Need help with activity level definition

skinnylion

Hi guys! I'm trying to calculate my TDEE more accurately, but I don't know what activity multiplier I should choose because I find it hard to draw the line between work activity and "working out". For example, right now I'm working a summer job at a farm and I spend a good amount of time being outside, walking, bending over, etc. What should that qualify as?

Last week went something like this:
- Tuesday: Lots of standing, light walking, about 1 hour of hoeing
- Wednesday: 2 hours of hoeing in the morning, maybe some standing
- Thursday: 4 hours of outside work involving bending over, walking (was thinning corn plants and putting in stakes)
- Friday: 4 hours of pepper planting
- Saturday: Shopping and trying on clothes (2 hours)
- Sunday: Grocery shopping, clothes shopping, and a 40-minute walk around the neighborhood

If it helps, I'm 5'5" 170lbs and have a sedentary TDEE of 2080 calories. My goal weight is 145lbs. I've recently come to the realization that my weight loss should be slowing and I'm fine with being patient.

Morgandobes

I would go with lightly active to be on the safe side...

harlanJEN

Greetings!! .it's so important to get TDEE calculated correctly, and of course, activity level is that "elusive" component. Typically, we tend to underestimate our activity.

I like the calculator at www.scoobysworkshop.com. It allows for choosing activity level by # of hours per week of activity. I'd use active work and workouts primarily ...not grocery shopping, incidental walking and trying on clothes in my calculations. Those don't normally elevate heart rate , nor are they sustained.

Based on description of your farm work last week ...if that is typical .. I'd calculate as moderate. Light is 3 -5 hours per week if I recall correctly. You r more active than that. Head over to scooby's calculator nd plug in your numbers.

Great attitude ...

HeidiHoMom

I would also go with moderate.

skinnylion

Thank you so much for the help!