Confused about BMR and MFP calorie number

pepgab

Ok. I have been reading the welcome newbie info.

MFP has me set to eat 1200 calories per day to lose 2 pounds a week. Then whenever I exercise I a supposed to eat those calories back. (This is why I started reading I want to know if I was supposed to eat the calories back and now I now the answer is yes.)

Ok --here is where I am confused.

My BMR (using MFP calculator is 1640) and from reading that is the amount of cronies I need just to lay around all day. In my reading I am noticing that if you don't eat your BMR you go into starvation mode.

I have picked sedimentary lifestyle because I am teacher and some days I am really busy walking around and some days I am behind the desk.

I do not want to do all the this working out and counting calories to screw up my metabolism so I do not lose anything. I want to do this right.

Mokey41

MFP only does math so it's up to you to supply the common sense. You have to pick a weight loss goal that fits with your BMR. Maybe you need to only choose the 1 lb per week goal. You shouldn't be trying to lose more than 1% of your weight per week and you do need to be above your BMR for health.

pepgab

I am over 200 pounds, so 2 pounds a week is still 1%.