MFP Recommended Calorie Goals

rderrickwhite
rderrickwhite Posts: 69 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Just a general question with respect to the calorie goals MFP recommends as you lose weight? Does anyone suspect the goal to be wrong somehow? I see a big difference in recommendations for someone of my height (6'6.5") and weight (256 lbs) between different sites.

The reason I ask is pretty simple. my weight loss has slowed down over the past 2 weeks. In fact, I've gained 3 lbs (which I'm not overly concerned about - but) My energy is low. I'm having a hell of a time keeping my macros in line. I'm well aware that slowed weight loss at this stage can be normal, especially in my case because I've been lifting 4 times a week. I'm just trying to stay informed, because I want to be ready should I need to make adjustments. I'd still like to lose at least 20 more lbs.

Words of wisdom?

Replies

  • Bekahmardis
    Bekahmardis Posts: 602 Member
    It seems to almost automagically set people to 1200 calories. No, I don't htink it's accurate. In fact, it is SO not accurate that I bought a FitBit Flex to test it out. Yeah, the FitBit tells me exactly what my calorie goals need to be on a daily basis based on the *actual* exercise/movement that I do.

    If you don't want to/can't afford to/couldn't care less about a FitBit or the like....or an HRM to see how you're doing on the calorie burning thing, go to a few different sites and see what they recommend, then take the average?
  • rderrickwhite
    rderrickwhite Posts: 69 Member
    I've been looking at the fitbit. I'm not actually concerned about my calories burned. I track them with an HRM. I'm more concerned about the calorie goals.
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    MFP ignores exercise in giving you your caloric intake, other sites don't, so most likely MFP goal is lower, and most other sites give you TDEE-20%, whereas MFP gives you your intake based on the weekly weight loss you chose for yourself (most people set the goal much too aggressive, instead of 2 lbs/week change to 1 and your cals will go up 500/day)
  • tamerita48
    tamerita48 Posts: 28 Member
    Do you guys like the fitbit? I realllllly want one! They look so cool!
  • xampx
    xampx Posts: 323 Member
    MFP is a good guide but I wouldnt trust it in the long term as it makes a lot of assumptions. I would work out your own TDEE and BMR using one (or several and working out the average) of the calculators available online.

    The best ones will take into account your lean body mass and measurements to be as accurate as possible.

    MFP also lets you set your goal to 2lbs a week even if you only have maybe 6lbs to lose, which is just not going to happen. Realistically, the less weight you have to lose, the slower it will come off.
  • CkepiJinx
    CkepiJinx Posts: 613 Member
    I find it very accurate, it has never had me at 1200 calories,but you have to make sure you make the right setting choices. Many people set it to lose 2 lbs when they shouldn't , if you have less weight to lose your goal should be lower. 2 lbs a week should only be chosen if you have at least 100 pounds to lose, 1.5 if you have at least 75 pounds, .5-1 pounds for anything less. Also many people select sedentary life style while few people truly are, lightly active is more accurate for most people. Also MFP is set up to give you a calorie deficit with out extra exercise based on your regular daily activity setting, if you exercise more and log it MFP intends you to eat the extra calories it gives you. If you feel it is too low check your settings, after that you could search for in place of a road map , maybe someone will post the link it can help you figure out what your goal should be with out having to log exercise. Good luck
  • sawiemken
    sawiemken Posts: 39 Member
    I have the fitbit One and love it I ALWAYS have it on day and night. Only it doesn't like water so no swimming or showers.
  • scythswife
    scythswife Posts: 1,100 Member
    I used this

    http://youareyourowngym.com/

    it is the calculator from Mark Lauren who wrote You are your own gym and body by you. I changed my number based on that and reading his books and so far I am now losing and having more energy.

    Good luck
  • xstarxdustx
    xstarxdustx Posts: 591 Member
    bump.

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