To Eat or Not to Eat . . .

d28isenthal
d28isenthal Posts: 12
in Food and Nutrition
I have been on MFP for two weeks now. I started working out today - training for a half marathon in May. My question is, with regard to the calories I "earn" by working out, should I eat those on the days I earn them, or is it okay not to if I'm not hungry on a particular day to eat them? Thank you in advance for your responses.

Replies

  • misssmarita
    misssmarita Posts: 130
    I think this is a really common question on the message boards: do I eat back the exercise calories? Here's the thing: your calories have been calculated with your weight, activity level, and goal in mind. So if you earn 500 calories through exercise and then don't eat them back, you'll lose 1/7 of a lb more than the goal you set for yourself, that's all. Some people eat their exercise calories back, and some don't. I've seen a lot of people say they eat about 75% of them back. To answer your question: you do what works for you, but yes, it's ok to not eat them back. In fact, you should never eat if you're not actually hungry. Your body is neat that way, it tells you when you need to refuel :) As long as you eat a sensible amount of calories (never under 1200!), you should be alright.

    GOOD LUCK!
  • mhk0719
    mhk0719 Posts: 255
    Just wanted to say Hello and congrats on your training for a half marathon in May. :) I am doing one in Feb and then one in May as well. WE CAN DO THIS!!!

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