Confused...

lilsassymom

On my home page it says my net calories is 1037. My goal is 1200 calories. However, if I eat anything else I WILL go over on some like carbs or protein (as I have already planned and logged my dinner and snacks for the day). However, I don't think eating under 1200 is healthy right? So do I go over on my daily allotment of protein and carbs or do I go under on my net calories in order to properly lose weight? Sorry, I am new to this site .

It says this:

GOAL: 1200
Food: 1473
Exercise: -436
= net: 1037

Jennloella

You've gotta plan out foods that fall within your nutrient guidelines.....low fat high fiber, low sodium. Or you can adjust your goals for it all......a couple bad choices can definitely put you over sugar or fat quicker than you will hit your calorie mark.

4thehardman

You have already eaten your RDA (according to MFP calculations for weight loss) and some of your exercise calories back. I'd say thats pretty spot on. You don't have to eat your exercise calories all the way (although they are the ones that taste the best!),
My advice, if you are hungry then have a small something to eat. Don't ignore your body. You have some breathing space on those calories because MFP calculates a deficit already. I'm interested that you have that all magical 1200, is that the goal that MFP set you?

TranceGirl

Are you hungry? If not, I would stop eating for the day. In my experience and everyone else I have talked to on MFP, eating back all of your workout calories only makes me/us maintain weight. Keep in mind that weight loss is 80% diet and 20% exercise.

good luck!

summersk

If you are doing any type of muscle building exercise you want to be sure to get plenty of protein in you daily intake or your body will start taking what it needs from other less used muscles causing major problems later on down the road. And no I do not think you should be eating less than 1200 cals in a day.

moriaht

Don't worry about going over in things like protein and fiber. And you will NEVER get every single number perfect. You will always be over or under on some things. Don't worry about it. It just gets you to look at the food your eating differently, and maybe the thing with high carbs you shouldn't eat as often? You don't have to follow it thaattt closely in my opinion.

janeinspain

that's a difference due to exercise. if you're not hungry, you don't need to eat more. if you are, just try to eat more protein (the MFP protein is set too low anyway). either way, you can't attain the goals each and every day. it's ok to be over on some stuff - even calories. it's a long process, so nobody expects perfection.

sjtreely

I would go over with protein and carbs. MFP guidlines are "dumb." They don't adjust to your workouts, etc. I can probably count the number of days on one hand when I've been under with the sugar count because I eat about 4-5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day. I don't let that bother me.

I find I need more protein when I workout - especially if it's an extended workout.

Some days I eat back all my exercise calories (some days even more). But for the most part, if I'm not hungry I don't eat them back.

rockerbabyy

do you have protein, fat and carbs set at custom levels, or just what mfp set? the protein can be a bit low by default..
its not really as much of a big deal if you go over macros as long as you dont go over calories. obviously if its something like sodium youll wanna drink more water

amandavictoria80

It is absolutely fine to go over your protein. I always go way over.

You can find some low carb food or snacks to fill that gap.

xsmilexforxmex

I was told a general rule is calories in calories out. you need the other stuff, its good and everything but when it comes down to it it's the calories that matter most in weight loss. Healthy calories are better yeah but don't get so caught up in the carbs and other details you over or under do your calories.. just pick something with less carbs and protein so you only go over a little.

geminigirl1979

You want to NET 1200.

MinnieInMaine

Definitely fine to go over on protein, especially since you're active. As far as fats and carbs are concerned, I feel the same way about them as I do about sugars. As long as they're mostly from healthy sources (meaning things like fresh fruits/veg, yogurt, nuts, seeds, whole grains, etc) then I don't see a problem with those numbers being in the red now and then.

LindseyDD

I honestly don't pay that much attention to my NET CALORIES - there are days that I will eat 1400-1600 calories but then have a 800 calorie burn at the gym leaving me with a NET of 600-800 calories and I am totally fine with that. I have eaten well over the recommended 1200 I feel good and I had a great workout.

I say if you have eaten 1200 for the day and your workout made your net calories low go with it - unless you are hungry or feel like you need something to eat then of course eat, but I say job well done!

Cfkearney

I eat over on protein every single day. But I'm also under my calories, not by a lot, but under. I am not as strict about watching all of my numbers as some people are. I don't even have fiber and sugar on my tracker. I am not in anyway saying keeping track of all that is a bad idea. It really works for a lot of people. I also don't know the difference between micro and macro and all that stuff. I don't always eat my calories back but sometimes I do. It depends on if I'm hungry. I've been doing really well since signing up. My point is - different things work for different people. What is important is that you find something that works for you that leaves you feeling strong and not depleted. Going a little over your calories once in a while is not a bad thing necessarily either. Sometimes your body needs a little more in order tell itself "hey we have more energy to burn". In my opinion, as long as you stick to eating the healthy foods and exercise you'll be just fine. The more we learn about good foods vs. bad foods and portion control and all that - the more we learn how to listen to our bodies and what it really needs.

lilsassymom

I'm interested that you have that all magical 1200, is that the goal that MFP set you?

Why is 1200 magical may I ask? Remember I am a newbie as of Monday of last week so I am still trying to figure everything out..,I have it set to lose 1 1/2 lbs a week and 1200 is what MFP set for me. However, I also looked into the RECOMMENDED 1 lb a week and MFP recommendation was 1210 calories---so only a difference of 10 calories a day. So, I figured since its only an extra 10 calories a day it shouldn't be that big of a deal so that's why I am doing 1 1/2 lb loss a week.....

Thanks for all the replies .