How many calories should I eat back

omgtana
omgtana Posts: 1
in Food and Nutrition
So, according to myfitnesspal I should be eating 2,009 calories a day. I do zumba 40 minutes a day 6 days a week. However, I have gained 5 lbs in the 3 weeks I've been on this new workout regimen. I'm not sure if its water weight or the fact that I didn't eat my calories back but I'm concerned.

Replies

  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    Open your diary.

    It's possible that some is water, but something seems off in your math. How accurate is your logging?
  • TutuMom41
    TutuMom41 Posts: 278 Member
    I would gain on 2009 calories a day. I exercise frequently too.
  • wrinkled_pei
    wrinkled_pei Posts: 4 Member
    I am curious what the answer to this is, as I am in the same boat. I started with MFP two weeks ago, the first week lost 3.5 lbs, this week gained 1.5 Everyday I tracked honestly and tried to eat most of the activity calories.

    Today I switched my activity profile to sedentary even though according to my fitbit I get 10,000 steps a day. I am in the last build week before I taper for my first Olympic Distance Triathlon.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    I am curious what the answer to this is, as I am in the same boat. I started with MFP two weeks ago, the first week lost 3.5 lbs, this week gained 1.5 Everyday I tracked honestly and tried to eat most of the activity calories.

    Today I switched my activity profile to sedentary even though according to my fitbit I get 10,000 steps a day. I am in the last build week before I taper for my first Olympic Distance Triathlon.

    MFP as designed gives you a calorie deficit BEFORE exercise. MFP uses your BMR (basal metabolic rate) plus activity......but has you log exercise as a separate piece later. That way people who can't/won't exercise still lose weight.

    Eating back calories is expected to keep your deficit at it's original level. HOWEVER, calorie burns are tough to figure out. Many MFP users eat back a portion of calories 50-75% to make up for error.

    Walking is especially tough. You get credit for so many steps in your activity level already. So logging all steps can get users into trouble, it's like double counting. Plus more deliberate walking is typically at a higher pace....that burns more caloires than walking to the kitchen, or down the hall, etc.

    Exercise can leave you with sore muscles.....sore muscles hold water (for repair) ......weight gain could be that too.

Categories