NEWBIE

When you use MFP you enter details like gender, height, weight, age and your current activity level. Activity level is about your general life NOT counting exercise. So in your job, around the house, hobbies, etc.

MFP takes that information to estimate how much energy (calories) your body uses up in a normal day. For sake of example lets say its 2000. Then you say how much weight you want to lose per week. MFP deducts 250 for .5 pounds, 500 for 1 pound, 750 for 1.5 pounds, or 1000 for 2 pounds.

If MFP thinks you'll burn 2000 per day and you want to lose 2 pounds, you arrive at a 1200 calorie consumption goal because MFP won't tell you to eat less than that.

Then if you exercise, you burn calories in addition to what MFP projected. So you eat more. Lets say you go for a 45 minute brisk walk and burn 175 calories. Your day would be 1200 + 175 = 1375 to consume.

Be careful not to overestimate calories from exercise.

Hi ya new to this