Question about Calories

marisa0918
marisa0918 Posts: 178
edited September 18 in Food and Nutrition
Ok I am new here and I am sure you guys have heard this question a million times before, but I am going to ask it again........

I am on about 1200 calories a day, when I exercise and say bun 400 calories why do I get a bonus and can eat 400 calories more? What was the point of my exercising? I have been sticking to just the 1200 calories, but I just wanted to know what was the sense in the extra exercise calories?

I am new to counting my calories....I never had to pre baby =( Sooo maybe I am dumb to all of this. Anyways thanks ahead of time for any feedback =)

Replies

  • marisa0918
    marisa0918 Posts: 178
    Ok I am new here and I am sure you guys have heard this question a million times before, but I am going to ask it again........

    I am on about 1200 calories a day, when I exercise and say bun 400 calories why do I get a bonus and can eat 400 calories more? What was the point of my exercising? I have been sticking to just the 1200 calories, but I just wanted to know what was the sense in the extra exercise calories?

    I am new to counting my calories....I never had to pre baby =( Sooo maybe I am dumb to all of this. Anyways thanks ahead of time for any feedback =)
  • TamTastic
    TamTastic Posts: 19,224 Member
    The reason is because MFP already has you at a caloric deficit to lose weight. The 1200 calories you are eating is lowering your calories to do that. When you burn another 400 calories on top of that, your net calories (meaning the calories actually consumed during the day), is lowered to 800 calories which isn't a healthy number and will actually bring your body into starvation mode.

    So, by eating those calories burned BACK, you are bringing your caloric deficit back up to the 1200 calorie range.

    If ALL you were doing was exercising to lose weight and not lowering your calorie intake, then of course it would make NO sense to eat those back. Does that make sense?

    The exercise not only allows you to eat a little more but you are doing your body good!! The cardio and strength training will up your metabolism as well!

    This should help
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/6556-the-answers-to-the-questions
  • pam0206
    pam0206 Posts: 700 Member
    Tami is exactly right. You've earned those calories, now enjoy them!!!! This "diet" is the first time that I've counted calories AND exercised. I can honestly say that I rarely feel deprived and I am very happy with my success. GL! :flowerforyou:
  • marisa0918
    marisa0918 Posts: 178
    That made complete sense! Thanks fro explaining it to me :smile:
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