Change of Calories

mommypenney
mommypenney Posts: 26
in Motivation and Support
:noway:

Hi all,

I've just changed my activity from light to moderate as I am now back looking after my 2 children after my contract ended at work.
I now hav 1350 cals a day instead of 1200. Do you think I should move it back to light activity as I don't want to overeat on my calories.
Also, is important that you eat the calories you burn duing exercise or will you lose weight quicker if you don't use them?

Thanks

Replies

  • Full4Life
    Full4Life Posts: 172 Member
    I'm replying not 'cause I know the answer but because I have the same question!

    I don't know if it's right or not, but I try to play it by ear. I go by what my body is telling me. I figure as long as I am eating whole, unprocessed food without sugar or too much salt, I will eat enough so that I don't feel that gnawing edge of hunger. I find that is usually around 1200 calories anyway.

    In any case, I'll be checking this post again to see what other people say.

    I have a dog and I MUST walk her - so it's a regular 90-120min of walking per day that I have to log in again, and again, and again!
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    I would try the new higher intake for 3-4 weeks, and if you are not getting results make a change at that time.

    Most MFPers on 1200 calories, have a much too low caloric intake due to picking the wrong weekly weight loss goal (pick 2lbs/week when they should be aiming for 1, as an example)
  • fbmandy55
    fbmandy55 Posts: 5,263 Member
    I have joined the Eat more to weigh less group. I lost about 50 on 1300 calories AND eating back but started plateauing and gaining back slowly over the last year. I've started again at 2000 calories and have started losing again.

    I wouldn't suggest eating less than your BMR. I struggle with eating too little and don't see why more people don't get that you don't have to be SO restrictive to lose!
  • helyg
    helyg Posts: 675 Member
    I would wonder whether being at home with the kids would be classed as "moderate", personally (and from being with my own kids and also working as a nursery teacher) I would class it as lightly active.

    But then to only have 1350 calories at moderately active you must have your weekly weight loss set pretty high?
  • breza262
    breza262 Posts: 40 Member
    I don't know the answer either, but this is what I've noticed:
    I lost consistently the first 2 months on MFP with a (roughly) 1200 caloric intake. Then I plateau'ed for a LONG time, even with exercise. I did a lot of reading and research and calculators, etc and found many places that said I was NOT taking in enough to fuel my body. SO for the last 10 days I raised my caloric intake to what a different sight calculated for me (1600 calories, with or without exercise). I lost a pound in the first 3 days! I am going to give this a few weeks to see if it is truly what my body needs, but I am starting to agree with the people that say 1200 calories is far too low for most people! PLUS, with eating more I haven't had cravings for bad stuff since I don't feel deprived.
    Just a thought.
  • mommypenney
    mommypenney Posts: 26
    Thanks everyone.

    I have just changed my goal to a pound a week instead a pound a half to two pounds and now its saying I can have 1600 cals. It seems so much after being on 1200 cals a day but I'll give it a go.

    With regards to the excercise I'm still confused .. should I be eating the calories burnt or not? Doesn't take much to confuse me ! lol x
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    Thanks everyone.

    I have just changed my goal to a pound a week instead a pound a half to two pounds and now its saying I can have 1600 cals. It seems so much after being on 1200 cals a day but I'll give it a go.

    With regards to the excercise I'm still confused .. should I be eating the calories burnt or not? Doesn't take much to confuse me ! lol x

    If you are set as sedentary or light active I would suggest eating them back (that is the way MFP is designed) If you are set as active I would only eat some back if you burn 500+ cals.
  • mommypenney
    mommypenney Posts: 26
    Thanks Erickirb ... I'll do that and see what happens. Im 12st 8lb at the moment and can't seem to push past it.
    I'll try the new calorie intake and I'll eat back. Although I'm never entirely sure what I burn in th gym. I guess I need to buy a watch that counts it for me. I find the exercise database on here a little confusing :noway:

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