Do we eat the calories back that we burn off

MissMaryMac33

Just eat at least 1200/day, then whatever you WANT to from the calories earned from working out. I usually stick to the 1200/day and try not to eat my workout calories. It's been working good for me

I wish people would get 1200 out of their mind. This is not some magic number --- this is a VERY low number for most people and it happens to just be the lowest number MFP will ever give. If they let you choose to lose 5lbs a week and eat 500 calories people would start thinking that was the magic number. If you do your settings right and choose the right goals -- very few people would see 1200. Usually its those under 5' tall who are already very thin, or thoe with 75+ lbs to lose because they can choose 2lbs a week..

I am 5'4" and I have mine set to lose .5 lbs per week and my calories are set at 1210. From the beginning they were set at 1200. I think its a more common number on here than you think.

I'm 5'4 with it set to lose .5lbs a week too -- but mine is 1,430. I put my weight at 160 with goal of 145. I put sedentary because I have a desk job. I track my exercise and eat most of it back.

If I plug in your stats --- 170 with goal of 130 and to lose 1/2lbs a week at age 30 -- I get that yours is actually 1600 at sedentary.
If you got 1200 you may have chosen something other than lose 1/2 lb.

tisamg

It is confusing... the site was designed for you to eat the calories back. However, as stated above, the calories burned can be high on here, so if you don't use a Heart Rate Monitor, you might not want to eat all of them. I had the same question when I first started, so I think the site might try to explain it better when you sign up. Just a thought.

And there is no such thing as a stupid question. Keep asking!!! Knowledge is key to success Most members are very supportive and will at least send you in the right direction to find the answers you need.

AngieMoore1975

Well said! Thanks...I am fairly new to MFP and I haven't really searched topics yet, just something I was curious about and so I threw it out there. Thanks!

AngieMoore1975

Thank you!

marycmeadows

YES! You are supposed to eat them! In fact, if you have a good workout, you're supposed to have a 200-300 calorie snack within 30 minutes of finishing your workout. FEED THE MACHINE!

AngieMoore1975

I have a eleven year old. I can't recall how many times I have told him to turn of the light, or flush the toilet, or close the front door. Kind of similar isn't it? How many time do you have to repeat the obvious? Please listen, check older posts and stop asking stupid questions.

AngieMoore1975

Asking "stupid" questions was not my intention. I thought getting feed back from others is why we are all here. If someone thinks a question is stupid then no need to reply at all. I am looking for positve and healthy feed back. For all of you who have done so thank you for your help. I appreciate it!

AngieMoore1975

Got lots of good comments and info...thanks everyone!

jgilhen

I have a eleven year old. I can't recall how many times I have told him to turn of the light, or flush the toilet, or close the front door. Kind of similar isn't it? How many time do you have to repeat the obvious? Please listen, check older posts and stop asking stupid questions.

There's nothing wrong with asking questions. If your annoyed then please don't click on the post or reply with stupid responses.

jgilhen

Asking "stupid" questions was not my intention. I thought getting feed back from others is why we are all here. If someone thinks a question is stupid then no need to reply at all. I am looking for positve and healthy feed back. For all of you who have done so thank you for your help. I appreciate it!

It's not a stupid question. I was wondering the same thing and it did help to read all the other feedback and find out what works for others. Good post if you ask me!