what is calorie deficit ?

n0pants3ver

This may sound like a stupid question but i dont get it ! i've asked before but still never understood? can someone put it into like newbie language for me?

Walt75

Let's see if I'm right. You have a maximum amount of calories your body needs to function. then you eat less than what your maximum calories are and that's a defecit.

cmriverside

This is a great explanation:

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

Zakth

Well a Calorie Deficit is the difference between the calories you eat and the calories you burn from exercise. If you eat 1,500 calories in one day but you burn 1,000 calories from exercise then your deficit (or difference) is 500. It is recommended by some that you create a deficit of 500 each day by exercising so that you will lose an average of 1lb per week.

MsLisaB

When MFP refers to your calories deficit, this is the difference between the number of calories you would need to eat to maintain your current weight and the number of calories MFP sets as your target.

Calories required to maintain current weight - MFP Target Calories = Calorie deficit

For example, my current maintenance calories are 1630. My MFP Target is 1380. Therefore 1630 - 1380 = 250 calorie deficit.

Did that help?

Celo24

Well a Calorie Deficit is the difference between the calories you eat and the calories you burn from exercise. If you eat 1,500 calories in one day but you burn 1,000 calories from exercise then your deficit (or difference) is 500. It is recommended by some that you create a deficit of 500 each day by exercising so that you will lose an average of 1lb per week.

That's true, but please keep in mind that MFP already builds that deficit in for you when they come up with your target goal. Don't fall short by an additional 500 because then you could potentially run the risk of not eating enough and not getting enough fuel for your body.

marindak

every answer is completely different. i think i'm more confused than you now! :huh: