Question about calories??

tenofakind
tenofakind Posts: 7
in Food and Nutrition
I'm using the calorie counter, should i stay under my calorie goal or reach it?? cause I've been under it all week.

Replies

  • cmcollins001
    cmcollins001 Posts: 3,472 Member
    The calculators used by MFP are designed so that you are getting enough calories to maintain healthy weight loss, you should try to get as close to your goal as possible. IMHO

    You're going to hear/read a lot of opinion about net calories vs gross calories and eating back your exercise calories vs not eating back your exercise calories. I would say try to stay close to your calorie goal as much as can without feeling hungry. The goal is there to keep you eating enough calories for your body to function as it should while keeping you in a deficit to lose slowly. 1-2 lbs per week is what is recommend for weight loss so that you aren't putting stress on your body and so that you will be able to maintain the weight loss once you've reached your goal.

    You'll get a lot of answers to this question, and with those answers, a lot of opinion, so you're going to have find out what works best for you. Also, talking to a doctor wouldn't be a bad idea, to get their opinion and advice.
  • tenofakind
    tenofakind Posts: 7
    thank you, i do get really close to that goal, my goal is 1700. i usually come in around 1500...i eat a lot small meals and snacks through out the day so I'm never hungry...so i guess I'm doing what i should do for my self lol
  • taylor5877
    taylor5877 Posts: 1,792 Member
    Just realize that when done right, the defecit is built in, so don't fret about being a few hundred calories over from to time.

    It really upsets me that being under gets highlighted by MFP on your feed as if to say attaboy, whereas a good day eating where you go slightly over is almost like you did something wrong.
  • cmcollins001
    cmcollins001 Posts: 3,472 Member
    Just realize that when done right, the defecit is built in, so don't fret about being a few hundred calories over from to time.

    It really upsets me that being under gets highlighted by MFP on your feed as if to say attaboy, whereas a good day eating where you go slightly over is almost like you did something wrong.

    Very good point. Going over occasionally isn't a bad thing. Actually, depending on which of the billions of diets you choose to follow, going over once a week is a good thing. For instance, the 4 hour body suggesting a "dieters gone wild" day where you can pile on every imaginable thing you can think of on your cheat day and it won't matter. My wife has been following that philosophy for the most part and is down 22 lbs over the course of 2 months. Something about "restarting" your metabolism.

    Bottom line, the counter is primarily a guideline, going under some or going over some is usually ok, however, like everything else on the planet it's moderation. If you're constantly going way over everyday, you may want to re-evaluate things, but some every now and again isn't a big deal.
  • Annzatgoal
    Annzatgoal Posts: 16 Member
    1500 calories sounds like a good amount if they are well-chosen among the food groups. I lead a First Place 4 Health group, and I see people cutting back or eliminating food groups to reduce their calories below what they should be getting, thinking they'll lose quicker that way. Doesn't work! The body needs a wide variety of nutrients to keep it healthy. If you have a question about nutrition guidelines and healthy choices, you could browse around www.myplate.gov. Hope this helps:)
  • tenofakind
    tenofakind Posts: 7
    I eat meats, whole wheat bread, lots of fruits and veggies, protein drinks, cereals...i think i get a little of everything everyday but sugars, white breads, stuff like that...

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