Do you use your exercise calories?

Uhm, actually you're supposed to do what works for YOUR body.


You know, since you're a human being, and not a website. [:

Hiya and welcome! ) I have around 30 kilos to lose (60lbs ish) and I am on 1200 a day. As I need to lose weight I try and keep those 1200 highly nutritious and eat regularly. I aim to burn 500 cals each exercise session and I choose not to eat those as I want the weight gone. If I were to eat those calories I would be pretty much keeping my weight stable which is not what I'm aiming for. Once I reach a healthy weight and my 30kgs are gone, I will do pretty much the same as now but probably indulge a bit more on the weekend, say a couple of glasses of wine with dinner and perhaps a larger portion of dinner or a meal that's richer or have a dessert. That will probably balance things out for the rest of the week as well as giving me something to look forward to.

In the past 6-7 weeks I've lost 17lbs with the method so I'm happy to plod on with it. I guess it depends how much you need to lose and how long you want to take to lose it. I'm sure there'll be lots of differing answers to confuse you with, lol. Best of luck with your new lifestyle.

Hi

I personally eat MOST of my exercise calories because I feel like I need the extra energy. You have to find a balance and it depends what works for you. I'm losing weight at a steady pace at the moment and it feels sustainable.

I don't very often its the only way I can lose the ilbs, if I eat back my exercise calories, my weight goes back up a bit again. I occasionally dip into them if I need to but on the whole I try not too

It all depends on what you feel comfortable in doing. I burn over 2000 cals everyday through cycling, and will eat back between a third and half. A weekend club ride (70+ miles) can burn between 3500-4500 cals...so will eat back up to 2000 cals

For years it has been preached by coaches, calories in calories out. If you have a caloric deficit you will lose weight. As this site shows, so many calories burn up during exercise. Building your muscle will rev up your metabolism which also helps to burn calories. So exercise calories should be retained as much as possible to lose the weight. Then again some are right that the more calories the more weight loss, but also is the food eaten beneficial to your body and weight loss. I eat between 800-1000 calories per day. I am super short but also burn 1000-1300 calories per day. This has caused a weight loss of 23+ pounds so far. Not for everyone but it does work for me till my metabolism kicks in. Pay attention to your body and get informed on what things you can do to attain your goal. It will not be over night and your body will rebel to change. Plateaus can last for 3 weeks but if it stays the same change it up. The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again and expect a change. If your not seeing the difference then it's time for a change. It takes time especially if you want it to be permenant. For instance, give yourself a year and know this is your new life so you don't give up on yourself. It's easy to get discouraged when you want it now. Lots of people do. But if you stick with it you will see a difference. Sorry I'm long winded. You can do this and we are far more capable of doing what we think we can't, than we percieve we can. May God bless the dilligence of your efforts.

So your telling me that all the trainers who have studied, that I have listened to are wrong. That thier schooling and what they have learned is worthless. This is what works for me. If I ate back all my calories and did not workout hard, I would not and in the past have not lost weight. I think there is something to be said for personal experience and I am one person who has experience in what I am saying. If what you are doing is working for you, great.
My metabolism is fine. If I eat the calories back I don't lose weight. I have followed the advice I've given and been successful at it. My metabolism does not kick in until I'm down around my goal weight. Doctors have looked at my thyroid and it is fine. I understand if you dissagree with me, it is America so thankfully you have that right. I gave advice upon living proof in my own life. If what you are doing is working for you great. Be well, be blessed.:flowerforyou:

I personally eat my exercise calories. I have lost 51 lbs since Jan. So, take from that what you will. I do, however, use a heart rate monitor.

I think that is great! Congradulations and keep up the great effort.:happy:

If you've built in a calorie deficit (like one pound a week, for example), then eat them back. I eat most of my delicious exercise calories back, and have had no trouble losing.

But, as almost everyone has written above me, find what works for you. Good luck!

I eat some of them back, but if I am not hungry, I don't force it.