Question

boringdanielle

Okay I am new to this site and when I log my good and exercise it gives me more calories than I am originally assigned. I am confused which of the calories am I suppose to consume pre exercise or post exericise. Thanks for all your help.

Atlantique

When MFP calculates your goals, it aims to keep you at a consistent calorie deficit. The deficit is built into your daily calorie goal, and MFP wants it to remain the same whether you exercise or not. So when you log your exercise, MFP adds those calories back into your daily calorie goal. MFP would like you to meet the calorie goal every day, so yes, that means eating the higher number of calories on days that you exercise. You should be focused on the NET calories.

There are literally hundreds of threads dedicated to whether one should eat exercise calories. I won't get into that again here as it's been covered ad nauseum, but I eat about half of mine usually.

1234lbsgone

MFP calculates your deficit based on the info you put in. You get a baseline number to stick to and not go below. Then when you exercize, you add calories that you can eat. It's kind of like you are working for your food. You definately want to eat those calories. Don't aim to stay at your baseline, your body needs fuel and MFP has already calculated your loss for you. Eat at least 75% back. Some days will be different. I know when I work out, I want to eat more because my metabolism is on fire and needs fuel.

And to make sure you are at the correct deficit, read this:

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

Stick to it and your golden.