A question on calories allowed...

thejocool
thejocool Posts: 46
in Getting Started
This morning I readjusted the calories regarding my weight and the goal I had gave myself. I have a question. The system is ginving me 1320 calories per day. I'm a women, 42 years of age, 5 foot 9, 162 pounds that want to get to 150lbs. Why is it so low ? I've been on other programs that gave me around 1600 to 1700 in order to loose 1 pound a week.
Why the 300 more calories difference since I will be loosing the same ''pound'' per week in the end ?
Thanks
Jo

Replies

  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    Do you exercise regularly? If so, did the other programs take that exercise into account?
  • sabbyfairy
    sabbyfairy Posts: 53 Member
    I've come to think that it wants that low number to be your NET calorie goal instead of your calorie goal.

    Therefore, go ahead and eat that 1600, but work your butt off and make sure you're eating enough.
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    Because MFP allows you to earn extra calories when you actually exercise, rather than assumimg you WILL be exercising.
  • Hawkrcr285
    Hawkrcr285 Posts: 14 Member
    That's a great question, however the only thing I can think of is that MFP is starting your BRM at a little lower rate than your other information is.
  • Boogage
    Boogage Posts: 739 Member
    If you can lose weight eating more, then eat more and enjoy yourself
  • laserturkey
    laserturkey Posts: 1,680 Member
    If you only have 12 pounds to lose, it might be more reasonable to set your goal to 1/2 pound per week.
  • RaspberryKeytoneBoondoggle
    RaspberryKeytoneBoondoggle Posts: 1,349 Member
    HI:)

    I'm shorter than you and weigh less and I get to eat more than that to lose.

    I suggest that you read through this:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/833026-important-posts-to-read

    Like other people said, you get to eat back your exercise calories, but personally, I prefer to just have a number that I need to stay at or under that doesn't make me feel deprived.

    I get what you're saying. I'm 46. Feel free to PM me if you want a better answer :)
  • Tagwild12345
    Tagwild12345 Posts: 19 Member
    Hi im allowed 1200 a day but the more I move the more I can eat so it has made me work harder. I didnt have much to lose and I have found it so easy and have chocolate and take aways just making sure I was in goal by net
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    I'm 5'9" 175. (ETA, I'm also 42)

    At a half pound of weight loss a week, I usually fall in the range of 1850 calories a day, so the 1300 seems way low for me. I'd tweak the calories so you start at the 1600 and see how your body responds.

    Also, one of my friends has come up with this. It's worth a read:
    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. If you ask a question on the forum, give as much information as you can ("yes, I have a food scale and weigh my food" is worlds better than "I eat a palm full of miscellaneous boiled chicken parts..sometimes.")
    17. Be honest with yourself and honest with us.
    18. 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/

    and make sure to read: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

    Seriously.
  • lisatrish
    lisatrish Posts: 123 Member


    Also, one of my friends has come up with this. It's worth a read:

    Love this! Best advice I've seen on MFP for anyone!
  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    With 12 lb. to lose, set your goal to .5 lb. and be patient.

    Read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
  • thejocool
    thejocool Posts: 46
    I took your advice LASERTURKEY and did exactly that. :)
    Will see where this gets me ! :)
  • thejocool
    thejocool Posts: 46
    THANKS ! :)
    I'm 5'9" 175. (ETA, I'm also 42)

    At a half pound of weight loss a week, I usually fall in the range of 1850 calories a day, so the 1300 seems way low for me. I'd tweak the calories so you start at the 1600 and see how your body responds.

    Also, one of my friends has come up with this. It's worth a read:
    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. If you ask a question on the forum, give as much information as you can ("yes, I have a food scale and weigh my food" is worlds better than "I eat a palm full of miscellaneous boiled chicken parts..sometimes.")
    17. Be honest with yourself and honest with us.
    18. 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/

    and make sure to read: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

    Seriously.

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