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Can I just...

lilsassymom
lilsassymom Posts: 407 Member
edited October 2024 in Food and Nutrition
According to MFP if I net 1200 calories I can lose 1 lb a week. If I net 1440 calories I can lose .5 lbs a week. I am thinking 1200 calories is too low (since my BMR is 1252) and I am thinking 1440 might be a tad high. Can I just net somewhere between 1200-1440 calories and lose weight? I am thinking I will at least eat my BMR which is 1252 and just go from there and make sure I don't exceed 1440 calories. Will that work?

Also, when trying to lose weight we need to NET a certain amount when we exercise correct? If for example, I wanted to go with 1252 ---that would be what I would aim for AFTER exercise? Say if I exercise -200 calories, then I need to consume 1452?

Replies

  • MikeSEA
    MikeSEA Posts: 1,074 Member
    If you're asking whether or not you can lose weight while in a deficit, the answer is yes. The rate at which you lose will depend on a number of factors.

    If you're asking whether or not you should eat back your exercise calories, I'll just say that MFP suggests that you do. The accuracy of how much you're actually burning becomes pretty important, though.
  • lilsassymom
    lilsassymom Posts: 407 Member
    Thank you. I was just making sure I understood what MFP was saying. I appreciate your help:smile: .
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    FYI, your BMR is the # of calories your body needs for basic functions - as if you were in a coma. That # has nothing to do with your daily calorie goal. The # you want to look at for that is...if you go to My Home then Goals, the top # on the right is your estimated calories burned from normal daily activity. This is based on your BMR plus the # of calories they assume you'll use just walking around or even sitting based on whether you said you're activity level is (sedentary, lightly active, etc).

    MFP takes this # of calories burned from normal daily activity and uses that to figure how how much of a calorie deficit you need in order to lose the amount of weight you want.

    Also, you can customize your goals so if you'd like, you can pick a # between 1200 and 1440 and use that. I've had a customized calorie goal for months now because I don't find the standards work well for me. Since you have less to lose, the 1/2 pound per week goal is more reasonable for you.
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