Gotta say, MFP is disappointing more each day
Replies
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I'm really frustrated with the 1200 calorie limit that MFP instituted when I didn't know any better. She asks in the blog post when you (women) first heard of the 1200 limit for weight loss. I can tell you! HERE! I'd NEVER heard this number before MFP. I'm frustrated that MFP set me on this course that I blindly trusted and thought would lead me to a healthy weight loss, and now I find that it's probably doing me way more harm than good and likely contributed to an ambulance bill. :-S
You didn't tell us your stats but I've seen in another topic that you posted them, and your TDEE should be around 1600-1650 (your stats are similar to mine). 1200 kcals is the lowest you can go with your calorie intake if you want to keep things healthy, but unless you're very active during the day and burn a lot of calories in your everyday activities, you can't expect to lose much weight by eating more than that. I mean, if you feel like you could faint on 1200 kcals it's alright, then eat more... 1300, 1400, it doesn't matter, the point is that I don't think you can get sick and faint by eating 400 kcals less than your TDEE.
If you're not eating your exercise calories back that's completely different, because you wouldn't be eating 1200 NET calories which means you're actually not eating enough.
My advice is to 1. calculate your TDEE carefully 2. keep on mind your activity level 3. eat your exercise calories back 4. set a reasonable amount of weight to lose per week (1 lb might be alright).0 -
To be fair to OP, I think MFP could do with a sentence when you set your goals that says what sort of goal you should be aiming for. When I started out I didn't know anything about how many calories I should be eating, so I set it to 2lbs a week, because why wouldn't you? Luckily I had enough weight to lose that that goal was ok, but I think MFP could help guide people a bit more.
Agree. Also, think about the barrage of commercials and advertising out there today that promises "quick weight loss." It seems like I can't turn on the TV without seeing Atkins, Jenny Craig, and all the others that promise dramatic results in a short amount of time. I am NOT saying they are right OR that the OP doesn't bear some responsibility here, but those messages are almost ingrained in our way of thinking. If you're starting from scratch and are new to dieting, how are you to know any different?
I also did what the OP did - clicked 2 lb. loss as my goal and got 1200 calories. I also didn't have a tremendous amount to lose (~15 pounds or so). I didn't worry too much about the calories because my focus was really fitness, so I knew I'd earn enough calories to put me back at a reasonable amount each day. But if I was looking at it the other way - with calories and diet as my mail focus - then I can understand how 1200 could be a shock (especially if someone has never restricted calories before).
I know there is a lot of fantastic information in the forums, and I for one have learned a great deal from the community. However - to be fair, the forums are a tricky place. There's a lot of misinformation and conflicting opinions floating around. I've also seen arguments, a bit of snark, and a few hurt feelings. I'm not criticizing the forum AT ALL - I'm just saying that it does take some skill and bravery to go wading in. That's if you even know it's there to begin with.0 -
So, I want to reply and say thank you so much to MarKayDee, outofworkpedi, hortensehilde, BinaryPulsar and others along those lines that actually read what I posted, (not skimmed) and offered helpful balanced responses that encouraged and made me feel like I wasn't the one person in the universe who used the site exactly as it was laid out and explained to an average new user, and still ended up with issues. So in otherwords, responses like dopeitup are the reason I usually stay far away from forums and after this post, will likely stay far away from this one as well. Just a whole bunch of people sittin' on their high horse, trashin' ya.
The fact that there was a good 1/2 dozen at least posters who had my exact same issue--filling in fields at the start of the journey to the best of their ability and set on a path of really stupid weight loss just proves my point--the site has downfalls. I had come here on the advice of a friend who is about the same size and age as me, with similar health goals and she raved about how easy and great it had been. That was my only knowledge of the site before joining. I'm glad to find so many other people who are seeing the downfalls, because this verifies my feelings and experience. I came here because I thought it was a site that gave you guidance (so to posters that chastised that I should have done all this copious research--THIS was the place I thought would guide me through it). I mean really, anyone who got through 8th grade health class would feel that they know how weight loss is done--you eat less, exercise more, persevere for a long time and there you go. Starvation mode? Macros? Various other acronyms? Obviously, the world of weight loss IS far more complex, but as a few posters here also acknowledged, you can't expect a newbie just to know that or even realize--and offer a site that just glibly walks you through what apparently is a more complex matter than many realize.
So again, thanks to those who saw my point there.
Before I sign off, I just want to clarify for all the skimmers who jumped all over me: I didn't once say that I thought MFP and the unrealistic weight loss rate IT set me at was the cause of fainting or going to the hospital. I think I was VERY clear that I was SUSPICIOUS---[I'm not accusing MFP in any way shape or form], that the caloric intake that the site set me at, may have contributed to fainting--ON TOP of having NORWALK virus. I'm quite confident that I would not have been fainting JUST after using MFP for 3-4 weeks. So please people READ before you post your criminations.
And although I realize in re-reading my post that I didn't make it clear, YES, I did also come to the realization later that 2lbs a week was much too high a weight loss rate, I read a few posts here on the forums that helped me with that, and I changed up my rate to 1 lb a week, which bumped my daily caloric intake up to 1270. I no longer need anyone to point that out, thanks much, and to clarify, my point in the post was, as many but not all, people realized was to shed light on the downfalls of the site. Hopefully the MFP people have also seen this and perhaps might take some steps to rectify that for future newbies.
I think I'll be turning to my local gym, and a real live person to help me with my continued quest to be a healthy strong 40 year old mom to four kids. I don't feel I can trust this program to give me the guidance I thought it would, so to continue using it would be pretty stupid.
All the best to the rest of you.0 -
So in otherwords, responses like dopeitup are the reason I usually stay far away from forums and after this post, will likely stay far away from this one as well. Just a whole bunch of people sittin' on their high horse, trashin' ya.
Apart from all the people you just thanked :P I agree a lot of people on here, just like any other forum on the Internet, can be... discouraging, to put it nicely. But as you've seen there are nice people, and even the ones who are a bit mean about it are ultimately giving you good advice. I don't think you should give up on the forums since, as you've seen, you do get good advice, and there are people here that want to help you.
Equally I don't think you should give up using MFP. It's a great calorie counting tool, and if you know how many calories you need to eat, it will help you stick to that. Like everyone's said here, it's a great tool if you know how to use it, and hopefully you know how to use it now!
I hope that this doesn't put you off using MFP, I think it's a great tool to use, even if you do decide to stay away from the forums. And if you decide not to use MFP, then good luck with whatever you do use!0 -
This probably isn't what you wanted to hear, but the problem isn't the tool it's the user.
You told this website that you wanted to lose TWO lbs per WEEK. That's a 7000 calorie deficit per week, or 1000 calorie deficit per day. Is it really a surprise that it gave you an absurdly low calorie target?
The reason you kept seeing 1200 calories a day recommended is because MFP will never recommend lower than that. That's the absolute minimum it will possibly recommend to anyone for any reason.
Set your weight loss to a more reasonable 0.5 lbs/week and you only need a 250 calorie deficit per day.
The danger wasn't putting your health in the hands of a free website, the danger was not knowing how the tool worked and using it anyways.
^^ Amen!
Agreed. Although I see the recommendation for 1 pound per week has been removed.0 -
Why are you calling it a program again? Its a calculator. It tracks how much you eat, how much you exercise, and tells you a goal calorie count all based on what YOU put it. I get you didn't realize that 2 lbs wasn't realistic and you adjusted it, but how can using something to count calories be stupid? Whether you use MFP or a food journal it's basically the same thing. MFP is a TOOL, a RESOURCE, not a "program". I think you had the wrong idea of what MFP is.So, I want to reply and say thank you so much to MarKayDee, outofworkpedi, hortensehilde, BinaryPulsar and others along those lines that actually read what I posted, (not skimmed) and offered helpful balanced responses that encouraged and made me feel like I wasn't the one person in the universe who used the site exactly as it was laid out and explained to an average new user, and still ended up with issues. So in otherwords, responses like dopeitup are the reason I usually stay far away from forums and after this post, will likely stay far away from this one as well. Just a whole bunch of people sittin' on their high horse, trashin' ya.
The fact that there was a good 1/2 dozen at least posters who had my exact same issue--filling in fields at the start of the journey to the best of their ability and set on a path of really stupid weight loss just proves my point--the site has downfalls. I had come here on the advice of a friend who is about the same size and age as me, with similar health goals and she raved about how easy and great it had been. That was my only knowledge of the site before joining. I'm glad to find so many other people who are seeing the downfalls, because this verifies my feelings and experience. I came here because I thought it was a site that gave you guidance (so to posters that chastised that I should have done all this copious research--THIS was the place I thought would guide me through it). I mean really, anyone who got through 8th grade health class would feel that they know how weight loss is done--you eat less, exercise more, persevere for a long time and there you go. Starvation mode? Macros? Various other acronyms? Obviously, the world of weight loss IS far more complex, but as a few posters here also acknowledged, you can't expect a newbie just to know that or even realize--and offer a site that just glibly walks you through what apparently is a more complex matter than many realize.
So again, thanks to those who saw my point there.
Before I sign off, I just want to clarify for all the skimmers who jumped all over me: I didn't once say that I thought MFP and the unrealistic weight loss rate IT set me at was the cause of fainting or going to the hospital. I think I was VERY clear that I was SUSPICIOUS---[I'm not accusing MFP in any way shape or form], that the caloric intake that the site set me at, may have contributed to fainting--ON TOP of having NORWALK virus. I'm quite confident that I would not have been fainting JUST after using MFP for 3-4 weeks. So please people READ before you post your criminations.
And although I realize in re-reading my post that I didn't make it clear, YES, I did also come to the realization later that 2lbs a week was much too high a weight loss rate, I read a few posts here on the forums that helped me with that, and I changed up my rate to 1 lb a week, which bumped my daily caloric intake up to 1270. I no longer need anyone to point that out, thanks much, and to clarify, my point in the post was, as many but not all, people realized was to shed light on the downfalls of the site. Hopefully the MFP people have also seen this and perhaps might take some steps to rectify that for future newbies.
I think I'll be turning to my local gym, and a real live person to help me with my continued quest to be a healthy strong 40 year old mom to four kids. I don't feel I can trust this program to give me the guidance I thought it would, so to continue using it would be pretty stupid.
All the best to the rest of you.0 -
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Why are you calling it a program again? Its a calculator. It tracks how much you eat, how much you exercise, and tells you a goal calorie count all based on what YOU put it. I get you didn't realize that 2 lbs wasn't realistic and you adjusted it, but how can not using something to count calories be stupid? Whether you use MFP or a food journal it's basically the same thing. MFP is a TOOL, a RESOURCE, not a "program". I think you had the wrong idea of what MFP is.So, I want to reply and say thank you so much to MarKayDee, outofworkpedi, hortensehilde, BinaryPulsar and others along those lines that actually read what I posted, (not skimmed) and offered helpful balanced responses that encouraged and made me feel like I wasn't the one person in the universe who used the site exactly as it was laid out and explained to an average new user, and still ended up with issues. So in otherwords, responses like dopeitup are the reason I usually stay far away from forums and after this post, will likely stay far away from this one as well. Just a whole bunch of people sittin' on their high horse, trashin' ya.
The fact that there was a good 1/2 dozen at least posters who had my exact same issue--filling in fields at the start of the journey to the best of their ability and set on a path of really stupid weight loss just proves my point--the site has downfalls. I had come here on the advice of a friend who is about the same size and age as me, with similar health goals and she raved about how easy and great it had been. That was my only knowledge of the site before joining. I'm glad to find so many other people who are seeing the downfalls, because this verifies my feelings and experience. I came here because I thought it was a site that gave you guidance (so to posters that chastised that I should have done all this copious research--THIS was the place I thought would guide me through it). I mean really, anyone who got through 8th grade health class would feel that they know how weight loss is done--you eat less, exercise more, persevere for a long time and there you go. Starvation mode? Macros? Various other acronyms? Obviously, the world of weight loss IS far more complex, but as a few posters here also acknowledged, you can't expect a newbie just to know that or even realize--and offer a site that just glibly walks you through what apparently is a more complex matter than many realize.
So again, thanks to those who saw my point there.
Before I sign off, I just want to clarify for all the skimmers who jumped all over me: I didn't once say that I thought MFP and the unrealistic weight loss rate IT set me at was the cause of fainting or going to the hospital. I think I was VERY clear that I was SUSPICIOUS---[I'm not accusing MFP in any way shape or form], that the caloric intake that the site set me at, may have contributed to fainting--ON TOP of having NORWALK virus. I'm quite confident that I would not have been fainting JUST after using MFP for 3-4 weeks. So please people READ before you post your criminations.
And although I realize in re-reading my post that I didn't make it clear, YES, I did also come to the realization later that 2lbs a week was much too high a weight loss rate, I read a few posts here on the forums that helped me with that, and I changed up my rate to 1 lb a week, which bumped my daily caloric intake up to 1270. I no longer need anyone to point that out, thanks much, and to clarify, my point in the post was, as many but not all, people realized was to shed light on the downfalls of the site. Hopefully the MFP people have also seen this and perhaps might take some steps to rectify that for future newbies.
I think I'll be turning to my local gym, and a real live person to help me with my continued quest to be a healthy strong 40 year old mom to four kids. I don't feel I can trust this program to give me the guidance I thought it would, so to continue using it would be pretty stupid.
All the best to the rest of you.
^This.
No one is trying to be mean to you or not supportive. The point we are trying to make is that it's up to you to take responsibility for your health. This is a free website with a very helpful tracking tool. I would encourage you to speak with your trainer or doctor about what a healthy weight loss goal is - and THEN use the tool to keep track of your calories and progress. MFP is not, and in no way claims to be, a substitute for professional advice and care.0 -
Why are you calling it a program again? Its a calculator. It tracks how much you eat, how much you exercise, and tells you a goal calorie count all based on what YOU put it. I get you didn't realize that 2 lbs wasn't realistic and you adjusted it, but how can not using something to count calories be stupid? Whether you use MFP or a food journal it's basically the same thing. MFP is a TOOL, a RESOURCE, not a "program". I think you had the wrong idea of what MFP is.
This is definitely a good point. There are paleos, vegans, carnivores, and people who eat fast food every day on MFP. The app/site is merely a way of keeping track of what you've eaten. You can manually adjust your calorie requirements, you can keep track of what nutrients and vitamins you're getting... honestly, the fact that MFP is free is kind of mindblowing to me, just because of its sheer usefulness and good intentions.
I think we've all gotten the "1200 calories a day" recommendation from MFP, because who DOESN'T want to lose two pounds a week? But it's not dangerous to eat that little-- unless you're just eating a cinnabon and calling it a day. It's pretty easy to make 1200 cals go a long way, especially if you don't mind eating some salad or raw vegetables.
I honestly can't understand how one could not understand "eating back your exercise calories". It's kinda in the name
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So, I want to reply and say thank you so much to MarKayDee, outofworkpedi, hortensehilde, BinaryPulsar and others along those lines that actually read what I posted, (not skimmed) and offered helpful balanced responses that encouraged and made me feel like I wasn't the one person in the universe who used the site exactly as it was laid out and explained to an average new user, and still ended up with issues. So in otherwords, responses like dopeitup are the reason I usually stay far away from forums and after this post, will likely stay far away from this one as well. Just a whole bunch of people sittin' on their high horse, trashin' ya.
The fact that there was a good 1/2 dozen at least posters who had my exact same issue--filling in fields at the start of the journey to the best of their ability and set on a path of really stupid weight loss just proves my point--the site has downfalls. I had come here on the advice of a friend who is about the same size and age as me, with similar health goals and she raved about how easy and great it had been. That was my only knowledge of the site before joining. I'm glad to find so many other people who are seeing the downfalls, because this verifies my feelings and experience. I came here because I thought it was a site that gave you guidance (so to posters that chastised that I should have done all this copious research--THIS was the place I thought would guide me through it). I mean really, anyone who got through 8th grade health class would feel that they know how weight loss is done--you eat less, exercise more, persevere for a long time and there you go. Starvation mode? Macros? Various other acronyms? Obviously, the world of weight loss IS far more complex, but as a few posters here also acknowledged, you can't expect a newbie just to know that or even realize--and offer a site that just glibly walks you through what apparently is a more complex matter than many realize.
So again, thanks to those who saw my point there.
Before I sign off, I just want to clarify for all the skimmers who jumped all over me: I didn't once say that I thought MFP and the unrealistic weight loss rate IT set me at was the cause of fainting or going to the hospital. I think I was VERY clear that I was SUSPICIOUS---[I'm not accusing MFP in any way shape or form], that the caloric intake that the site set me at, may have contributed to fainting--ON TOP of having NORWALK virus. I'm quite confident that I would not have been fainting JUST after using MFP for 3-4 weeks. So please people READ before you post your criminations.
And although I realize in re-reading my post that I didn't make it clear, YES, I did also come to the realization later that 2lbs a week was much too high a weight loss rate, I read a few posts here on the forums that helped me with that, and I changed up my rate to 1 lb a week, which bumped my daily caloric intake up to 1270. I no longer need anyone to point that out, thanks much, and to clarify, my point in the post was, as many but not all, people realized was to shed light on the downfalls of the site. Hopefully the MFP people have also seen this and perhaps might take some steps to rectify that for future newbies.
I think I'll be turning to my local gym, and a real live person to help me with my continued quest to be a healthy strong 40 year old mom to four kids. I don't feel I can trust this program to give me the guidance I thought it would, so to continue using it would be pretty stupid.
All the best to the rest of you.
I think that a person just starting out not knowing where to start would benefit more from a site like www. spark people. com (without the spaces of course) - it is also free and very user friendly with a lot of great tips and articles as well as support group forums. Good luck achieving your fitness goals!0 -
1200 is the floor for calorie allowance it will give you.
To lose 2lbs a week, you need a deficit of 1000 cals a day.
Hey presto, if you maintain on less than 2201, you'll get 1200 when you ask for 2lbs a week.0 -
//////op deactivated///////0
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So you basically signed up to use a tool without even understanding or learning how the tool works or why you would be entering the information that you would enter and now you're just pissy about not knowing what the hell you are doing...
You do realize that there are stickies and whatnot that you're supposed to read when you sign up...also, right next the the one Lb per week goal it says....wait for it...."recommended". You do still have to provide some brains...the calculator is just a calculator...it isn't magic...it isn't going to do the work for you.0 -
To be fair to OP, I think MFP could do with a sentence when you set your goals that says what sort of goal you should be aiming for. When I started out I didn't know anything about how many calories I should be eating, so I set it to 2lbs a week, because why wouldn't you? Luckily I had enough weight to lose that that goal was ok, but I think MFP could help guide people a bit more.
THIS.
MFP is way too vague. It doesn't tell you what the recommended weight loss rate is for your weight (it says 'lose 1 lb a week' is recommended though). Neither does it doesn't explain having to log exercise calories and eat them back. There's a lot of room for improvement overall.
Obviously it works well when used properly but when you read the forums you'll see that users who use it properly are few and far between.
actually, most of that is explained in the stickies that MFP recommends you read when signing up...problem is people don't read them...that's not MFP's fault...that's people being lazy.0 -
I don't feel I can trust this program to give me the guidance I thought it would, so to continue using it would be pretty stupid.
Based on that statement, I almost have to agree with you OP, but ONLY because you are looking for guidance. I really do understand the misconceptions that you had about MFP going in - after all, most diet programs market themselves as programs because if you could do it yourself you wouldn't need guidance, right?
To use a home improvement analogy - I'm in the middle of renovating my kitchen. I basically had two choices: hire a contractor or do it myself. I'm a DIY kind of person, so that's the route I went. But I still had to do my research, watch a lot of You Tube videos, and buy the tools & materials from the hardware store. Just because I bought the new sink doesn't mean it's going to install itself. MFP is a DIY approach to losing weight, getting fit, and improving health. It's just a tool. You have to figure out how to use it.
But if you don't know that going in and you assume it's another program like all the rest, I can completely understand why you're frustrated and getting upsetting results. If the DIY approach isn't for you (and it sounds like it isn't), it's good you realize it now and can find a guided program that will work better for you.
(And - to the forum - I waited too long to tack on a note to my last post, so I'll add it here. I really didn't mean any insult to the forum. I've dished up my own snark, gotten offended a couple of times, and rubbed a few people the wrong way myself - in addition to trying to share positive experiences. It's a learning experience and I'm guilty of plenty of mistakes myself. But I've learned a lot, laughed a lot, and meant no disrespect to the forum community. :flowerforyou:)0 -
This probably isn't what you wanted to hear, but the problem isn't the tool it's the user.
You told this website that you wanted to lose TWO lbs per WEEK. That's a 7000 calorie deficit per week, or 1000 calorie deficit per day. Is it really a surprise that it gave you an absurdly low calorie target?
The reason you kept seeing 1200 calories a day recommended is because MFP will never recommend lower than that. That's the absolute minimum it will possibly recommend to anyone for any reason.
Set your weight loss to a more reasonable 0.5 lbs/week and you only need a 250 calorie deficit per day.
The danger wasn't putting your health in the hands of a free website, the danger was not knowing how the tool worked and using it anyways.
SOLID first post.
I agree with this.0 -
Why are you calling it a program again? Its a calculator. It tracks how much you eat, how much you exercise, and tells you a goal calorie count all based on what YOU put it. I get you didn't realize that 2 lbs wasn't realistic and you adjusted it, but how can not using something to count calories be stupid? Whether you use MFP or a food journal it's basically the same thing. MFP is a TOOL, a RESOURCE, not a "program". I think you had the wrong idea of what MFP is.
This is definitely a good point. There are paleos, vegans, carnivores, and people who eat fast food every day on MFP. The app/site is merely a way of keeping track of what you've eaten. You can manually adjust your calorie requirements, you can keep track of what nutrients and vitamins you're getting... honestly, the fact that MFP is free is kind of mindblowing to me, just because of its sheer usefulness and good intentions.
I think we've all gotten the "1200 calories a day" recommendation from MFP, because who DOESN'T want to lose two pounds a week? But it's not dangerous to eat that little-- unless you're just eating a cinnabon and calling it a day. It's pretty easy to make 1200 cals go a long way, especially if you don't mind eating some salad or raw vegetables.
I honestly can't understand how one could not understand "eating back your exercise calories". It's kinda in the name
I haven't ever gotten the 1200 calorie a day goal, just sayin'. I have however eaten just 1000-1200 calories more often than I have met my full calorie goal.0 -
Yeah, OP deactivated. Big shock.
Not speaking about her specifically, but after being on this site for a year and a half, it amazes me how little common sense some people have about their health. I can understand the 15 yr olds that think living on tic tacs and lettuce for a month might be a good idea, but surely by the time someone is in their 30s and 40s, they have educated themselves at least a little bit about nutrition?
Just because you are given an arbitrary number for losing weight, doesn't mean that it will automatically work for you. You have to know your body and see how it responds to calorie numbers and certain types of foods. I mean, come on, just use a few brain cells to learn about your body.
Perhaps I give the general population a bit too much credit?0 -
So you basically signed up to use a tool without even understanding or learning how the tool works or why you would be entering the information that you would enter and now you're just pissy about not knowing what the hell you are doing...
You do realize that there are stickies and whatnot that you're supposed to read when you sign up...also, right next the the one Lb per week goal it says....wait for it...."recommended". You do still have to provide some brains...the calculator is just a calculator...it isn't magic...it isn't going to do the work for you.
Also this.
I'm willing to bet that the people in the success stories forums didn't hit a road block, blame it on the computer program they track on, then post a rant on said program's message board about how it's not their fault they've hit a road block, it must be the computer's.
90 pounds lost? All me. Can't lose weight anymore? I don't know what's wrong but it can't be me, it must be something else.0 -
1200 calories is the absolute minimum that a woman should ever eat.
You should also try very hard not to exceed a 1000 calorie deficit, especially for long periods of time.
And, like others have said, the skinnier you are, the smaller the deficit you should try to hit.
Myfitnesspal does NOT track calories burned and when it set a goal for you of 1200 calories, it presumes without exercise.
I personally use a Bodybugg (I think it has significant advantages over the Fitbit, but I digress), to tell me how many calories I am burning each day. It interfaces with myfitnesspal so that when I do any activity, it automatically adjusts how many calories I am allowed to have and still meet my goal.
Myfitnesspal is only half of the equation0 -
All I can say is WOW! I have been using the website since November. Information given must be easier for some people to understand than others. I understood after reading a few posts, what the "eat your exercise calories meant". In defense of the 40 year old mom, maybe there needs to be a "definition board to newbies." But all of your posts have been right on point and honest. However, some people need to hear in different ways information because all people learn different.
I'm glad for all that folks share, harsh or not, because when I need to ask a question in the future and need some solid answers, I want you all to be honest with me. With all that I have been reading on MFP, there have been extremely sharp people on this site to explain every detail to people that need assistance. They have given up their time for others as well as their pictures, diet and exercises. Its been amazing!!!!!!!! I love MFP and friends!
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OP - I am not sure if you will see this, but I also want to recommend not counting/restricting calories when you are very sick. You have probably realized this in your recent unfortunate experience, but when you are sick your body needs fuel (food) to heal. You should probably eat close to your maintenance level (MFP does tell you what it is when you are setting up goals). You could probably even forego logging calories since it is unlikely you will want to overeat while sick.0
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tic tacs and lettuce. hahaha!
Crap! I've been doing this all wrong. Probably need to add in a few Mountain Dews and some NoDoz.0 -
Wow. That was a long post. I almost read a third of it and then gave up.0
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I think one thing people need to keep in mind is that A) this site is a TOOL, not a Dr of a registered dietitian. By no means is inputting your weight and goals a consultation. MFP is a food and exercise tracking toold. If you do not know what you should be tracking or how much you should be working out etc, you need to consult a professional. This **** is free. If you don't like it do not use it. But don't bash it and blame it for what it isn't. I am sure if people were paying for it it may do a bit more than what it does but this is the best free website/app I have ever seen before. 0
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Um - do you know what Norwalk virus is? It's basically throwing up. Over and over. It's a struggle just to stay hydrated.0
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OP - I am not sure if you will see this, but I also want to recommend not counting/restricting calories when you are very sick. You have probably realized this in your recent unfortunate experience, but when you are sick your body needs fuel (food) to heal. You should probably eat close to your maintenance level (MFP does tell you what it is when you are setting up goals). You could probably even forego logging calories since it is unlikely you will want to overeat while sick.
sorry - meant to quote this...0 -
Hi
I just started and it too calculated my daily calorie total at 1200 and I had put that I would like to lose 3 stone. I was very surprised at this low figure too as it is not really enough calories for an adult to get through the day.0 -
Um - do you know what Norwalk virus is? It's basically throwing up. Over and over. It's a struggle just to stay hydrated.
Yeah, that's why you don't need to count calories when sick. It is a struggle to get enough calories when nothing stays down and you have no appetite. The OP made it sound like she was still trying to diet through her illness and that is what caused her to pass out.0 -
Then you need to have a more realistic time frame of how long you want to take to lose weight. What are you expecting it to do? Fudge the numbers?Hi
I just started and it too calculated my daily calorie total at 1200 and I had put that I would like to lose 3 stone. I was very surprised at this low figure too as it is not really enough calories for an adult to get through the day.0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NNOrp_83RU
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