Burning what I ate today tomorrow?

stephabef

For the first time in 26 days, I will be going over 1200 calories. I'm trying to be okay with it, because I do want to have a couple of Strongbows and kick back, but the perfectionist in me sees this as failure.

My question is - if I burn off the extra calories I consume today with my workout tomorrow, then not eat my exercise calories, will I not have done any damage? I'm only going over by 200-300 calories today (no more than 3 beers). I don't want to feel guilty tonight, and knowing I can make it right would certainly help!

JamesonsMommy

It's just one day hon Don't let it get you down.. Just don't let it happen again lol Everyone has one day when they may go over a little.. Sometimes it actually helps your diet..

ilookthetype

MFP has a built in deficit of 500 calories so even by going over 2-300 calories you'll still be under by 3/200 calories. Make sense?

WifeMomDVM

Honestly, it's all in your head, but if it helps you feel better, I indulged in a Creme Brulee this week (680 cals) and while getting my fanny out of bed at 5 am the next morning to run on the elliptical for 45 minutes to burn 360 calories, did help me feel better, I don't know if it "erased" it or not.

But I enjoyed it and moved on. You should too. Your going to have days (I have lots) where your food diary doesn't fit neatly and perfectly into your allotted requirements. It doesn't mean you're a failure, just human.

Just don't make it a habit and you'll be fine!

stephabef

Thanks, guys! I've been so strict with myself, but the goal is to be healthy, which is body/mind/soul... it definitely won't become a habit, but I'll enjoy it.

LorinaLynn

MFP has a built in deficit of 500 calories so even by going over 2-300 calories you'll still be under by 3/200 calories. Make sense?

Yes this. And that's assuming you're set at 1# a week. If your settings are for 1.5 or 2# a week, that's a deficit of 750 or 1000 calories a day.

Going over by 200-300 is not something you need to erase. In fact, your body might say, "THANK YOU!!!!" and drop more weight this week because of it. (Maybe not immediately... you might see a temporary gain, and that's normal.)

stephabef

MFP has a built in deficit of 500 calories so even by going over 2-300 calories you'll still be under by 3/200 calories. Make sense?

I had no idea! This is really good to know; thank you!

ninelives58

Oh my goodness, I go over by that amount quite often. I just make sure to eat light the next day and/or exercise a bit more. I've lost 20 pounds in 3 1/2 months so it' working. This is a lifetime "diet" plan, so try not to feel guilty when you enjoy these little indulgences from time to time or you'll go crazy!

sandi228

See what your maintenance calories are and as long as you don't go over them you are fine. You probably are good for a 1lb loss with what you're at now. I keep myself set at maintenance and manage not to go over that. I've maintained since July and had 3lbs loss in past 3 weeks.

stephabef

How do you look at your maintenance calories?

LorinaLynn

Go here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/account/my_goals

"Calories Burned From Normal Daily Activity," on the right hand side of the page, is what it would take to maintain your current weight, not including calories burned from exercise. As long as you're below that, you're still going to lose.

sandi228

How do you look at your maintenance calories?

You goto goals and change it to lose zero per week, to maintain the weight you are at now.