MFP suggested calorie intake

rgauthier20420
rgauthier20420 Posts: 52 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
So I've got a question regarding the suggested calorie intake that MFP gives when you set up goals. It has a question regarding your daily activity level. I work an office job so I have it set to Sedimentary. However, I workout 5 or 6 times a week. Usually lifting 3-4 and the running the others. Most running is about 35-40 minutes and lifting is usually 30 minutes.

Now, it given me an allotted calorie intake of 1650 at a 1 lb/week loss. I seem to be loosing more than that, and there are a number of days that I haven't been within the margin. I was reading about TDEE, or whatever, and it makes me think that this intake is low. Does that sound right?

BTW, my diary isn't 100% accurate so no use looking there :)

Replies

  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    MFP gives you a calorie estimate based on activity level and before exercise. MFP expects you to log exercise & eat those calories also.

    TDEE includes both activity level and exercise.

    To even these methods out......you would a) log exercise in MFP or b) Use TDEE less 500 calories (500 x 7 = 3,500...or 1 pound).
  • Chrisparadise579
    Chrisparadise579 Posts: 411 Member
    edited October 2014
    1650 is alittle low for a man. I would suggest starting at 2000 especially with your exercise regimen and see how your weight responds to that after 3 weeks
  • kgeyser
    kgeyser Posts: 22,505 Member
    TeaBea wrote: »
    MFP gives you a calorie estimate based on activity level and before exercise. MFP expects you to log exercise & eat those calories also.

    TDEE includes both activity level and exercise.

    To even these methods out......you would a) log exercise in MFP or b) Use TDEE less 500 calories (500 x 7 = 3,500...or 1 pound).

    ^This. Eating just 1650 and not eating back any exercise calories is going to burn you out quick.
  • rgauthier20420
    rgauthier20420 Posts: 52 Member
    As of now I'm eating back the calories so it's evening itself out. That's likely what's keeping me from getting burnt out. And like I said, I would guess there's 2-3 days out of the week that I'm actually over in calories than the 1650, even with eating back the burned calories. I'm loosing at a nice rate of about 1.5 lbs a week which I'm satisfied with. Once I get to the 168 or so number, I will begin a bulking period of 6 weeks where I'll up my caloric intake to build more muscle. The additional calories will likely come from a 2nd protein shake each day.

    Thanks for the responses!
  • kbenzacar
    kbenzacar Posts: 13 Member
    you're lucky.,l..I have the opposite problem...MFP gives me 1250 and I can't seem to manage to eat just that. But I'm not losing the weight and have about 10 lbs to lose.
  • RockstarWilson
    RockstarWilson Posts: 836 Member
    edited October 2014
    are you hungry when it comes to bedtime? If you are, then eat a little bit more and add about 300 or so to your goals. If not, take it for what it is and stick to it!

    I am the same way...I think I burn more than my lifestyle implies. Oh, and on the MFP system, the numbers you see exclude workout calories. that is why when you add it in there, it adjust your calorie goal. At a 1 lb per week deficit, if you meet your adjusted goal after exercise is worked in, you are STILL at that 1 lb per week deficit.

    there are a TON of variables when it comes to each person's TDEE. MFP just gives it the best shot, as most TDEE counts are just estimations anyways.
  • ana3067
    ana3067 Posts: 5,623 Member
    edited October 2014
    1) MFP gives neat (non-exercise) calorie numbers. So log and eat back exercise calories.
    2) MFP is not the tool you should beusing to estimate your calorie needs. I have links on my profile. MFP estimates low.
    3) Your goal should not be more than 1lb a week unless you are legit obese.
    4) Do not arbitrarily remove 500 from your estimated maintenance needs. Calculate 20% from the maintenance needs, because for one person 500 calories may be well over 1lb/week and for someone else it might just be 0.6lbs a week.

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