I need help determining my activity level!
SuperHero_Girl
Posts: 72 Member
When I first started here on MFP last year and input my info, I think I basically fooled myself into lying about my activity level and input that I was active when, really, I spent a good chunk of my day with my rear end seated as the receptionist at a veterinary clinic. Despite lying about my activity level, I was losing weight at a nice and steady pace.
Anyways, the job didn't work out and I have a new one - as the receptionist at an animal hospital. The difference is that, this time, I spend anywhere from 8-10 hours a day on my feet because I now stand at the desk. Most mornings there tend to be lightly active with mainly standing in one spot and making phone calls, but, in the afternoon we start seeing appointments and it's a lot of going back and forth, cleaning exam rooms, helping out in the back if needed, things like that. I don't necessarily see it as on par with being a waitress, (how MFP describes Active), but it's more activity than I think a teacher has, (how MFP describes Lightly Active).
I am at an impasse because I apparently hover somewhere between Lightly Active and just plain Active and I'm not terribly sure which activity level to choose. If I keep it active, my daily calorie goal is 1520, which I've become comfortable with and accustomed to, but, if I change it to Lightly Active, my daily calorie goal decreases to 1350, which I think it do-able, but it would take some adjustment. Any advice on what the best option for me might be?
Other stats:
SW: 264.7
CW: 237.4
GW: 140, (for now, may re-evaluate when I get there)
HT: 5'2.25"
Additionally, I go to the gym on my days off, which varies by week, but is typically at least 3x/week and I do an hour workout, which also varies between elliptical, stair machine, stationary and recumbent bikes, and various weight machines. I also, for the time being, have a personal trainer once a week for a half hour who I work with after a half hour of cardio and, depending on which routine I do and machines I use, as well as intensity of the workout, I tend to burn anywhere from 650-1100 calories when working out.
Help?!
Anyways, the job didn't work out and I have a new one - as the receptionist at an animal hospital. The difference is that, this time, I spend anywhere from 8-10 hours a day on my feet because I now stand at the desk. Most mornings there tend to be lightly active with mainly standing in one spot and making phone calls, but, in the afternoon we start seeing appointments and it's a lot of going back and forth, cleaning exam rooms, helping out in the back if needed, things like that. I don't necessarily see it as on par with being a waitress, (how MFP describes Active), but it's more activity than I think a teacher has, (how MFP describes Lightly Active).
I am at an impasse because I apparently hover somewhere between Lightly Active and just plain Active and I'm not terribly sure which activity level to choose. If I keep it active, my daily calorie goal is 1520, which I've become comfortable with and accustomed to, but, if I change it to Lightly Active, my daily calorie goal decreases to 1350, which I think it do-able, but it would take some adjustment. Any advice on what the best option for me might be?
Other stats:
SW: 264.7
CW: 237.4
GW: 140, (for now, may re-evaluate when I get there)
HT: 5'2.25"
Additionally, I go to the gym on my days off, which varies by week, but is typically at least 3x/week and I do an hour workout, which also varies between elliptical, stair machine, stationary and recumbent bikes, and various weight machines. I also, for the time being, have a personal trainer once a week for a half hour who I work with after a half hour of cardio and, depending on which routine I do and machines I use, as well as intensity of the workout, I tend to burn anywhere from 650-1100 calories when working out.
Help?!
0
Replies
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It seems like you're happy with the rate you've been losing weight since resuming your diet and exercise plan, so I wouldn't lower your activity level setting while also increasing your actual activity level in that situation. Just congratulate yourself and keep up the awesome progress.
If I'm wrong and you're just happy for a reason unrelated to your weight loss, lowering your activity level setting should result in losing an extra 1/3 pound a week from the extra calorie deficit. If you're off by more than that, try eating only 50% of your exercise calories back.0 -
If I understood your post correctly it sounds like you're what I would consider an "Active" lifestyle now.
If you were less active before, but losing weight at the 1500 calories, and are more active now I would keep the same calories and expect that you see as good if not better results.
Good luck on your fitness journey.0
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