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Julesama
Julesama Posts: 7
in Health and Weight Loss
How bad is it for me to go over my calorie limit? This is the first time since I started MFP (about 5 or 6 days) and I don't really know what to expect- will I gain weight? Or just not lose weight today? I normally would not be close to exceeding my calorie limit, but we had a family picnic that was apparently based completely on fat or something, idk. I'm not that far over my calorie limit, and I might have overestimated how much I ate, but at the same time the opposite could be true. I'm not SUPER worried about what will happen- I will try harder and do better from now on- but I just want to know what to expect to see happen.

Replies

  • salvyhead
    salvyhead Posts: 66 Member
    Don't fret. Just keep an eye on your weekly intake. It's easy if you use the smartphone app - unfortunately the button is not on the website. If you're under for the week, you're good to go.
  • ladynocturne
    ladynocturne Posts: 865 Member
    If you have it set to lose 1lb a week, then you have a 500 calorie deficit built into your goal calories everyday.

    If today you go over by 100 calories, you will then have a 400 calorie deficit. You will still lose weight.
  • PunkinSpice79
    PunkinSpice79 Posts: 309 Member
    Have you calculated your TDEE? That might help you feel better. I agree with everyone else though - you'll be fine. When I go over some days, I just make sure to be under the next. :)
  • herblackwings39
    herblackwings39 Posts: 3,930 Member
    Unless you went over a huge amount (like 3,500 calories above your maintenance calories) you should be fine.
  • grimendale
    grimendale Posts: 2,153 Member
    If it's one day, don't worry about it. As long as it doesn't become habitual, you'll be fine. As stated previously, unless you ate an absurd amount over, you will most likely mostly gain water and glycogen weight, not fat.
  • dta4ever
    dta4ever Posts: 27 Member
    I agree with everyone else. Don't stress over one day. Dieting/exercising should become a LIFESTYLE. One day is nothing when compaired to a lifetime.
  • prattiger65
    prattiger65 Posts: 1,657 Member
    I was the same way in the beginning, I would fret over every single calorie. Please don't do that, don't trade one obsession for another. Over time I came to realize that even if I go over by 1000 one day, but stay on track otherwise, I still lose weight. Yes, I track everyday and I try to keep my number green. But the truth is, weight loss isn't linear, it is an accumulation over time. I now only really look at my numbers on a weekly basis, if I am close to zero for the week, that's perfect. Please don't stress over 50 here or 100 there. This is definantly a marathon, not a sprint.
  • prattiger65
    prattiger65 Posts: 1,657 Member
    Darn double post.
  • Julesama
    Julesama Posts: 7
    Okay, that's definitely great to know! On other diets I've tried, it's kind of like, oh I slipped up once BAM FIVE POUNDS BACK, but I'm really glad to know this isn't like that! Thanks for the input guys! :)
  • tatasmagik
    tatasmagik Posts: 185
    First off, scales suck.

    More importantly, you didn't gain weight by eating one "bad" meal. You aren't going to lose weight by eating one "good" meal. It's all about patience and perspective.

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