Any Success using the TDEE Formula

So probably a stupid question, but when using this formula on MFP does it mean that the TDEE is the amount I eat (net) after exercise? Or is it TDEE regardless of how much I burned in exercise that day?

I've lost 80 lbs in the last year eating above my BMR and below my TDEE - for me that means 1700-1900 calories per day (and lots of times I've eaten much more than that).

So probably a stupid question, but when using this formula on MFP does it mean that the TDEE is the amount I eat (net) after exercise? Or is it TDEE regardless of how much I burned in exercise that day?

TDEE figures your exercise into the calories you should consume each day (assuming you choose the correct activity level), so you would NOT eat back exercise calories when using the TDEE method. TDEE calories often times end up being similar to if you set MFP to "lose 1 pound per week", or at least that's been my experience.

MFP gave me 1350 calories to lose 2lb/week in the beginning. I was starving all the time, had massive headaches, and was an uber B****! Oh, and I only lost about a pound over 3 weeks time. Once I switched to TDEE - 20% (works out to be about 1700 cals for me), I'm MUCH happier, more satiated, energetic, and I've lost almost 20 pounds over the last 2 months!! I say, if you're happy with the cals MFP has given you, then stick to what's working for you. But, if you're stalled out or just aren't feeling right, then try out TDEE - 20%. What can it hurt?

ETA: I've had an account here for like forever, but I've only really been trying to get healthy for the past few months.

I was stuck for 4 months but after using TDEE the scale is now moving

anymore? I still have my doubts since it seems to good to be true, especially since I sit at a desk 8 hours a day and drive in a car for another 2 so once you add in 8 hours of sleep that leaves me with 6 hours to do other stuff which is usually doing homework. So i'm really sedentary since I haven't found the time to exercise.

TDEE is not too good to be true - you just need to ensure you set your activity level right from the outset.

I am currently what I would consider to be sedentary (sat at a computer all day) but do try to exercise up to five times a week - sometimes once, sometimes five.

Because the exercise I do changes week to week I calculate my TDEE based on a sedentary lifestyle then eat back any calories earned (I use a HRM to make sure they are fairly accurate). I would really advise you to do the same.

BUT... and it's a big BUT... with the TDEE method you have to be patient. It does work but I have found it very slow and steady. I'm losing an average of 1lb a week. Some weeks I lose 2lb others I lose nothing. In total I have lost 9lbs in 9 weeks. I have also lost an inch off my neck and two inches off my waist.

After years of trying quick-fix diets where you lose massive amounts of water and lean tissue, having faith that on the weeks the scale doesn't move using the TDEE method that your body is still responding is not always easy. But the science is there - eat fewer calories than your TDEE and you will gradually lose weight.

For me it's a choice between two methods:

1. Quick-fix 1200 crash diet: Lose 2lbs a week, feel hungry and narky all the time, put it back on as soon as I eat normally (been there, done that)
2. TDEE-20%: Lose 1lbs a week, never feel deprived, still drink alcohol and eat sugar, carbs, food I love, keep the weight off long-term

A great upside of eating more is that I have more energy to exercise. And it is the changing shape of my body through exercise that keeps me going on the weeks that the scale doesn't budge (I see it as a sign that the muscles are repairing and getting stronger and retaining water, hence the slowdown in weight loss).

And for those who don't have time to exercise - I prefer exercise that either doesn't feel like exercise or that gets maximum results for minimal efforts:

1. Hiking: Going for a walk at the weekend with your partner, friends or family instead of traipsing round the shops or watching TV turns exercise into a social event. One that I usually reward myself with with a trip to the pub for a few pints afterwards!

2. Running: I've got osteoarthritis in my knees, I'm pushing 40, was rubbish at sport at school and I run like a girl (well, I am a girl!) but I've managed to start running using the C25K programme (there's a good group on MFP). My legs have become stronger and slimmer, my waist is getting smaller, I have better flexibility and feel better overall wellness. Best of all, it only takes 30 minutes three times a week - just get up half an hour earlier, go straight out for a run, home, shower, breakfast, work.

3. Strength trainining: Using big dumbbells and a list of exercises someone on MFP passed to me from the Internet. 15 mins three times a week - big weights = fast results. And increased muscle mass = fat burning machine!

So, yes, you could say that I believe the TDEE formula works!

This is a great thread, I just switched to TDEE today (I'm beginning tomorrow). Looking forward to eating more and seeing results!!

If you are into running then TDEE is great - feed those muscles and they will reward you!

3. Strength trainining: Using big dumbbells and a list of exercises someone on MFP passed to me from the Internet. 15 mins three times a week - big weights = fast results. And increased muscle mass = fat burning machine!

Do you mind sharing what list of exercises you use? Thank you!

3. Strength trainining: Using big dumbbells and a list of exercises someone on MFP passed to me from the Internet. 15 mins three times a week - big weights = fast results. And increased muscle mass = fat burning machine!

Do you mind sharing what list of exercises you use? Thank you!

Absolutely! This even has links to videos to show you what to do

http://produmbbellworkouts.com/dumbbell-routines/full-body-high-volume/

I was in and out of different methods for the past few years. Through the website fitday, I found through day to day logging of food, and a "mood journal" I needed to be around 2,000 calories. From 2009 to 2011 I went from 250 down to about 216.

My weight fluxed between 216 and 240 or so.

Then, last year I joined MFP, I don't remember what all my settings were, but I had some decent losses. getting into a consistant 230, then 220 stage, down to 216 again, and then went back up into the mid to high 220's.

This year I decided to get focused and committed, using the Holy Road Map, without working out, I went from 227 down to 216.2.

Without working out.

So, about 10 pounds, and at least 5% body fat down in a month and a half. Recently picked up StrongLifts, C25k, and until May I'm dumping the scale and only using a tape measure (every 2 weeks).

I've been stuck for more than 4 months and have just started the TDEE -20% formula. I'm hoping to kick start a slow, but steady weight loss. Also hoping to start the C25K this spring and do some lifting. Thanks to all of you for posting your encouraging stories about TDEE -20;

MFP has my calories at 1200, my TDEE from one site says 1583. So my -20 would be 1266. So if I went by TDEE-20, I'd eat 1266 calories and not eat back my exercise calories? Dang 1200 calories isn't much (I kinda like food...)

At a guess, you may have calculated your TDEE incorrectly as that seems very low. Or you may be getting confused with your BMR. What is your height and weight, and how much exercise do you do each week?

I'm only 5'3" and class myself as lightly active as I only exercise twice a week, and my TDEE is around 1900.

Also, the closer you get to your goal weight, the less of a deficit you should have. If you only have 10lbs to lose, then you shouldn't be aiming for more than 1/2lb a week loss at most, or maybe even just set it to maintenance and eat maybe 100 cals under the figure it gives you.

bump!

Well TDEE won me over I know I have not been eating enough so here it goes...although...my 20% only added 160 calories above MFP 1,200...I have been eating under 1,000 mostly for almost 2 months and exercising and yes losing but very slowly after 1st couple weeks...I only have a few left SOOO I am IN!!!

MFP has my calories at 1200, my TDEE from one site says 1583. So my -20 would be 1266. So if I went by TDEE-20, I'd eat 1266 calories and not eat back my exercise calories? Dang 1200 calories isn't much (I kinda like food...)

At a guess, you may have calculated your TDEE incorrectly as that seems very low. Or you may be getting confused with your BMR. What is your height and weight, and how much exercise do you do each week?

I'm only 5'3" and class myself as lightly active as I only exercise twice a week, and my TDEE is around 1900.

Also, the closer you get to your goal weight, the less of a deficit you should have. If you only have 10lbs to lose, then you shouldn't be aiming for more than 1/2lb a week loss at most, or maybe even just set it to maintenance and eat maybe 100 cals under the figure it gives you.

I'm 5'1" and 125. I used sed. level (I'm trying to be honest...as I currently have not started to work out yet). My BMR is something like 1350.

I'm 5'1" and 125. I used sed. level (I'm trying to be honest...as I currently have not started to work out yet). My BMR is something like 1350.

Slide yourself between sedentary and lightly active (ball park it). Sedentary is laying in bed all day, not doing anything at all. I'd be willing to be you walk around, and live a normal life, no?

So I'd eat below my TDEE but above my BMR? And once I start exercising, I would not eat my exercise calories back, correct?