BMR/TDEE --- weight loss and calorie intake question!

LouiseDavis65
LouiseDavis65 Posts: 30 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
So I hit a plateau back in November, and have been struggling up until a couple of weeks ago. Been up and down like a yo-yo. Then I went to see Jillian Michaels Maximize Your Life Tour - and well she has completely inspired me. I am now eating clean, exercising at least 2 times a day (strength and cardio), I have figured out my BMR (1,928), and from what I can understand, in order to lose weight, you multiply that by between 15 and 20% (I did 20% - brought me to approximately 1,500 calories).

So my question is - I need to eat 1,500 calories in order to lose weight. But if I'm exercising - I eat more or less than the 1,500? Or do I go up to the 1,900 number? I am completely confused about this part.

I just need someone to clarify that for me - so that I'm on the right track and will see some weight loss soon. I have definitely lost inches and I know I'm donig well. But I would like to see a difference in the scales too.

Any advice would be awesome - thanks!!

Replies

  • herblackwings39
    herblackwings39 Posts: 3,930 Member
    My understanding, and I could be totally wrong, is that you figured in your activity level when you got the TDEE number yes? So I don't believe that you eat exercise calories if they're already accounted for.
  • LouiseDavis65
    LouiseDavis65 Posts: 30 Member
    My BMR is 1604; my TDEE is 1924 ---- I just re-did the numbers.
    (does that make sense)


    It's all so confusing to me - I hate numbers!
  • mk9562
    mk9562 Posts: 186 Member
    Should be eating 20% less your TDEE. So if your TDEE is 1924 then your calories should be set at 1539. Your TDEE number already takes your activity level into account.
  • NutellaAddict
    NutellaAddict Posts: 1,258 Member
    Should be TDEE -20 % not BMR. What worked for me to get out of the plateau. Was eating one day my TDEE, then next TDEE X.60 and ziz zag for about a week / week and a half. That' s just me though.
  • jgcurry3
    jgcurry3 Posts: 172 Member
    Eat your TDEE and eat back your calories from exercise. The scale is only good for you if your competing in a sport that has weight classes otherwise use your body fat %.
  • LouiseDavis65
    LouiseDavis65 Posts: 30 Member
    Great - thanks for your help!! I didn't know what to be looking at!!

    So when I start to increase my exercise - should I re-do my TDEE to calculate my daily calories, or leave it as is?
  • NutellaAddict
    NutellaAddict Posts: 1,258 Member
    Great - thanks for your help!! I didn't know what to be looking at!!

    So when I start to increase my exercise - should I re-do my TDEE to calculate my daily calories, or leave it as is?

    Use the Scooby calculator to factor it in for you. http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/
  • jgcurry3
    jgcurry3 Posts: 172 Member
    Should be TDEE -20 % not BMR. What worked for me to get out of the plateau. Was eating one day my TDEE, then next TDEE X.60 and ziz zag for about a week / week and a half. That' s just me though.

    Its not just you. A study was done with people that used 1200 calorie or less diets and couldnt lose weight. In the study they varied the calorie intake. Over for a few days then at a deficit for a week. Not only did the participants lose weight but their body composition improved.
  • LouiseDavis65
    LouiseDavis65 Posts: 30 Member
    That's the calculator I've been using - the scooby one. I am going to try the zig zagging too - just to see if it helps. Love this forum --- everyone is so helpful! Thanks!
  • NutellaAddict
    NutellaAddict Posts: 1,258 Member
    Let me rephrase what I stated...I meant I ate TDEE X.8 the first day then TDEE X.6 the next (for about a week and a half). Not my TDEE...hope that doesn't confuse you !
  • LouiseDavis65
    LouiseDavis65 Posts: 30 Member
    Yup I actually did understand that! LOL

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