Question: Calories on MFP when you exercise

cjthurman

I noticed that when you exercise, MFP adds more calories to your daily total. Are you supposed to eat up to that new amount? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of burning calories through exercise? I think the calorie total they have for me is high anyway as far as what I normally burn in a day (2,800 or so) - I'm assuming they mean that's what I burn with no additional exercise. However, on other sites it says 2,800 is what I burn with 3 days of moderate exercise.

So when you exercise and MFP adds those calories back into your calorie total, do you really eat your exercise calories back? Just wondering what others do...

strawmama

I have the same question. I am currently on Atkins induction and I'm finding it really hard to eat back my calories from exercise. Like today-- I've eaten 3 good meals and a snack but because I exercised, I still have over 1000 calories left. There's no way I could possibly eat that much more today.

Laura_beau

There are literally thousands of threads on MFP about eating exercise calories back or not.

For me personally I don't eat them back if I'm not hungry, it's eating for eating's sake! I try to never net below 1200 cals per day as this is what the body needs to function and survive on. So providing you are eating a good diet, with plenty of nutrients then it's up to you.

bfitgirl

I don't eat back either, and agree with Laura_beau above.

IMO I think the exercising eat-back area is really only for top athletes, at the end of the day you want your body to use its store of fat to burn off.

praxisproject

You're expending extra, MFP calculates your daily limit based on your expenditure. If you don't use MFP's calculations (like those using the TDEE), it's different, but MFP expects you to eat those calories back.

That doesn't mean you need to be silly, but be aware if you don't, your body may tip towards fat-preservation.

jogglesngoggles

For me personally I try to eat back at least 1/2 of my exercise calories if not all, your body needs the fuel, ending the day with 500 net calories makes me feel weak and shaky. HOWEVER, MPF also adjusts your carb levels when you have more calories, you suddenly have more carbs, I DO NOT eat back those carbs, the calories I eat back have to be in my original carb allowance. Hope that makes sense and helps.