pretty confused

gadenni34

New here. I have been actively trying to change my lifestyle and eating habits for about a year or so now. off and on for longer.

Since the beginning of 2012 I have started trying even harder. focusing on working out, exercising and making my body strong. Eating better is following suit.

I workout at the Y and take a Body Pump class twice a week. once more if I can fit it in. Lately I have been upping my cardio as well. I know that my body is in better shape. I have lost inches but not a lot of weight. I know that overall I look better. I am hanging on to all of that. and ok with the scale not moving for now since I can see changes. I recently ran/walked/jogged a 5K obstacle course/race and LOVED it. I am preparing to do another one, even longer this time, at the end of September.

My confusion comes from all the calorie debates. I put my lifestyle at sedentary. I work out 3-5 times a week. For an hour at least. I don't count walks with the kids or anything like that. MFP put me at 1200 calories a day and I eat my workout calories as well. is this going to work? is this reasonable? there are so many confusing threads on here where that is concerned and I just thought I would ask.

Getting my *kitten* to the gym is not a problem but where food comes I have issues so I want to make sure that I am doing the right thing for my body. any help or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

yarwell

1200 calories usually arises when you are short, sedentary and put in a high rate of loss. You can put in a higher activity level and a lower rate of loss for a higher calorie goal.

If you eat less than you use then ultimately yes you should lose weight.

gadenni34

Pretty sure that there is no way I could not eat at least some of my exercise calories. I wake up hungry most days.