Help me figure my activity level!

nikkohli
nikkohli Posts: 311 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I opened my diary so you can critique as needed. I started MFP in the beginning of January. I started out eating 1200 cals (per MFP) and after reading forums quickly realized that wasn't the best way to go. I calcuIated my TDEE-20%, upped to about 1580 based on sedentary and didn't eat back exercise calories....after reading even more I slowly started eating back 50-75% of my calories (Did that for about a month). Then I started thinking maybe I was moderately active, beginning last week upped to 1750 based on TDEE and didn't eat back exercise cals. I haven't gained, have lost about 10 lbs in 9 weeks but I am not sure if I am being my most efficient with my calories.

BUT, I have a fear that I am overestimating my exercise cals or my activity level so I haven't really been eating up to 1750. I always at to at least 1500 but I don't want to slow my weight loss. Would someone mind peeking my diary and letting me know what you think my activity level is and if I should eat more/less?

Thank you!!

Replies

  • monicalosesweight
    monicalosesweight Posts: 1,173 Member
    I use a Fitbit and it really helped me see how active I am on a daily basis. It's not an HRM but it helps you see how much walking you do so you get an idea of what you burn just on a daily basis.
  • boatsie77
    boatsie77 Posts: 480 Member
    It might help to get some added info. Your sex, height, starting weight, goal weight. Also do you have a job that requires physical labor.
  • nikkohli
    nikkohli Posts: 311 Member
    It might help to get some added info. Your sex, height, starting weight, goal weight.

    Sorry!
    Female, 5'4" Starting 150lbs, current 140lbs. Goal weight is 120-125lbs. I am not set on that though could be closer to 130lbs depending on how I look.
    Also, I use a HRM when I exercise and I am a teacher so I am on my feet for a good part of the day.
  • marianne_s
    marianne_s Posts: 983 Member
    I found the following info online:

    ACTIVITY LEVELS

    Extra light - 1.3
    (men & women)
    Includes daily activities e.g cooking, ironing, driving, standing

    Light - 1.6 (men) / 1.3 (women)
    Slightly more active e.g golf, walking 3mph, child care, housework

    Moderate - 1.7 (men) / 1.6 (women)
    Cycling, tennis, dancing, skiing, walking 3.5-4.0 mph

    Heavy - 2.1 (men) / 1.9 (women)
    Rugby, football, climbing, aerobics classes

    The numbers are to multiply with your BMR , so you can work out your total daily calorie burn.... I used this to calculate mine, thinking my activity was light. But when I compared it to the output from my BodyMedia Fit, my total burn was equal to the result of the moderate activity level.


    Because you're on your feet most of the day, I would say you're probably between light and moderate.
  • nikkohli
    nikkohli Posts: 311 Member
    Thanks-I run 2 miles 2 or 3 times a week, do a kickboxing cardio class (HIIT) 2xs/week, and then body weight training (push ups, squats, situps) 1 or 2X a week. So I guess that makes me moderate?
  • nikkohli
    nikkohli Posts: 311 Member
    I use a Fitbit and it really helped me see how active I am on a daily basis. It's not an HRM but it helps you see how much walking you do so you get an idea of what you burn just on a daily basis.

    I keep considering this-my sis has one and LOVES it-- but because it is based on steps and not HR, I worry it isn't really accurate?
  • MrsTheunissen
    MrsTheunissen Posts: 44 Member
    I opened my diary so you can critique as needed. I started MFP in the beginning of January. I started out eating 1200 cals (per MFP) and after reading forums quickly realized that wasn't the best way to go. I calcuIated my TDEE-20%, upped to about 1580 based on sedentary and didn't eat back exercise calories....after reading even more I slowly started eating back 50-75% of my calories (Did that for about a month). Then I started thinking maybe I was moderately active, beginning last week upped to 1750 based on TDEE and didn't eat back exercise cals. I haven't gained, have lost about 10 lbs in 9 weeks but I am not sure if I am being my most efficient with my calories.

    BUT, I have a fear that I am overestimating my exercise cals or my activity level so I haven't really been eating up to 1750. I always at to at least 1500 but I don't want to slow my weight loss. Would someone mind peeking my diary and letting me know what you think my activity level is and if I should eat more/less?

    Thank you!!

    According to http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/bmr/, with your age: 37. High: 64 inches. CW: 140. GW: 125. You should eat:
    Sedentary (little or no exercise, desk job) 1591 calories
    Lightly Active (light exercise/sports 1-3 days/wk.) 1823 calories
    Moderately Active (moderate exercise/sports 3-5 days/wk) 2055 calories
    And not eat back your exercised calories. (But people will give you different answer about this one. I don’t eat back mine)
    Hope this helpt you :smile:

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