Caloric intake question.

I have my MFP set at sedentary currently because, honestly, the most I do is walk around a lot. I might be lightly active but that's besides the point.

Anyways, the goal for losing one pound a week is a deficit of 500 calories a day, but I like food. So, instead, I set my goal to 1,500 calories a day--which means a 250 calorie deficit per day. If I burn 250 calories on top of that, (I won't eat them back. I'm skeptical on the whole eating back your exercise calories theory.) then it will still be a deficit of 500 calories and I should therefore still lose a pound a week, right?
I was just thinking that, if that were the case, I'd be more motivated to exercise because I'd know that I HAVE to to lose the amount of weight I want at a time.

Replies

  • zoukeira
    zoukeira Posts: 313 Member
    Theoretically yes
  • gbbhey
    gbbhey Posts: 188
    You're absolutely right! 500 calorie deficit *7 equals 3500 calories, so that's how they pull a pound a week.

    That being said, don't get discouraged if your first week you drop 5 pounds or so then the next week or two there's nothing. This is normal, but don't give up. That's where the forums and the social network part of this site kicks in. We are here to answer any questions you may have and offer support (disregard the negative Nancy's on here, they seem to be in full force as of late.)

    Best of luck on your journey and remember, if you need it we are here for you!
  • Alright, thank you for the help!
    I doubt I'll lose that fast, anyways. I'm 5'4" and only 140 (trying to get to 120) so I don't have very much to lose. Back when I started on here I was about 143 and I lost steadily about a pound a week at a 500 calorie deficit.