To snack or not to snack...that is the question

MarissaCB39

I find myself snacking consistently during the day and as a result it increases my caloric intake.

My calories should not exceed 1,200 for a two pound weight loss per week however for the past two or three days I've gone up to 1,550, I do exercise so I'm given "extra" calories for exercising but I want to stay at the 1,200 limit. Any suggestions on snacking?
I usually snack on almonds, Kashi grain bars, seasame rice crackers, persian cucumbers and cottage cheese. I've stayed very healthy, no potato chips, cookies or anything high in saturated fats

Awkward30

I don't know how much you have to lose, but if your calorie goal is that low, it probably isn't that much? You probably should be on 1 lb/week and snacking away.

Personally, eating 1200 makes me hungry and unable to perform as well as I like to in the gym and in everyday life, so I know that for me, I need to eat at least 1500-1800. Which means a 1 lb per week loss and making myself keep active so I can eat

MarissaCB39

I want to lose 35-40 pounds.

JesterMFP

The point of the "1200 limit" set by MFP is that you eat back your exercise calories. That's how MFP works. Other programmes that don't make you eat back your exercise calories would set you at a higher limit to start with. Your body is probably not getting enough fuel and is asking you for more food, via snacks.

For losing 35-40 lbs, a goal of 2 lb per week is probably a little too agressive. 1 lb a week is probably more appropriate. The 2 lb a week standard is more for people who are very obese.

cmriverside

It sounds as if you are not eating enough.

Use the site as it is set up. Don't over-think this. Re-evaluate in a month. In the meantime, educate yourself. There are lots of conflicting ways to figure your calories. This site does a good job if you use it honestly and don't be too aggressive.

If you have 75+ lbs to lose 2 lbs/week is ideal,
If you have 40-75 lbs to lose 1.5 lbs/week is ideal,
If you have 25-40 lbs to lose 1 lbs/week is ideal,
If you have 15 -25 lbs to lose 0.5 to 1.0 lbs/week is ideal, and
If you have less than 15 lbs to lose 0.5 lbs/week is ideal.

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From the MFP BMR calculator page:

"Our calculator uses the Mifflin-St. Jeor equations to estimate your BMR which is believed to be more accurate than the more commonly used Harris-Benedict equation."

These are the Mifflin-St. Jeor equations (weight in kilograms, the height in centimeters, and the age in years):
from: http://www.freedieting.com/calorie_needs.html

Men
10 x weight (kg) + 6.25 x height (cm) - 5 x age (y) + 5

Women
10 x weight (kg) + 6.25 x height (cm) - 5 x age (y) - 161.

YOU are responsible for choosing an accurate activity rate. Don't try to speed up the process by choosing "Sedentary" just because it is an option.

Almost no one is Sedentary. If you care for children at home, or go to school or have ANY type of job, you are not Sedentary. Choose accordingly.

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The reason this site, Myfitnesspal, uses the Mifflin-St. Jeor equations is because this site allows you more flexibility in your added exercise. In reality, some people will not get much if any real exercise, and MFPal gives you the option to add this in as needed.

That is why the Mifflin-St. Joer equation is a better tool than the more commonly used Harris-Benedict equation.


Eat those calories earned by exercise.

jenniferpowell1980

They say when your hungry to try drinking a glass of water first to see if we are actually thirsty not hungry. The obvious answer to low calorie snacking would be fruit and raw veg in a dip. Maybe buy an unusaul fruit you havent tried before to make it more intresting. x

andreanicole686

Is it 1200 NET calories? Of course it's good to refuel after a workout. Snacking is great it helps speed up your metabolism and keeps you from eating really large meals. I snack all day!

MostlyWater

I think the question should be, Are you hu8ngry?

MarissaCB39

Thank you, I'll look into that and try to keep it at 1 lb per week and not be too aggressive. I am keeping a very accurate account of my food so when I snack and I see it's 140-150 calorie increase and I think, "great! I haven't even had lunch!!"

MarissaCB39

yes, I eat only when i'm hungry