IPOARM- Stupid to follow?

It's just two different methods. Essentially TDEE method vs NEAT method. They're both valid and in my experience come out about 6 of 1.

When I was doing MFP and eating most of my exercise calories back I was averaging around 200 - 2100 calories gross; when I switched to TDEE - 20% I was around 2,050 calories but didn't have to worry about fueling my exercise because it was already in the calculation.

I think NEAT is a good method for people new to exercise or those that may otherwise be inconsistent because they don't have to worry about if they missed their routine for a few days or whatever...as long as they meet their goals, they will lose. TDEE is not forgiving when you skip workouts because the formula assumes you are doing everything routinely and consistently.

I had no idea about this method because when I joined MFP I just used the phone app and never read the forums. Because of this I stayed at 1200cal for months. I did lose the weight slowly(avg 1lb/week), but when I was done I just looked skinny fat. Now I've upped my cals, slowly started to work out and things are improving. I think that using the MFP estimation is not good enough. I loved what the scale showed, but the mirror... not so much. Now I've gained ~2lbs, but my measurements got smaller.

I adore IPOARM. I've lost more the last month that I did in the 6 months before that. I happened to join a DietBet that directly coincided with starting IPOARM, here are pics to show what just one month did:

I always wonder why people sign up for one system then have to go looking for a way to change it. MFP works as it is and you only eat more if you exercise more - surely a great added incentive!!

Actually, MFP doesn't work for everyone. When I followed MFP's guided versus IPOARM, I started losing, finally, after following IPOARM v.3 and it's been awesome. MFP has guided options, but also allows you to set your own goals - which means I can use MFP and IPOARM together.

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