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how I use MFP

theseus82
theseus82 Posts: 255 Member
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
I use the notes section to track overage calories day-to-day. This mimics the WW system. I allow myself to go over by 2,500 calories in a week. This is similar to WW allowance points program.

I only count half of my exercise calories. I usually burn about 600 on the treadmill each day. I add it as 300. I don't count any additional steps (though I monitor them with a good pedometer).

I keep an excel sheet that tracks week to week losses, calories over my weekly limit, weight, etc.

I find this method to be very successful. I made the switch from WW when they wouldn't stop revamping their program. The recent change was too much for me. It took time to adjust to MFP, but I try to use it in these ways to replicate the positive aspects of the WW program.

If I stay within the 2,000 calories over, I find that I will still lose weight because I don't count all of my exercise calories.

Replies

  • cmcqb
    cmcqb Posts: 46 Member
    What a wonderful tracking system. I hope youdo mnot mind but I would like to mimic it some. I need to lose 40 more pound but due to my medications it is very difficult
    I am on a 1200 cal diet and try to exercise at least 4 days per wek. I am increasing that in time of exercise to 2 hours as opposed to 1 hr. but I will count 1/2 as well. Thank you for the idea.
  • farmgirlsuz
    farmgirlsuz Posts: 351 Member
    That sure sounds like a LOT of extra work to me! Kind of like setting your alarm clock 1/2 an hour fast so every morning you wake up you know you have an extra half hour to work with. BUT that being said, if it works for you go with it!

    Me personally-I need to have everything monitored and entered exactly as it should be.
  • corinnak
    corinnak Posts: 51 Member
    I'm also a PointsPlus refugee. I like the way you use MFP to do what you want it to do. The one thing I really miss from WW is the ability to use "extra" calories on whichever day you need them. On WW, I usually used only weeklies and just let the activity points pile up.

    I'm glad there's other places online (like this one!) for folks like us to land now.
  • jennmoore3
    jennmoore3 Posts: 1,013 Member
    Can you either message me the details in your excell log? or you can email to me at jennmoore3@gmail.com
  • theseus82
    theseus82 Posts: 255 Member
    I have no problem with you borrowing some of my tips. That's exactly why I wanted share.

    It's not too much work. A calculator helps. And I do this because the overage calories allow a kind of allowance points system. I don't sweat if I go over on a day or two because I completely accept going over by so many in a week. I've had really lousy weeks as well, but it keeps me mindful of how I eat.

    I too am on medications that make it harder to lose weight. One slows down metabolism while also being known to cause cravings for sweets and carbs. I've been on the med the whole time I've started making life-style changes. It's been a rocky road, but I've managed to lose and keep off 90 pounds. I had hit 100 lost some time ago, but then I entered the world of work and my program suffered.
  • cmcqb
    cmcqb Posts: 46 Member
    I am thrilled for you in your 90 lb loss. How fantastic and congratulations to you for such hard work. My PT and gym leader is amazed that no weight loss with the exercise program they have me on. Then he looked at my m,eds and said NO WONDER! I know I have a long rockyroad ahead of me but I want the long road. With my medical that may not be s realistic but I sure am fighting for it.

    Thank you for motivating me and others and sharing your system!
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