My take on exercise calories (please read if you are new!!)

NYCDutchess

Bump.

Thanks.

north35

Thanks!!

LacheleG

Thanks so much! I wasnt adding my excercise bc i didnt know! so I'm glad its not a question ne more!

princess4mimi

BUMP!!!!

FK1983

No.... don't do it . Exercising doesn't mean you should go and eat more food. You exercised to get rid of those calories

Someone finally sees sense!
The whole exercise calories thing is the only part I really don't like on this site, you go to your doctor and tell them your going to work off 500 calories just to eat them all back a few hours later, he would think you are mad....

I never have and NEVER will, 107lbs down in 6 months shows you don't have to eat them back to get results, and no, I haven't lost any muscle mass, I've gained loads of muscle over the last few months! :drinker:

Celo24

No.... don't do it . Exercising doesn't mean you should go and eat more food. You exercised to get rid of those calories

Someone finally sees sense!
The whole exercise calories thing is the only part I really don't like on this site, you go to your doctor and tell them your going to work off 500 calories just to eat them all back a few hours later, he would think you are mad....

I never have and NEVER will, 107lbs down in 6 months shows you don't have to eat them back to get results, and no, I haven't lost any muscle mass, I've gained loads of muscle over the last few months! :drinker:

I would agree that your doctor would say you're nuts in that situation. However, what you aren't factoring in there is the deficit that MFP already gives you. THAT is why you eat the exercise calories. Having too much of a deficit can be dangerous. Too many people either forget about the MFP deficit already being in there or don't realize it in the first place. Good for you that you have done such a great job. You definitely deserve to be proud. But the majority of the people using this site need to eat those calories in order to achieve their goals.

SHBoss1673

No.... don't do it . Exercising doesn't mean you should go and eat more food. You exercised to get rid of those calories

Someone finally sees sense!
The whole exercise calories thing is the only part I really don't like on this site, you go to your doctor and tell them your going to work off 500 calories just to eat them all back a few hours later, he would think you are mad....

I never have and NEVER will, 107lbs down in 6 months shows you don't have to eat them back to get results, and no, I haven't lost any muscle mass, I've gained loads of muscle over the last few months! :drinker:

couple of things here. Firstly, yes, if you just walk into your doctors office and tell him "I'm trying to lose weight, so I'm exercising to burn X calories and then eating those calories back." of course he/she is going to question your methods. That's why you first must explain that MFP assigns you a calorie deficit regardless of whether you exercise or not. If you do so, and tell your doctor that you're planning to lose X number of lbs a week and will be eating at a Y deficit to do so, and exercising will be extra calories, then I'll bet he/she changes their tune.
@FK, if you think it's wrong to do this, then I suggest that you maybe don't fully understand the model that MFP uses. MFP works, trust me, I've analyzed this method up and down, and as a personal trainer, I understand the in's and outs of exercise and calorie burn. Whether or not you lost weight using a different method is irrelevant (and I'm not belittling your success, I congratulate you for it wholeheartedly), the method espoused by MFP is perfectly valid and healthy. I submit that it's actually more healthy than most plans if you set your plan up correctly as it forces you to think not only about gross calories (a mistake many make) but NET calories, which is far more relevant to weight loss.

Aside from that, I would also like to give you an open offer to confer with me in private email as to your other concepts, there are some things you should probably know that it sounds like you may not be aware of.

best wishes,

-Banks

FK1983

couple of things here. Firstly, yes, if you just walk into your doctors office and tell him "I'm trying to lose weight, so I'm exercising to burn X calories and then eating those calories back." of course he/she is going to question your methods. That's why you first must explain that MFP assigns you a calorie deficit regardless of whether you exercise or not. If you do so, and tell your doctor that you're planning to lose X number of lbs a week and will be eating at a Y deficit to do so, and exercising will be extra calories, then I'll bet he/she changes their tune.
@FK, if you think it's wrong to do this, then I suggest that you maybe don't fully understand the model that MFP uses. MFP works, trust me, I've analyzed this method up and down, and as a personal trainer, I understand the in's and outs of exercise and calorie burn. Whether or not you lost weight using a different method is irrelevant (and I'm not belittling your success, I congratulate you for it wholeheartedly), the method espoused by MFP is perfectly valid and healthy. I submit that it's actually more healthy than most plans if you set your plan up correctly as it forces you to think not only about gross calories (a mistake many make) but NET calories, which is far more relevant to weight loss.

Aside from that, I would also like to give you an open offer to confer with me in private email as to your other concepts, there are some things you should probably know that it sounds like you may not be aware of.

best wishes,

-Banks

I fully understand the model and everything about the way in which it works but going by past personal experience, I have fully tried and tested BOTH ways, first was eating the exercise calories a few years ago, and then there is my current plan which does NOT allow ANY exercise calories to be eaten.

Results for me?
First diet/plan (eating exercise calories) - Total lost was 25lbs over 6 months
Current diet/plan (not eating exercise calories) - Total lost so far 109lbs in 6 months

It's also worth noting that last time I gained back all the weight within a year, we will see how well I do this time but I am more than confident that I will be staying at my ideal weight for a long time yet.


I am currently by far in the best shape I have EVER been in, something I thought was not possible for me, I exercise everyday, eat well but healthy, always have lots of energy ready to use, I also have more muscle then I thought possible, so yeah, I'm more than impressed in the way my plan has gone, a plan which doesn't allow you to eat back your exercise calories.

I'm not saying the mfp way doesn't work but I'm also making it clear that other ways can work just as well if not better, sorry if that is hard to accept.

SHBoss1673

I fully understand the model and everything about the way in which it works but going by past personal experience, I have fully tried and tested BOTH ways, first was eating the exercise calories a few years ago, and then there is my current plan which does NOT allow ANY exercise calories to be eaten.

Results for me?
First diet/plan (eating exercise calories) - Total lost was 25lbs over 6 months
Current diet/plan (not eating exercise calories) - Total lost so far 109lbs in 6 months

It's also worth noting that last time I gained back all the weight within a year, we will see how well I do this time but I am more than confident that I will be staying at my ideal weight for a long time yet.


I am currently by far in the best shape I have EVER been in, something I thought was not possible for me, I exercise everyday, eat well but healthy, always have lots of energy ready to use, I also have more muscle then I thought possible, so yeah, I'm more than impressed in the way my plan has gone, a plan which doesn't allow you to eat back your exercise calories.

I'm not saying the mfp way doesn't work but I'm also making it clear that other ways can work just as well if not better, sorry if that is hard to accept.

the reason why I posted is because you implied, rather strenuously, that the mfp way didn't work. I.E. you said

QUOTE:

"Someone finally sees sense!
The whole exercise calories thing is the only part I really don't like on this site, you go to your doctor and tell them your going to work off 500 calories just to eat them all back a few hours later, he would think you are mad....

I never have and NEVER will, 107lbs down in 6 months shows you don't have to eat them back to get results, and no, I haven't lost any muscle mass, I've gained loads of muscle over the last few months! "

Now, regardless of what you meant, read this back and really look at it. To the impartial observer, you are basically saying that eating exercise calories is "mad" (first paragraph)
and
the remainder makes it sound like you don't think the method works at all.

All I'm requesting is to please be aware that this site is built around a method, a method that works, you can choose to use it or not, but cheering someone on (I.E. you said "Someone finally sees sense!") for denouncing our method is just not very forum friendly IMHO.
If you want to use other methods for weight loss, fine, I'm glad you can find a way that works for you. But please try to refrain from denigrating the method that this site is built around.

regards,
Banks

FK1983

the reason why I posted is because you implied, rather strenuously, that the mfp way didn't work. I.E. you said

QUOTE:

"Someone finally sees sense!
The whole exercise calories thing is the only part I really don't like on this site, you go to your doctor and tell them your going to work off 500 calories just to eat them all back a few hours later, he would think you are mad....

I never have and NEVER will, 107lbs down in 6 months shows you don't have to eat them back to get results, and no, I haven't lost any muscle mass, I've gained loads of muscle over the last few months! "

Now, regardless of what you meant, read this back and really look at it. To the impartial observer, you are basically saying that eating exercise calories is "mad" (first paragraph)
and
the remainder makes it sound like you don't think the method works at all.

All I'm requesting is to please be aware that this site is built around a method, a method that works, you can choose to use it or not, but cheering someone on (I.E. you said "Someone finally sees sense!") for denouncing our method is just not very forum friendly IMHO.
If you want to use other methods for weight loss, fine, I'm glad you can find a way that works for you. But please try to refrain from denigrating the method that this site is built around.

regards,
Banks

As your well aware, each and every member on this site is entitled to their own views and opinions whether you agree to them or not as long as it doesn't break any of the sites rules, I will not change this stance because you don't like it.

And to be clear, I have NEVER said the MFP plan doesn't work, I said other ways can work just as well and sometimes better (in my experience), I have never stopped anyone from going ahead with the MFP plan but at the same time I will not hide the fact that I have done very well with losing weight using another method but whilst still using MFP to track food/exercise etc.

I have never slagged the MFP plan off or any other plan for that matter so please don't put words in my mouth, I will however double check how I word things in future for the more sensitive members here.

SHBoss1673

As your well aware, each and every member on this site is entitled to their own views and opinions whether you agree to them or not as long as it doesn't break any of the sites rules, I will not change this stance because you don't like it.

And to be clear, I have NEVER said the MFP plan doesn't work, I said other ways can work just as well and sometimes better (in my experience), I have never stopped anyone from going ahead with the MFP plan but at the same time I will not hide the fact that I have done very well with losing weight using another method but whilst still using MFP to track food/exercise etc.

I have never slagged the MFP plan off or any other plan for that matter so please don't put words in my mouth...

respectfully,

I quoted you on every point I made, so I don't believe I put words in your mouth. I think I clearly stated that the implications of your original post were that you were agreeing with the fact that someone else doesn't eat exercise calories. If that wasn't what you were doing, please correct me. For the record, I stated throughout my reply that you are entitled to your opinion. I don't know why you would think that I said otherwise. Again I'm simply saying that in the context of MFP, exercise calories are not built into the program that this site uses, they are add-ons, and as such I am only asking that you be mindful of that when you make replies like your first one. I make no judgement, and am attempting to force no strategy on anyone. If someone wants to use MFP for the calorie counter alone, and use a different formula for their calorie deficit, that's perfectly fine, but that's not how this site implements it's plan, and as such, it can be extremely confusing to new members just looking to learn the system. I have those new members in mind when I make these requests.

starsnyc21

I have a question...if MFP is asking you how much you plan to work out on a weekly basis, is it taking that infor consideration when calculating how much you should eat. I'm a little confused.:noway:

SHBoss1673

I have a question...if MFP is asking you how much you plan to work out on a weekly basis, is it taking that infor consideration when calculating how much you should eat. I'm a little confused.:noway:

no, you have to put your exercise in when you do it. That is only a planning tool for you, it doesn't actually add those calories until you put them in manually.

FK1983

respectfully,

I quoted you on every point I made, so I don't believe I put words in your mouth. I think I clearly stated that the implications of your original post were that you were agreeing with the fact that someone else doesn't eat exercise calories. If that wasn't what you were doing, please correct me. For the record, I stated throughout my reply that you are entitled to your opinion. I don't know why you would think that I said otherwise. Again I'm simply saying that in the context of MFP, exercise calories are not built into the program that this site uses, they are add-ons, and as such I am only asking that you be mindful of that when you make replies like your first one. I make no judgement, and am attempting to force no strategy on anyone. If someone wants to use MFP for the calorie counter alone, and use a different formula for their calorie deficit, that's perfectly fine, but that's not how this site implements it's plan, and as such, it can be extremely confusing to new members just looking to learn the system. I have those new members in mind when I make these requests.

:flowerforyou:

MrsChristinaG

wow this is great, and the whole time... i thought that if i worked out, i got to reward myself with MORE food, but still at or below my daily budget lol.

sandypops

Great post as was also wondering...................

Can someone tell me what Bump means????????????? lol

SHBoss1673

Great post as was also wondering...................

Can someone tell me what Bump means????????????? lol

it's just an internet forum thing, it's a way to bring a topic back to the top of the list.

leperleopard

This is very helpful... I wasnt quite sure what i should do before!
Over the summer i was on swim team, and burned about 800 calories a day. I never ate back any of the calories, and even ate under what MFP suggested as my calorie intake.
Its no wonder i completely failed and almost puked at my championship match! Thanks for the GREAT information!

HaleyAlli

This is so smart and I LOVE the way this site does it! Counting calories was so hard and frustrating before and actually made me overeat because I got hungry thinking about everything I was eating. Now it's SUPER easy and I know I'll get great results because they've done all the math for me! Thanks to you and all who have helped explain this to me!

wannabefree

This is so awesome to know! I was of the belief the fewer the calories the better! I've heard of your body going into starvation mode but never really paid too much attention to that and figured eventually my body would give in and start losing. I've been limiting my calories and working out like crazy and keep wondering why the weight isnt just falling off! I actually gained 2 pounds over the weekend. I bought a new scale about 3 weeks ago and only lost 3 pounds after working out every day. I'm going to try and eat more and see what happens! Thanks!!!!!

duckychic

bump

1ArmyMom1

Very well put... I just signed up on here a couple of days ago & you explained that perfectly. And thanks for putting (please read if you are new!!) because it caught my eye. )

babygurl48

bump

ezgoingal2

Thank you so much for posting this information. I was becoming very, very confused about whether to eat the calories back or if it's an added bonus to burn, burn more calories and eat just the 1200 per day. I have been at this since November and had lost 13 lbs but have gained 5 of those back over the past 3 months......i couldn't figure out why.

ccrams2

bump

atomdraco

bump

zornig

I am curious as to how this supposedly works for those who burn 8,000 or more calories in exercise per week. The volume alone makes it nearly impossible to "replace" all of those calories.

I cycle 5 times per week--last week was 9 hours on the bike, and 135 miles cycles. In my own case, MFP has suggested I eat 1600 calories per day to achieve 1 lb of weight loss per week, based on having a "lightly active" BMR. There are days when I burn 2000 or more calories cycling. On days like that, I'll probably eat 2000 calories (gross, not net), which still leaves me waaaay in negative land. Am I starving myself? I wouldn't think so...

SHBoss1673

I am curious as to how this supposedly works for those who burn 8,000 or more calories in exercise per week. The volume alone makes it nearly impossible to "replace" all of those calories.

I cycle 5 times per week--last week was 9 hours on the bike, and 135 miles cycles. In my own case, MFP has suggested I eat 1600 calories per day to achieve 1 lb of weight loss per week, based on having a "lightly active" BMR. There are days when I burn 2000 or more calories cycling. On days like that, I'll probably eat 2000 calories (gross, not net), which still leaves me waaaay in negative land. Am I starving myself? I wouldn't think so...

can't answer that as we don't know how much fat you have available for energy. The answer is... Maybe, but maybe not. It's not an all or nothing situation, you could be slightly into starvation mode, or you could be heavily into it and burning lots of muscle mass. Really, we can't know.

ladyhawk00

Bump

Jessicapages

Bump