Net

Starbuck2020
Starbuck2020 Posts: 173 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
This is probably posted somewhere and it has probably been asked, but please bear with me. :)

Should I be concerned about the net calories at the top of my page? If so, what should I be looking for? I know it seems simple, but I have had so many numbers come my way the last few days that I am not sure what is what anymore.

Replies

  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    Yes, your NET calories are your total calories minus any calories burned through exercise. So if your daily calorie goal is 1400, and you burned 400 calories through exercise, your net for the day would only be 1000, which is kinda low.


    1400 goal
    - 400 exercise
    _____
    1000 Net cals

    If your calorie goal is set at 1200 (which seems to be where MFP puts most people), then I would definitely be concerned with that net number, because it's likely that 1200 calories is below your BMR anyway (BMR = basal metabolic rate, or the amount of calories your body uses just laying in bed comatose all day long). So burning exercise calories and not eating them back to make your net at least 1200 leaves your body with very little fuel.

    Personally, I aim to never net below my BMR - if my body needs at least that much in a coma, I should give that and probably more if I'm active and exercising during the day. :smile:

    Does that help? LOL I know it's confusing at first.

    If you want more reading and hopefully more understanding, read this topic as well (twice if you have to, it's good stuff!): http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12
  • Starbuck2020
    Starbuck2020 Posts: 173 Member
    I have my daily goal for food set at 1750. I tend to burn around 1200 a day. *sigh* I am never going to get this right.
    If my RMR or whatever is like 1400 something I know I should eat at least that much, but I am supposed to NET at least that much? Oh my.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,847 Member
    How did you reach this 1200 calories burned by exercise? Because that is very high, like several hours of nonstop hard exercise. You say you do this every day? Take some days off.
  • 2hobbit1
    2hobbit1 Posts: 820 Member
    No - you are set up following the roadmap - just eat your 1750. The net will go up and down depending on if it is a workout day or a recovery day.
  • Starbuck2020
    Starbuck2020 Posts: 173 Member
    How did you reach this 1200 calories burned by exercise? Because that is very high, like several hours of nonstop hard exercise. You say you do this every day? Take some days off.

    I am overweight and out of shape....it takes me less time than most people. I don't have to do much for the heart rate to get in the zone and the sweat to start pouring and I keep it up for at least an hour sometimes two.
    I take breaks for sure. I wouldn't be able to do it everyday and some days are really light.
  • Starbuck2020
    Starbuck2020 Posts: 173 Member
    No - you are set up following the roadmap - just eat your 1750. The net will go up and down depending on if it is a workout day or a recovery day.

    Roger that.
  • 2hobbit1
    2hobbit1 Posts: 820 Member
    Actually your target was around 2000- 2200 so you need to work it up to that level - marathon training need fuel!
  • Starbuck2020
    Starbuck2020 Posts: 173 Member
    ugh...eating food is hard. *whine* lol Thanks for the help.
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    No - you are set up following the roadmap - just eat your 1750. The net will go up and down depending on if it is a workout day or a recovery day.

    Roger that.
    You're a Road Mapper? Awesome! *highfives* :bigsmile:
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