First Timer Questions :)

everkatie
everkatie Posts: 3
in Introduce Yourself
Hey, I'm pretty new here and I had a couple questions.
The main one is that the calorie goal they give us, are we supposed to hit that goal or is it better to be under?
I know that if you don't eat enough than your body goes into starvation mode making it more difficult to loose weight.
Also, when you work out, it gives you extra calories to use--are you supposed to eat those calories or not in order to help optimize your weight loss?
If ya'll could help me out, I'd really appreciate it. :)



I'm nineteen years old and am trying to loose the weight I gained in college, plus the weight that has always stuck around. Excited because this time is different!

Replies

  • AshyyMM
    AshyyMM Posts: 131
    hey... mfp gives a calorie deficit.. I try to eat as close to my calorie goal they set for me..
    you will get mixed opinions on eating your workout calories back--I always thought you weren't supposed to.. but I dont believe its true.. I lose more weight when I eat them back..seeing as there is already a deficit if you don't eat them back then you are way under your calorie goal--that being said..I ONLY eat my workout cals back when I'm still hungry!

    Good luck--I wish you all the best losing your weight and reaching your goals! :)
  • Kevin_Rex
    Kevin_Rex Posts: 127 Member
    Hey there...

    Welcome to MFP. I've been here about a month and have lost 20 lbs so far... so results CAN and WILL happen for you!

    The calorie goal given on this site is your target intake per day. Based on heigh, weight, age and daily activity (little, some, a lot, etc). It's also calculated based on how much you want to lose per week (1 lb, 2lb, etc). "They say" a healthy loss is 2 lbs per week, but if you eat a bit under and exercise regularly so will likely see more than that. I eat between 2-400 under my net calorie goal daily (or try to). Remember, 'net' calories is the combo of your daily allotted calories and those you burn exercising.

    Definitely eat regularly to combat the starvation mode your body can go into. Everybody is different, but depriving your body of food is never good, just make sure, again, to eat regularly and healthy when possible... starvation mode shouldn't be a problem.

    1 lb of fat is approx 3500 calories (give or take - there are conflicting stories on the exact number). If you have a deficit, per week, of 3500 calories, you'll lose 1 lb. The larger the deficit, the more you lose. Deficit is created by (1) lowering your caloric intake and (2) burning them :)

    I've tried to lost weight for what seems like forever, but doing the simple routine of daily walks (about an hour average if possible) and consistent/honest calorie counting has been key for my loss of weight.

    Hope this helps a bit. I tried to not overload with too much info, but this should give you a general idea.

    Feel free to add me as a Friend for motivation, support and general daily banter and let me know if you have add'l questions.

    Best of everything!

    K

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