Another TDEE Question

hunderwoman
hunderwoman Posts: 101 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi there,

I apologize if this has been discussed before. I have read and re-read all sorts of TDEE threads and I just want to make sure what I am doing will work for what I want it to. So here goes...

If I calculate my BMR and my TDEE and use sedentary (desk job with little exercise.) and a goal of maintain, it puts my calories at around 1910 per day. So my question is this... Can I use the 1910 calories as my goal and that way if I eat that much and do not exercise, I will hypothetically not gain any weight? However, if I work out, those calories burned would count towards the deficit I need in order to lose weight?

I hope this makes since. It sounds simple to me. But obviously I would like to make sure what I am choosing to do is right. I have a really hard time trying to figure out how many exercise calories I should be eating back and quite honestly, while I work out most days, there are days when I don't do much of anything. I would like a consistent calorie goal that I try to meet every day regardless of how active I am.

Thank you all in advance for your responses. I really appreciate all of the help and support I receive on MFP!

Replies

  • STC1188
    STC1188 Posts: 101 Member
    If you set the activity to sedentary, and are sedentary, then yes: you eat that much and (theoretically) maintain. The only trouble is that like all numbers, they are estimates, so fine tweaking will most likely have to be done. If you do any major exercise, then you would need to add that in if you don't consider it a part of your "sedentary" choice. However, the your best bet is to choose an activity level that closely matches your weekly activity.

    Good luck!
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    Yes, you have that right. You are just creating a deficit via exercise instead of cutting food.

    I would just be careful with that plan if you are highly active.
  • MrsSWW
    MrsSWW Posts: 1,585 Member
    Yep, the way I read your post that makes sense - you'd have to do exercise to create a deficit.
  • hunderwoman
    hunderwoman Posts: 101 Member
    Perfect! Thank you all so much! I will for sure make changes if my exercise starts to increase greatly. I really appreciate all of your help!

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