Help- Am I doing this wrong? Reset confusion...

gretchenwb

Hey you EM2WL folks....I wanted to know if I am doing my reset properly...over 1/2 of the last 2 weeks I have eaten just at or a little above my BMR, while only a little less than 1/2 at TDEG which includes my calculations for minimal exercise calories (and I do not eat back my exercise calories as suggested by MFP). I haven't lost anymore weight, so I am not doing this correctly....right?
TDEE 1880, TDEG 1600 (with 20% cut), BMR 1400, 49yr old female with 30# to lose, at 173#; joined MFP Jan 2012. Exercise: Jog 3 miles 3 times a week, 2 days cardio, just added strength training. I know I should cut more carbs and add more protein.
I would appreciate any help.

I have tried to post this on the new EM2WL website, joined yesterday, but I couldn't get it to post, and I tried on this site-no response....

missjeevious

i'm new to this, but i thought if you were doing a reset you wree meant to go to TDEE, not just above your BMR?

gretchenwb

I believe you are right....I have been reading on the group's new website and I have good numbers, but looking at my averages I am not hitting the right number of calories.

Gapwedge01

Just reading your info provided it appears to me you have underestimated your activity. If your BMR is 1400 then to get a TDEE of 1890 your activity factor would be 1.35. I would think your activity factor would be greater than 1.35.
Add up your estimated exercise into hours per week and what do you get?
I am guessing your TDEE would be closer to 2000 or greater. At 2000 the 20% cut would give you a deficit of 1600. If you are wanting to reset you should be eating closer to 2000 for a few weeks. With the amount of weight you still want to lose 20% would be ok maybe even 15% instead of 20%.
As is expressed on here a lot most people underestimate their weekly activity level. Be more concerned about undereating especially below your BMR level.
If you use MFP they do suggest you eat back your exercise calories to avoid netting below your BMR. I don't think MFP suggests you don't eat back your calories or am I missing something? However, using the TDEE deficit method you would not eat back your calories.

gretchenwb

Thank you-great advice!