should my job factor in to my calorie allowance?

Jamievw

I have a hard time knowing how many calories I should be eating. MFP says 1375. Well, most days that's ok. Half the week I go to culinary school, and am on my feet a lot during these days. The other half of the week I work as a fry cook (like 30 hours a week) MFP says that cooking burns 142 calories an hour.. well for 30 hours a week that would be a ton of calories, so I'm wondering if I should be eating a by more, or does my 1375 calories account for my weekly work/school activity. I haven't lost weight in a bit, and today I even weighed a little more than I did a week ago, so I'm scared to eat more, since even when I do eat a lot I never get up to maintenance yet still manage to gain.

Any suggestions?

ladyhawk00

I would recommend reading these threads that explain how MFP calculates goals (including activity level), metabolism and why it's important to meet those goals.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/61706-guide-to-calorie-deficits

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

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

Good luck to you!

lkm111

What do you have your activity level set at? I would say it should be set to at least "light activity" or higher. If you feel like that is not enough for what you do during the day, add it in. I'm not an expert, but it sounds like you burn a lot energy at your jobs!

sugarbeans

I'm a Massage Therapist and according to a calorie burn site I can burn up to 500 calories during an hour massage. I personally don't add the extra calories into my exercise daily account, I feel that the body adapts to the routine we put it in. I could be wrong but if I am I have no clue how I would eat an extra 2500 calories a day on average not including anything that I do extra in the gym.