could my working conditions change my activity level?

olivia3263

So I am a teacher (a music teacher) in a k-8 school. I am fairly active throughout the day- not really sitting - and then direct choral groups and plays after school - all in all I am in my teaching classroom (the auditorium) for about 46 hours a week. Then I spend another portion after school traveling to different homes (walking) to give piano lessons - another 6 hours a week.

Anyway, my problem is: since the weather has gotten colder, so has the auditorium where I spend 99%of my time. It's on the other side of the building from the furnace and gets NO heat. NONE. It is sooooo freezing, and I complain to the office all the time, but there's not a whole lot they can do. I used to have a space heater but the fire department came and took it away (fire hazard). Anyway, in the past before I discovered how important eating enough calories was, I would get sick like at least 5 times a year.

I've been layering and bundling up, but it's literally like working outside. Anyway, I'm wondering if my body requires more calories when I'm working in the cold. I had a "cheat day" yesterday and ate more calories than usual, and today I'm not as cold at work.

Right now I'm set to "lightly active" - do you think I should try changing it to "active" to see if that is a better fit?

PS - I also run 40-45 miles a week, and don't have much to lose - maybe 10 pounds. I'm set to lose half a pound right now and eat all my exercise calories.

Sidesteal

Right now I'm set to "lightly active" - do you think I should try changing it to "active" to see if that is a better fit?

Based on a change in environmental temperature, no, but it doesn't mean it's not a good idea for other reasons.

PS - I also run 40-45 miles a week,

Such as this.

olivia3263

Even if I log those calories burned from running? I've often wondered about that. I've heard that if I run that much my bmr is higher, even at rest. I've been toting with the idea of switching to active - maybe I'll try it... It's nice to feel warmer at work - and all I did was eat more.

Angelabec

I do remember reading or hearing something about being cold burns more calories, but I have no idea how true that is. However, the simple fact is that the only way that you are going to find out is to try it. What works for one person doesn't necessarily work for others, and while I know you won't want to sabotage your efforts, personally I would rather maintain for the really cold months and be more comfortable, and get back to the weight loss when it warms up a bit.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Sidesteal

Even if I log those calories burned from running? I've often wondered about that. I've heard that if I run that much my bmr is higher, even at rest. I've been toting with the idea of switching to active - maybe I'll try it... It's nice to feel warmer at work - and all I did was eat more.

I was too vague in my reply. What I was getting at is that you shouldn't change it based on temperature, but that if you have other reasons to increase cals, then go for it.

As far as your exercise, since you're eating exercise calories and logging it then this should account for your running.

Your decision to up calories should be based on how you feel AND on how your progress has been over the past 4-6 weeks or so. Are you losing weight very close to the goal you have set?

olivia3263

Even if I log those calories burned from running? I've often wondered about that. I've heard that if I run that much my bmr is higher, even at rest. I've been toting with the idea of switching to active - maybe I'll try it... It's nice to feel warmer at work - and all I did was eat more.

I was too vague in my reply. What I was getting at is that you shouldn't change it based on temperature, but that if you have other reasons to increase cals, then go for it.

As far as your exercise, since you're eating exercise calories and logging it then this should account for your running.

Your decision to up calories should be based on how you feel AND on how your progress has been over the past 4-6 weeks or so. Are you losing weight very close to the goal you have set?

No I understand. I am close to my goal - about 10 pounds away, so the pounds are coming off - but at a snail's pace. I was at a plateau forever, and then spent 2 weeks at maintenance (sometimes above) and then after a week back on a 250 deficit I lost a pound. But I noticed this week that all my signs of my metabolism slowing down again were coming back (hence the cheat day yesterday) - and I'm not as cold today. I've only been on a deficit for about 10 days since my break.

Anyway, I do think I'm severely over-thinking this. As long as I don't gain, I'm happy. I already eat a lot so I don't think I should eat more (2200 - 2600). I get very cranky if I go less than that though with all the running. I guess I'll just figure it out day by day. Thanks for the help