Is my MPF calorie intake calculation too low?

cisbrane

So, I filled in the information it asked for, weight, height, age, sex etc.
It had an option for Sedentary (desk job), Lightly Active (teacher, etc)...

Well, I do have a desk job so I chose sedentary.
And I said loose 1lb/week.

So, I got my calorie goal, and I have been eating pretty close to it. Either under or over by just a few calories.

Lately, however, I have been feeling hungrier than usual. I know that I am taking a 500 calorie deficit based on the MFP calculations. So, I guess feeling hungrier makes sense... Esp since I don't really know how much I was eating a day before.

But, where the calculations correct to start with?

Should I have chosen Light Activity? My allowed calorie intake increases then, but I don't know how to tell which one to choose.

Basically, I don't want to put my body into a starvation mode where I am not eating enough, as that won't help me at all. And, I don't want to over estimate either, because then I won't loose weight.

Tips? Thanks!

Mokey41

If you have a desk job then sedentary is where it should be but you can add any intentional exercise calories in. Choosing a higher activity level to achieve more calories to eat is not the answer.

Grognit

I have a desk job but I chose lightly active. I think sedentary is for people who really do nothing but sit on the couch all day. I used the calculations from the In Place of a Road map and eat 1600 calories total per day. I am not hungry, I am losing weight and feel much better than I did when I was eating 1200

cisbrane

Yes, I read the in place of a road map thread as well. I need to take more measurements to figure out what that way thinks is optimal as well... But from what it seems, my intake would probably increase a little.

During the week, I work 40hrs at desk. Then 1-2 times a week I mt. bike 6.5 miles. I also walk my dog for about 20-30mins a few times a week. Maybe this is more "lightly active?"

peakerqueen

I just asked this question about calorie level.... my goal is 140... I am at 173.6.... I have my MFP calories set at 1400.... I'm in front of a computer 3-4 days and more active the other 3-4...depends on the week.

Is 1400 calories too low?

Mokey41

I have a desk job but I chose lightly active. I think sedentary is for people who really do nothing but sit on the couch all day. I used the calculations from the In Place of a Road map and eat 1600 calories total per day. I am not hungry, I am losing weight and feel much better than I did when I was eating 1200

Sedentary is:

Sleeping - 8 hours
Personal care (dressing, showering) - 1 hour
Eating - 1 hour
Cooking - 1 hour
Sitting (office work, selling produce, tending shop) - 8 hours
Driving car to/from work - 1 hour
General household work - 1 hour
Light leisure activities (watching TV, chatting) - 3 hours


Laying on the couch all day doing nothing is bordering on being your BMR, not a sedentary person.