Figuring out how the food calculations work...

aakaakaak

I'm still sort of new here and I'm a bit concerned about the automated goals MFP has set for me. It says my calorie intake should be 2,180 per day?

I'm sedentary, 265 LBS, Male, 5'11", said I'd be exercising 3+ times per week of 30 minutes (which I am) and calculated 1 pound a week. My goal weight is 180.

By looking at my diary I'm not really "dieting" or doing anything crazy. I go over now and again, but I'm normally a few hundred calories under what MFP wants me to eat. Is this according to plan, or am I doing something wrong? Will the calorie mark drop as my BMI drops, or can I ride this train all the way down to 180?

Thanks to anyone who knows what's up.

Danied13

Personally, I'm a fan of this website to assist in goal setting
http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/

Pebble321

That's the great thing about MFP - it is a good tool to use to set yourself up with a moderate calorie deficit so you can lose weight without feeling deprived. Try eating the numbers MFP has suggested for a month and you will be able to see for yourself how it is working out for you. If you have lost a whole lot more or less than you expect (and you've been logging your food and exercise accurately) then you can change things if you need to.

I feel as though the whole diet industry is based on plans that ask you for money then set you up to fail by asking you to change all your habits at once to eat different foods and very little of them. Of course most people are going to find that just too hard to sustain and will yoyo right back to their old habits until it's time to pay more for a new "diet".

Don't feel you have to eat under what MFP has recommended - the number they suggest already includes a calorie deficit to allow you to lose weight if you eat that much. That number doesn't account for any extra exercise (over the sedentary level you have chosen) so if you exercise you get to eat a bit more on those day. I know it seems too easy, but it really does work if you stick to it!

ciobair

Our figures are almost exactly the same, barring our height. (i'm 6'2 with a goal of 200)

I started at 267 lbs 5 weeks ago, and was pleasantly surprised at the way MFP sets you up to succeed.
Basically, the calories they say you can eat is supposed to be the same number you will still be able to eat once you are at your target weight.

It seems a bit counter intuitive but it seems to be working - 5 weeks in, 16 pounds off and I am not a keen exercise freak - basically, all I've done so far is a few walks plus the sensible eating.

AZKristi

Yes, you'll probably need fewer calories as you lose weight. MFP will cue you to recalculate these settings every time your weight goes down 10 pounds.

aakaakaak

Thanks everyone! 15 days in and 5 pounds down. It's working. I'll enjoy the Five Guys while I can still get away with it.

15 days in and 5 pounds down. It's working.