Need some help

you're not netting enough.

you're new here. Have some tips.

here ya go:

1. don't trust the initial setup that MFP provides. If you put in the wrong/inaccurate information, it'll tell you to eat an amount that may not be applicable.
2. Make sure you eat enough.
3. Figure out what works for you and is sustainable/healthy/long term.
4. avoid fads. don't buy in to any "Hey, try the twinkie and vodka diet"
5. Don't cut out anything now that you don't plan on literally giving up forever.
6. GET A FOOD SCALE. Weigh everything. No, seriously.
7. Get an HRM with a chest strap. You'll at least have a better idea of what you're burning. It'll be more accurate than the generic info in the exercise database.. and even more than the cardio machines. This is great for steady state cardio (run/walk/etc)
8. Don't go balls out. You'll burn out. I see 300 lb people show up here, instantly start working out and cutting their intake SEVERELY... trying to cut out all of their carbs at once.. whatever. Take it slow. Figure out how much you need to eat FIRST in order to lose.. then incorporate exercise.
9. Don't cardio yourself to death.
10. Take the information on the forums with a grain of salt. A lot of people that have been here for a while.. and have been successful, may seem jaded. They give out GREAT advice day after day, only to be met with people that refuse to listen.
11. Eat real food. Not diet food. Not "low fat, sugar free, now without X." It's easier to get/find/count.
12. don't set time restrictions.
13. measure yourself weekly. Don't just weigh. Measure and take pictures.
14 BE PATIENT.
15. Avoid forum topics that have "1200" in the title. It's just full of butthurt. Lots of it.
16. This isn't a game, it's about changing your lifestyle. Do that.

pretty much that.

...and don't fall into the "1200 calorie" vertigo of suck because of:

the typical MFP users does this:
1. I wanna lose weight, let's try MFP.
2. OH! Wow, it tells me I can lose 2 lbs a WEEK? AWESOME!
3. I just sit at a desk when I'm not working out, I guess I'm sedentary.
4. MFP tells them 1200 calories, and they don't even eat that.. then they work out on top of it.. creating an even bigger deficit.
5. Lose a lot, fast, brag about 1200 calorie success.
6. Come back in a few months trying to figure out why they're dizzy, tired, not losing weight.
7. Get on the forums, ask why they aren't losing.
8. Get two responses (I eat 1200 and lose) (I eat 2200 and lose)
9. Argument ensues about who is right.

Now. That being said. These threads happen hundreds of times per day. Most times, and I mean really.. seriously.. 95% of the time.. people get the 1200 number because they don't put the right information in when they set up the account. There are a great number of people that are trying to help. I'm one of 'em.

I'm a hardcore advocate of actually finding out what works for the individual.. by means of other calculators, averages, time, practice, and patience.

Blanket prescriptions of 1200 calories "because it worked for me" is more harmful to the generic new user than the "figure out what you need to eat." Unfortunately, one is a LOT easier to type.

Find out what you need: http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/
Take the tips, links, and info above and make the cart more manageable.

No don't eat more. That won't help if you're trying to lose weight. ONLY eat more if you are trying to maintain your weight or build muscle mass. BOTTOM LINE: It doesn't make sense to eat back all of the calories you just worked off.

until you understand how MFP works, don't give bad advice. This is bad advice. OP, don't listen to this.

double post cause I'm half-lit on decongestants... derp.

Can I ask what OP means?

original poster... in this case, you.

No don't eat more. That won't help if you're trying to lose weight. ONLY eat more if you are trying to maintain your weight or build muscle mass. BOTTOM LINE: It doesn't make sense to eat back all of the calories you just worked off.

This is horrible advice.

OP: Eat the extra calories. Have a treat. I like to treat myself with ice cream everyday for a job well done. As you can see from my ticker, I still lose weight! Enjoy the extra food (to fuel your body & workouts)!

Thanks for this post after a year of using MFP i was still confused about this exact question lol

No don't eat more. That won't help if you're trying to lose weight. ONLY eat more if you are trying to maintain your weight or build muscle mass. BOTTOM LINE: It doesn't make sense to eat back all of the calories you just worked off.

Do no listen to this if you do no eat your exercise calories you will be at a deficit and not be eating enough which may slow your weight loss down. Welcome to MFP

No don't eat more. That won't help if you're trying to lose weight. ONLY eat more if you are trying to maintain your weight or build muscle mass. BOTTOM LINE: It doesn't make sense to eat back all of the calories you just worked off.

WOW! This is seriously wrong advice

MFP gave you a calorie deficit BEFORE exercise. That's because some people can't/won't exercise. Those people stick with the number MFP gave them and STILL lose weight.

Because you exercised you INCREASED the calorie deficit. If the calorie deficit is too large .... you will be more likely to burn muscle (along with fat).

If you just want to lose "just" fat ......eat part of your calories back. The reason I say "part" of your calories ..... calorie burns are hard to nail down. MFP (and many machines) overstate calorie burns. Start by eating 50% back. If you feel tired or fatigued ... you are not eating enough.

1200 is already a small amount (as low as MFP will go) ..... you might look up your BMR - basal metabolic rate, the calories your body would use if you stayed in bed all day.

1200 is a popular number here (for women) .... because people put aggressive weight loss goals (sometimes too aggressive) .... if your BMR is substantially higher than 1200 .... this is likely what happened.

It's soooooo confusing

Its not bad really, Just eat what MFP tells you to eat. If you need to fill, but arent really hungry, go for high cal good snacks such as nuts or avocado. They wont fill you up but will burn those extra calories.

Or do what I do with exercise calories... vodka martini. You earned it!