Net calories??

imthejenjen
imthejenjen Posts: 265 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I have a question.

Im eating AND exercising. My calorie goal is 1200. Am i supposed to be eating 1200 food calories or 1200 NET calories? I'm getting confused with this. Someone help, please and thank you.

By the way, my name is Jenna. I'm 5'1 and need to lose 60lbs. Just started eating right and exercising 4 days ago.

Replies

  • misskittyfantastico1991
    misskittyfantastico1991 Posts: 145
    Firstly, well done on the good start, keep it up!

    You can really do either. I eat 1200 calories a day or just over but don't eat to compensate my exercise. You will still lose weight eating 1200 net calories so it's really up to you whether or not you need to eat a bit more.

    Feel free to add me :)
  • veganbaum
    veganbaum Posts: 1,865 Member
    If you're following MFP the way it is intended, you want to NET 1200. Though many people will suggest eating only 50-75% of cals back in order to account for inaccuracies. Bigger deficits and faster weight loss may sound good, but generally it's really best to keep a moderate deficit.
  • tuckerrj
    tuckerrj Posts: 1,453 Member
    I suggest you start with just eating the 1200 calories total. If you wind up losing more than 2 or 3 pounds a week, then you can start eating some of the calories the calculator adds for you exercise activity.
  • imthejenjen
    imthejenjen Posts: 265 Member
    Thank you guys! On average im netting 450-700 calories, so I'm hoping I'm doing the right thing! :)
  • laserturkey
    laserturkey Posts: 1,680 Member
    Netting only 450-700 sounds VERY low to me. If you find you aren't losing weight, try increasing that. Sounds counterintuitive, but your body needs enough fuel for basic functions and if you eat enough for that but still maintain a deficit compared to what you are burning, the weight will still come off.

Categories