Minimum Calories

dawgfan1218
dawgfan1218 Posts: 3 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I am currently using My Fitness Pal to help me lose weight, and the app has set up a calorie range for me. So far, I have generally been able to stay within the range, but an odd thing happened earlier this week.

I was out most of the day, and spent the day eating a lot of vegetables and lean protein. When I updated my food diary that night, I discovered I was about 150 calories short of my daily minimum calorie count, but I was not hungry. I know that going below the minimum count on a regular basis is not healthy, but was I supposed to consume more food to get there on that individual day even though I was not hungry, or is a one time miss to the low side acceptable?

Replies

  • cajuntank
    cajuntank Posts: 924 Member
    Don't worry about the occasional day a little over or a little under. It's the overall balance over time that matters more relating to your goal anyway.
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    I wouldn't worry too much about one day. I review my calorie intakes on a weekly basis, instead of daily. If I am over one day, I go lower the next, etc. If you weren't hungry, I wouldn't sweat it. Just try not to go under on a regular basis.

    Best.
  • JustSomeEm
    JustSomeEm Posts: 20,269 MFP Moderator
    It's absolutely okay to not hit your calorie goal sometimes. There are days when I go over my calorie recommendation and other days where I'm under. I usually shoot for a number of calories in a week rather than worrying about hitting a number on each day, since I know that each day is (or can be) different. :)
  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    One time below 1500 is fine. If it happens again you can always use the calories another day, or have a handful of nuts or something else that's calorie-dense to bring you to your goal.
  • Murphy81mfp
    Murphy81mfp Posts: 1 Member
    Maybe have a glass of fruit juice instead of foods top you up?
  • helenrosec1
    helenrosec1 Posts: 82 Member
    I always like to save a couple of hundred calories just in case I get hungry on an evening so can often come under. I'd much rather be under than over in calories.
  • dawgfan1218
    dawgfan1218 Posts: 3 Member
    Thanks all

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