not so much.

That's actually true...I just bumped the "Acceptable Caloric Deficits" discussion back up, and it contains an interesting equation with which to determine the best deficit based on body fat. An individual with a high amount of body fat can withstand a higher deficit, but there are limitations. Sometimes the equation will come up with a very large deficit that wouldn't be appropriate without doctor supervision. In any case, the article is pretty interesting.

bonkers5975

I've been at this since about January, so I'm really pleased with my results! 140 is a lot to lose, but I know you can do it! Just stick with it and like you said take it 1 day at a time and then the days and weeks add up and b4 u know it u'll be down 48lbs too! lol

Aw, thanks for the words of support. You're so sweet. Up to this point, I was always 'dieting' and always gaining. Now I know why, I was starving my body. Well now I'm being nice to my body, and it's returning the favor! :laugh: So I know I can do it too, and it always helps to hear stories like yours. If you can do it, so can I!

Ange :flowerforyou:

frankp

Something that hasn't been mentioned in this thread is...

If you eat to few calories your body metabolism will go into starvation mode and it will become more difficult to lose fat. So be safe, eat your excercise calories.

PhotographerOfNature

When I exercise, I usually run 10 minutes on the treadmill at 5.0-5.8 and then do 45 minutes of what is called the 'apple' program from the Fitness magazine that came out a couple months ago. So, I usually work out a total of 1 hour 3-4 times per week. But i've noticed that strength exercises do not add up to calories burned. How are some of you burning 600-700 calories per day? What exercises are you doing to burn so much?

songbyrdsweet

When I exercise, I usually run 10 minutes on the treadmill at 5.0-5.8 and then do 45 minutes of what is called the 'apple' program from the Fitness magazine that came out a couple months ago. So, I usually work out a total of 1 hour 3-4 times per week. But i've noticed that strength exercises do not add up to calories burned. How are some of you burning 600-700 calories per day? What exercises are you doing to burn so much?

I wear my HRM rather than using MFP as it's more accurate. Strength training does burn calories, but there's a glitch in MFP so you have to put it in under Cardiovascular activities. I lift for 40-60 min a day and run/stairmill/elliptical for 30-60 min a day. On the low end I burn 400-600 cals, on the high end I have burnt up to 1000. Just depends on what I have planned for the day.

shorerider

I ride my bicycle every other day and try for at least 10 miles--most days I now I do 15 to 20--and that burns anywhere from 400 to 700 calories.