TDEE and exercise calories - does this sound right?

charleigh78
charleigh78 Posts: 247 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I lift 3 times a week. Can I set my TDEE - 20% for 1-3 hours of light exercise/week and then log lifting at 1 calorie, thus not eating back those calories. Any additional exercise I complete during the week I will log and eat back since it is more random. Does this sound like the most logical route? I just can't decide.

Replies

  • Ready2Rock206
    Ready2Rock206 Posts: 9,487 Member
    If you are doing TDEE then you wouldn't eat back any exercise calories. I log everything I do as 2 calories no matter what it is.
  • badbcatha05
    badbcatha05 Posts: 200 Member
    The whole idea of using th TDEE method is that it averages out all of your workouts for the whole week if you choose the correct activity level. Then, you eat the same number of calories everyday. Some days you might burn more. Some days less, but it balances on the week rather than the day.
  • TheStephil
    TheStephil Posts: 858 Member
    I wouldn't log and eat back random exercise calories unless it's intense like hiking a mountain or running a large distance. Try with TDEE - 20% as it is and see how your weight handles it during the next weeks than adjust your TDEE accordingly.
  • badbcatha05
    badbcatha05 Posts: 200 Member
    I wouldn't log and eat back random exercise calories unless it's intense like hiking a mountain or running a large distance.

    This is true too... I plan on eating back a few hundred additional calories... but only when I pick back up half marathon training again and only on my long run days. All other days I will leave as is. (2 shorter runs and 3 lifting days)
  • charleigh78
    charleigh78 Posts: 247 Member
    Thanks ya'll. I do understand that I am not supposed to eat back exercise calories if I use TDEE. I have a HRM so I was thinking that I could go on the lighter side when I estimate my TDEE (using the light exercise 1-3 hrs a week option) and let that compensate for my lifting and pilates. Then use my HRM for other things (a jog, HIIT) that would bump me into that next category for TDEE calculations. I am not talking about logging "cleaning" and such. I mean actual intentional workouts. Why would I do this? It will motivate me to exercise beyond the lifting and pilates ;) I love lifting and pilates so they are very routine for me, but I hate cardio so I tend to be hit and miss with it. If that makes sense at all?
  • DecemberPsalm
    DecemberPsalm Posts: 97 Member
    I've been confused by these two options as well, but this thread just convinced me to use the TDEE :)
  • Sam_I_Am77
    Sam_I_Am77 Posts: 2,093 Member
    If you're truly using TDEE for then don't eat back your calories. If you're honest with yourself and it's setup correctly you'll be fine. Commit to it for 6 weeks and then re-evaluate.

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