Confused and not losing
inukshuk1960
Posts: 27 Member
Ok ... so I have read about TDEE and net calories and BMR and thought I had it...apparently not because I am not losing weight.
My general understanding is that you need to eat 3500 fewer calories to lose one pound....sounds easy enough
And I did it but I am not losing
My calorie count is set at 1200 cal, and my BMR is 1410 with a TDEE of 1725 for sedentary (I work out 4 days a week but sit at a desk most of the day otherwise). If I am expending approximately 400-500 cal for exercise 4 days a week I should be losing more than 0.2 pounds a week...I would think.
Am I missing something. I am very frustrated.
Only constructive suggestions please, derrogatory comments are not helpful. I am trying to learn and silly comments hurt they don't help.
I will open my diary to friends...(for security reasons I will not open it to all).
An FYI I am vegan as well
My general understanding is that you need to eat 3500 fewer calories to lose one pound....sounds easy enough
And I did it but I am not losing
My calorie count is set at 1200 cal, and my BMR is 1410 with a TDEE of 1725 for sedentary (I work out 4 days a week but sit at a desk most of the day otherwise). If I am expending approximately 400-500 cal for exercise 4 days a week I should be losing more than 0.2 pounds a week...I would think.
Am I missing something. I am very frustrated.
Only constructive suggestions please, derrogatory comments are not helpful. I am trying to learn and silly comments hurt they don't help.
I will open my diary to friends...(for security reasons I will not open it to all).
An FYI I am vegan as well
0
Replies
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Do you eat extra for the 400-500 calorie workout days ?0
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You might be at too high of a deficient. Are you eating back exercise calories? If you only have 8lbs to go, your setting should be only set to lose .5lbs/week and you should net that amount every day.0
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No I have not been eating back the exercise points....I guess I am not getting it, the point (at least with WW) was to eat fewer calories and tehn exercise often...and I have done that but am not losing0
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But MFP is SLIGHTLY different. My mom and I did this together. I followed MFP rules, she followed WW rules (the one before fruits and veggies were "free"). We both started out at 180 (she was 59 and 5'4, I was 33 and 5'11). By the time we got to June, both of us were around 150. I got to eat more (probably because I'm so much taller) but we had the same results in the same amount of time)
Anywho. I really can't explain it. I've always followed MFP recommendations for losing .5lbs a week (for me that 1620) and ate back 1/2 my exercise calories and the pounds came off and I'm full and happy and not feeling like I'm spinning my wheels.0 -
yeah what the guy above me sounds right. When i was doing insanity i think i was only burning like 350 and intaking more but when i started hitting the gym i upped it to 1100 and i only get 1538 so that gives me 2638 a day not counting my weight lifting which i recently started doing so from april 2013 until now 49lbs. my weight loss increased when i increased how much i burned.0
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You are not eating enough and your body is holding on to every calorie because your NET calories are way below your BMR if you what you say is true You should be NETTING minimum your BMR calories everyday (So if your BMR is 1410 your NET calories should not be less than 1410)Your basal metabolic rate, or BMR, is the minimum calorific requirement needed to sustain life in a resting individual. It can be looked at as being the amount of energy (measured in calories) expended by the body to remain in bed asleep all day!
Example what you are doing 1200 calories eaten - 500 calories exercise = 700 NET calories ( the amount of calories that your body is actually getting!)
In reality you should try NEtting your BMR for the day
Example
Set MFP calorie goals to 1410
You eat 1410 calories, you go to workout worked off 500 calories, your body now thinks you only have 910 NET calories, eat calories back 500 you now have NET 1410 calories.
OR
Set your calorie goal in MFP to your TDEE dependant on your activity level- this will stay the same EVERYDAY
eat those calories everyday
BMR X 1.55 = 1410 X 1.55 = 2185 calories you'd eat everyday as long as you are consistent with your activity.
Reducing calories by 15-20% below TDEE is a good place to start so 1748 TOTAL calories (This method you DO NOT eat back your exercise calories)
OR
Simple method
Fat loss = 12-13 calories per lb. of bodyweight
I suggest reading some of the material in TOPIC: LINKS in MFP you want to read again (and again)
Hope this helps and good luck on your journey0 -
But MFP is SLIGHTLY different. My mom and I did this together. I followed MFP rules, she followed WW rules (the one before fruits and veggies were "free"). We both started out at 180 (she was 59 and 5'4, I was 33 and 5'11). By the time we got to June, both of us were around 150. I got to eat more (probably because I'm so much taller) but we had the same results in the same amount of time)
Anywho. I really can't explain it. I've always followed MFP recommendations for losing .5lbs a week (for me that 1620) and ate back 1/2 my exercise calories and the pounds came off and I'm full and happy and not feeling like I'm spinning my wheels.
kristen6022, If she is doing TDEE instead of MFP, she shouldn't eat back calories.
OP, If your TDEE is 1725 and you eat 20% less than that, you should be at 1380.
How long have you been at it? Keep in mind that weight loss is not linear. Some weeks you will not lose any weight and others you will lose more weight than your goal.
Also, make sure that you accurately log your food. Weigh it for accuracy. If you are estimating things, you could be way off, especially on calorie dense foods like nuts, oils, and peanutbutter.
Just log accurately and stay consistent and be patient and the weight loss will come.
Best of luck to you!0 -
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eat mo-it works....0
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I totally know how you feel. But sometimes eating less and working out just doesn't cut it. I've learned recently that based on your genes you body will respond best to certain things better than others. For example the low carb diet doesn't work for everyone, and some people actually will gain weight on certain diets because that is not what their body needs. Some people will also respond better to a low impact workout than a 5 mile run. It all depends on your genes. And with the new technology that people are working on, there are actually some really helpful tools to figure out just what your genes are telling you they need. If you want to message me privately and I can talk to you about it some more. But either way, your doing an awesome job and keep up the good work! I don't think I could ever do a vegan diet. SO even more props to you on that!0
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You need to eat back your exercise calories, especially if you're sticking to a 1200 calorie diet. Try eating back half your exercise calories to begin with and see how you do. Give it a month and see what happens. I used to think that losing weight was just eat as little as possible and work out as much as possible and the math works itself out. That was so very wrong. Don't be fooled by math.0
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Having too large a deficit can be counterproductive. MFP is designed for you to eat your exercise calories back (formula can be found on the goals page). It calculates you at a deficit to begin with.
If you follow TDEE -20%, than that includes exercise cals so you don't log and eat back the cals. People doing this method tend to log their exercise at 1 cal, but you are doing way below tdee -20% it seems. (And no, bmr and tdee are not the same thing).
So pick a method (MFP or TDEE -20% - not BMR) and stick with it for 4-6 weeks then adjust accordingly. Make sure to get a food scale if you aren't using one already.
Here's some extra reading if you are interested with some other tips and suggestions.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1105036-article-on-flexible-dieting-by-armi-legge?page=1#posts-17068746
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1122891-9-reasons-fat-loss-is-always-slower-than-you-d-like
ETA: with only 8lbs left to go (about), I also suggest making sure activity level is correct and your weekly loss goal is set to 0.5lbs/week. MFP is probably giving you the 1200 because you chose sedentary or/and 1-2lb/week loss.0 -
But MFP is SLIGHTLY different. My mom and I did this together. I followed MFP rules, she followed WW rules (the one before fruits and veggies were "free"). We both started out at 180 (she was 59 and 5'4, I was 33 and 5'11). By the time we got to June, both of us were around 150. I got to eat more (probably because I'm so much taller) but we had the same results in the same amount of time)
Anywho. I really can't explain it. I've always followed MFP recommendations for losing .5lbs a week (for me that 1620) and ate back 1/2 my exercise calories and the pounds came off and I'm full and happy and not feeling like I'm spinning my wheels.
kristen6022, If she is doing TDEE instead of MFP, she shouldn't eat back calories.
OP, If your TDEE is 1725 and you eat 20% less than that, you should be at 1380.
How long have you been at it? Keep in mind that weight loss is not linear. Some weeks you will not lose any weight and others you will lose more weight than your goal.
Also, make sure that you accurately log your food. Weigh it for accuracy. If you are estimating things, you could be way off, especially on calorie dense foods like nuts, oils, and peanutbutter.
Just log accurately and stay consistent and be patient and the weight loss will come.
Best of luck to you!
But she wasn't doing TDEE - 20%, she's eating 1200 calories. Which would mean if she ate 1200 and burned off 400, she's netting 800, which most of us know is a No No.0 -
I totally know how you feel. But sometimes eating less and working out just doesn't cut it. I've learned recently that based on your genes you body will respond best to certain things better than others. For example the low carb diet doesn't work for everyone, and some people actually will gain weight on certain diets because that is not what their body needs. Some people will also respond better to a low impact workout than a 5 mile run. It all depends on your genes. And with the new technology that people are working on, there are actually some really helpful tools to figure out just what your genes are telling you they need. If you want to message me privately and I can talk to you about it some more. But either way, your doing an awesome job and keep up the good work! I don't think I could ever do a vegan diet. SO even more props to you on that!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:0 -
I've learned recently that based on your genes you body will respond best to certain things better than others.
Assuming that I read that right, have you got any links?0 -
Your post is confusing, because I cannot tell how much you are actually eating. Since you won't open your diary, there is not a lot I can do except to suggest that your numbers are off somewhere. That you are either eating too much, or not burning as much as you think.
Best of luck!0 -
kristen6022, If she is doing TDEE instead of MFP, she shouldn't eat back calories.
OP, If your TDEE is 1725 and you eat 20% less than that, you should be at 1380.
How long have you been at it? Keep in mind that weight loss is not linear. Some weeks you will not lose any weight and others you will lose more weight than your goal.
Also, make sure that you accurately log your food. Weigh it for accuracy. If you are estimating things, you could be way off, especially on calorie dense foods like nuts, oils, and peanutbutter.
Just log accurately and stay consistent and be patient and the weight loss will come.
Best of luck to you!
You clearly failed to comprehend the OP if you even read it.
BMR is clearly stated. Daily MFP Calorie goal is clearly stated and is clearly under BMR.
TDEE is not examined at all. TDEE, sedentary, of 1725+400 or 500 is a TDEE of 2125 or 2225. Subtract 20% from that and you've got at least 1700. Thanks for trying.0 -
You clearly failed to comprehend the OP if you even read it.
BMR is clearly stated. Daily MFP Calorie goal is clearly stated and is clearly under BMR.
TDEE is not examined at all. TDEE, sedentary, of 1725+400 or 500 is a TDEE of 2125 or 2225. Subtract 20% from that and you've got at least 1700. Thanks for trying.
Either way, she will lose weight if accurately logging and eating the amount of calories she says she is eating.
She is certainly not stalled because she is not eating enough. If you eat at a deficit, you lose, period.
To use TDEE correctly, she would calculate it with her amount of exercise, agreed, but you clearly don't understand TDEE. Thanks for playing though.0 -
Great reply, Sunflower0
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You are either eating more than you think you are, working out less than you think you are, or you have your everyday activity level set too high.
Do you weigh your food when you log? Do you log consistently? Do you log everything?0 -
Ho long have I been at it. Two months and I have been tryign for over 8 months with no success.
Guess I am lost, should I be following MFP or TDEE...I am more confused than when I started.0 -
Ho long have I been at it. Two months and I have been tryign for over 8 months with no success.
Guess I am lost, should I be following MFP or TDEE...I am more confused than when I started.
Here is a great site that explains TDEE really well and also calculates it for you: http://iifym.com/tdee-calculator/
Basically, BMR is the amount of calories your body burns just by being alive. TDEE is BMR plus whatever calories you burn doing whatever activity you do during the day. It is important to be accurate with your exercise level in the TDEE calculator.
Most people on MFP lose weight 1 of 2 ways:
1. Calculate TDEE, subtract 20% and don't eat back exercise calories (because TDEE already factors them in)
2. Use MFP with activity level set to sedentary and eat back calories burned with exercise
Both ways work.
If using TDEE, make sure to be honest about your weekly exercise.
If using MFP and using MFP to calculate calories burned working out, only eat back 50-60% of your calories because MFP can overestimate your burn. Getting a heart rate monitor will give you a more accurate idea of calories burned for cardio.
Either way is fine, as long as you are eating at a deficit, you will lose weight.
If you have gone 8 months without losing, read this: http://www.acaloriecounter.com/blog/why-am-i-not-losing-weight/
Best of luck to you!0 -
My TDEE at sedentary is 1700ish as well but I've been losing at 1600 because I do some kind of exercise or walk every day. If you burn 400-500 calories 4x a week, you can probably easily eat 1500 and still lose weight.0
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Your post is confusing, because I cannot tell how much you are actually eating. Since you won't open your diary, there is not a lot I can do except to suggest that your numbers are off somewhere. That you are either eating too much, or not burning as much as you think.
Best of luck!
I am willing to open to friends...I can add you as a friend and then you can look and maybe see where I am going wrong0 -
Ho long have I been at it. Two months and I have been tryign for over 8 months with no success.
Guess I am lost, should I be following MFP or TDEE...I am more confused than when I started.
Here is a great site that explains TDEE really well and also calculates it for you: http://iifym.com/tdee-calculator/
Basically, BMR is the amount of calories your body burns just by being alive. TDEE is BMR plus whatever calories you burn doing whatever activity you do during the day. It is important to be accurate with your exercise level in the TDEE calculator.
Most people on MFP lose weight 1 of 2 ways:
1. Calculate TDEE, subtract 20% and don't eat back exercise calories (because TDEE already factors them in)
2. Use MFP with activity level set to sedentary and eat back calories burned with exercise
Both ways work.
If using TDEE, make sure to be honest about your weekly exercise.
If using MFP and using MFP to calculate calories burned working out, only eat back 50-60% of your calories because MFP can overestimate your burn. Getting a heart rate monitor will give you a more accurate idea of calories burned for cardio.
Either way is fine, as long as you are eating at a deficit, you will lose weight.
If you have gone 8 months without losing, read this: http://www.acaloriecounter.com/blog/why-am-i-not-losing-weight/
Best of luck to you!
Thanks for responding. The information is helpful....
If it is true that weight loss is eating less than you burn then I should be losing hand over fist but I am not. I am at a big deficit...would it help to open my diary for you...0 -
(for security reasons I will not open it to all).
What the heck kind of "security reasons" do you have for not opening your diary?
Do you have some state secrets in your food notes that you'll set SOME anonymous internet people (your friends list) read, but not others?0 -
If it is true that weight loss is eating less than you burn then I should be losing hand over fist but I am not. I am at a big deficit...would it help to open my diary for you...
If you are not losing weight, you are not at a calorie deficit.
Open your diary and you will get helpful information, I assure you. There are no security risks in your food log.0 -
Ok ... so I have read about TDEE and net calories and BMR and thought I had it...apparently not because I am not losing weight.
My general understanding is that you need to eat 3500 fewer calories to lose one pound....sounds easy enough
And I did it but I am not losing
My calorie count is set at 1200 cal, and my BMR is 1410 with a TDEE of 1725 for sedentary (I work out 4 days a week but sit at a desk most of the day otherwise). If I am expending approximately 400-500 cal for exercise 4 days a week I should be losing more than 0.2 pounds a week...I would think.
Am I missing something. I am very frustrated.
Only constructive suggestions please, derrogatory comments are not helpful. I am trying to learn and silly comments hurt they don't help.
I will open my diary to friends...(for security reasons I will not open it to all).
An FYI I am vegan as well
VEGAN MEANS NOTHING! VEGAN FOOD has a crap load of sodium. I know because I eat it every now and then. Also, VEGAN food provides little protein which is essential in the aid of fat loss. You can only get so much protein from legumes. Even then, those numbers do not provide the necessary amount to maintain lean mass. IF anything, take protein supplements since you cant get natural occuring proteins/creating from animal meat.
What's your workout routine like? Your calorie intake should be set to 1380. No more, no less. Workout 4 days a week and do cardio 20-25 min after each session. You will lose weight but at a really slow pace given your low BMR.0 -
After looking through your diary, if it is accurate, there is no reason that you should not be losing weight unless there is a health issue.
Are you logging absolutely everything? Are you weighing your food? Things like the almond butter are very calorie dense. Are you weighing the 16 grams on a scale or estimating?
I would say you either are not logging everything, not logging everything accurately, or there is a health concern.
Even with no exercise, you would lose weight at the number of calories that you logged.
Make sure you are weighing everything and accurately logging. If you are and you are still not losing, you should see a doctor to get checked for thyroid or other issues.0 -
Ok ... so I have read about TDEE and net calories and BMR and thought I had it...apparently not because I am not losing weight.
My general understanding is that you need to eat 3500 fewer calories to lose one pound....sounds easy enough
And I did it but I am not losing
My calorie count is set at 1200 cal, and my BMR is 1410 with a TDEE of 1725 for sedentary (I work out 4 days a week but sit at a desk most of the day otherwise). If I am expending approximately 400-500 cal for exercise 4 days a week I should be losing more than 0.2 pounds a week...I would think.
Am I missing something. I am very frustrated.
Only constructive suggestions please, derrogatory comments are not helpful. I am trying to learn and silly comments hurt they don't help.
I will open my diary to friends...(for security reasons I will not open it to all).
An FYI I am vegan as well
VEGAN MEANS NOTHING! VEGAN FOOD has a crap load of sodium. I know because I eat it every now and then. Also, VEGAN food provides little protein which is essential in the aid of fat loss. You can only get so much protein from legumes. Even then, those numbers do not provide the necessary amount to maintain lean mass. IF anything, take protein supplements since you cant get natural occuring proteins/creating from animal meat.
What's your workout routine like? Your calorie intake should be set to 1380. No more, no less. Workout 4 days a week and do cardio 20-25 min after each session. You will lose weight but at a really slow pace given your low BMR.
Just and FYI I eat clean and vegan. Meaning I start from scratch and cook my food from whole grains, fruit and vegetables because of the sodium content of prepackaged vegan meals...way too much salt. I do use a plant based protein powder (Vega One) when I see I am totaly off the mark with protein0
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