New to counting calories

melonielong

This is my very first time counting calories and such. Am I supposed to hit my caloric intake or do I want to come in under goal? I am currently on a 1200 calorie a day diet, but I work out as well. It is almost dinner time and I am almost 772 calories short of 1200 (I burned almost 600 calories at the gym). I am confused on how this works. Please help!!!

jfaure23

Here you are expected to eat back your exercise cals so that your net calories equal 1200. This is because MFP has already provided a deficit for weight loss.

melonielong

Okay thank you! I was so confused on how that worked. I guess I will have to try to eat more through out the day so I am not stuck with 800 calories at night time.