I have, what is mostly likely , a very stupid question

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iuali81
iuali81 Posts: 47 Member
in Food and Nutrition
MFP has it set that my daily goal for calories is 1,280. If I input exercise, it gives me back more calories. Should I still be aiming for the 1,280 a day, regardless of how much I exercise? Should I be aiming to have calories left over after the exercise is accounted for?

If I go to "goals" it has a "daily calorie deficit" of 500 calories (to lose a lb a week). Does that mean that I need to have 500 calories left over at the end of the day? I'm a little confused obviously. I don't want to sabotage myself b/c I think I'm doing right when I'm really doing wrong.

Thanks!!

Replies

  • lipt8611
    lipt8611 Posts: 60 Member
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    please search for "eating back exercise calories", this has likely been answered multiple times in the past day
  • baisleac
    baisleac Posts: 2,019 Member
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    It's a very common question.

    Your NET calories (on your home page) should be as close to the daily goal MFP set for you as possible.

    Your REMAINING calories (on your homepage and food diary page) should be as close to zero as possible.

    MFP builds in a deficit for you based on the information you gave it: height, weight, lifestyle, goal weight loss, etc.. All you need to do is follow the calorie goals it gives you.

    Yes, you should eat the calories MFP adds for exercise.
  • Glitter_pumpkin
    Glitter_pumpkin Posts: 81
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    It's set up that you get a deflit already so you would want to eat your exercise calories and have your NET calories be 1280 calories.
  • ladyhawk00
    ladyhawk00 Posts: 2,457 Member
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    MFP adds in cals for exercise to keep the built in deficit stable. You are intended to eat those "extra" cals. You should be aiming to MEET your cal goals each day, so that your NET (on home page) matches or comes close to your initial daily goal.

    Might help to read these threads that explain how MFP works and how it gets the numbers it gives you. Good luck!

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/186814-some-mfp-basics

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/61706-guide-to-calorie-deficits

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/10589-for-those-confused-or-questioning-eating-your-exercise-calo
  • JodiS75
    JodiS75 Posts: 284
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    If you search either "net calories" or "exercise calories" in the forums you will get so much information it'll make your head spin! :flowerforyou:
  • sarah307
    sarah307 Posts: 1,363 Member
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    NET calories on the home page is what you need to be 1280. the goal number will allow you to lose one pound per week without exercise.. when you add exercise, you burn more - so you will need to eat back your exercise calories!

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