Workout Calories?

saram21
saram21 Posts: 88
edited September 20 in Health and Weight Loss
Am I supposed to eat up all of my workout calories? I have a calorie goal of 1820. I went out today and was walking for about 2.5 hours. I earned about 700 extra calories. I only ate 1700. Should I eat those extra calories?

Replies

  • 100lblady
    100lblady Posts: 2
    Hi, I would not eat them JUST because you have burned them (you can, but I wouldn't suggest it). If your body needs more calories because of the 2.5 hour walk, then eat something that is healthy - (I'd eat high fiber or high protein but not more than 30% of the calories you just burned). Just look at the extra calories as a way to get to your weight loss goal QUICKER! btw -2.5 hours of walking is AWESOME!!! Great job!
  • argburr
    argburr Posts: 25
    If you eat your exercise calories you won't have a calorie deficit and you will stay the same weight. I know there have been heated debates about this in the past but you should never eat the calories you burn exercising, and any day you have calories left over after your done eating, don't force yourself to eat them if your not hungry. :)
  • Angie789
    Angie789 Posts: 61 Member
    argburr, the calorie deficit is BUILT IN to the daily calories MFP gives you. You SHOULD eat your exercise calories (at least most of them) to keep your metabolism humming.

    To the OP, read the threads that are posted in the stickies at the top of the the General Diet & Weight Loss forum. There are good, clear explanations from knowledgable people about why it is important to eat back your exercise calories.
  • chicynth
    chicynth Posts: 48 Member
    I would just add, unless you get a message indicating that you are wayyyyyyyyyyyy under the ideal caloric intake for your goal...I would agree with what has already been posted...for the most part.

    I know, in my case, I have been under the 1200 minimal calorie consumption level, when I burn excessive calories and end up having to eat something to keep my body from going into starvation mode. Just my two cents...
  • dogmeat
    dogmeat Posts: 83
    Yes, you should eat your exercise calories. Otherwise you create too large deficit which will hinder your weight loss - eat more to lose more.
  • TwentyTen
    TwentyTen Posts: 585
    This is a good question, and seemingly a little debate about it. I wonder myself. I do think perhaps eating more might be the answer for me, because I did not gain due to excessive calories. Too much sugar and caffeine i am guilty of, but overall caloric intake is generally on the low end, and I have packed on the pounds. I have been mystified as to why, and where this excess weight was coming from. Admittedly, I have little regular exercise for years and do sit at a desk all day, so lack of exercise has played a part, but with doing the simple math, I have not tended to consume more calories than I burn in an average day. Often skipping breakfast, sometimes lunch , and having a modest dinner.

    So, it seems there has to be more to it than the math, at least in my case. I am going to try more food, healthy of course, and some regular exercise, and definitely wean myself from the coffee with sugar addiction. Simply eating less is not my solution I'm sure, I suspect I have spent the better part of the last several years in starvation mode, NOT healthy, in fact it's made me gain and gain.

    I heard once that coffee before food in the morning triggers your metabolism to access your nervous system for energy for the day as opposed to your digestive system where it should be going for energy. ? Something like that. Surely I am no expert in such things, but I know that I can and have on many occasions used caffeine and sugar in place of food. Recipe for disaster to be sure.









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  • Alexandra888
    Alexandra888 Posts: 71
    I burn on average 1800 calories a day just with everyday activities. So to lose 1 pound a week, i need to burn 500 more calories than i eat. You should go on sites that show you what you BMR is. Its a great tool to use to figure out how much you need to burn in exercise a day.
  • stormieweather
    stormieweather Posts: 2,549 Member
    You should eat at least part of your exercise calories. MFP already calculates a healthy deficit in your goals.

    Read the stickies the top of the forum, this one in particular:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/10589-for-those-confused-or-questioning-eating-your-exercise-calo
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