Calorie math daily vs. ?

muffle1969
muffle1969 Posts: 96 Member
edited January 3 in Health and Weight Loss
This may be a crazy question, I don't know. Please don't flame me for asking...I'm just trying to think this all through.

MFP calculates calories based on how much you say you want to lose per week. If that is the case, it stands to reason that if you burn more calories than you ingest over the course of a week, you should lose the number of pounds desired.

This leads me to the theory that if I am at approximately a 400 calorie net deficit on a given day due to a lot of exercise (swimming laps), I should be able to go over on calories somewhat the next day (when I only walk and do weights) and not derail myself.

Does this make logical sense? Or I am dreaming this up?

On a slightly different topic, I just have to vent a little. I find it really "unfair" that I can swim like a crazy person, burn a whole lot of calories, and not hurt myself; but walking for 30 minutes makes my back and right hip hurt, triggers my asthma, and leaves muscles in my calves sore. ANNOYING! ;)

Anyway, I appreciate all sincere and not flaming input. Thank you!

Replies

  • pastryari
    pastryari Posts: 8,646 Member
    Yes, some people on here track by weekly calories instead of daily calories.
  • robin52077
    robin52077 Posts: 4,383 Member
    yes, if you are "in the green" by say, 200 calories one day, and another day you go "red" by about 200 calories, then it is ALL the same over the course of time and will not hurt you. In fact, some claim it helps, it's generally called calorie cycling.
  • drmerc
    drmerc Posts: 2,603 Member
    You are correct, you can track in any time period you want, most people find 24 hours easier
  • magerum
    magerum Posts: 12,589 Member
    I started at daily, then moved to weekly and have had success with both. What I found simplest was to eat the same amount every day and regulate with exercise for desired results.
  • DonM46
    DonM46 Posts: 772 Member
    Your daily deficit is set by what you'd like to lose per week.
    If you burn 1000 thru exercise today, you COULD eat an extra 1000 calories and be 'even.'
    Tomorrow you burn only 100, meaning you COULD eat only an extra 100.
    Your NET deficit will remain the same at 400.
  • muffle1969
    muffle1969 Posts: 96 Member
    Thank you, everyone! That is so incredibly helpful, and makes my life MUCH easier! I really appreciate your help!
  • nxd10
    nxd10 Posts: 4,572 Member
    Yes, it's the week that counts, not the day.
  • onyxgirl17
    onyxgirl17 Posts: 1,722 Member
    I track weekly
This discussion has been closed.

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