Eating less vs exercising more?

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  • kgirlhart
    kgirlhart Posts: 5,170 Member
    I think I am most people. I do find it easier to cut 500 calories from my diet than to burn 500 calories with exercise. It is easier for me because I can weigh my food and know how much I ate whereas when I exercise I never really trust the numbers I get.
  • Relaxingmind
    Relaxingmind Posts: 55 Member
    edited August 2016
    snickerscharlie wrote: »
    Relaxingmind wrote: »
    Over a 1+ year period I lost a good amount of fat because I used to be overweight. I made sure to eat at a 300-500 deficit from my TDEE (according to myfitnesspal). This was before any added exercise. I did exercise but not much, and I still do. The problem is I'm only 7 pounds away from my goal weight and I feel like I just can't do counting deficits anymore. It's getting too difficult so I was wondering would I still see results if I instead ate at maintenance and increased my exercise and activity?

    What is it about 'counting deficits' that's getting too difficult? And if you're not counting your calories (in spite of increased exercise) how will you know whether or not you're eating at maintenance?

    I still count my calories. What I mean is for example when I was overweight and eating at a 500 daily deficit, I didn't feel as hungry. Now after slimming down, I feel like I'm starving when eating at a 500 deficit. I need a new approach, but at the same time, I don't want to slow or halt my progress since I still have a bit of weight to lose. A catch-22.
  • MommyMeggo
    MommyMeggo Posts: 1,222 Member
    kgirlhart wrote: »
    I think I am most people. I do find it easier to cut 500 calories from my diet than to burn 500 calories with exercise. It is easier for me because I can weigh my food and know how much I ate whereas when I exercise I never really trust the numbers I get.

    I agree- for me - that its easier to just eat 500 less than it is to burn 500 calories with exercise.
  • mitch16
    mitch16 Posts: 2,113 Member
    Relaxingmind wrote: »
    snickerscharlie wrote: »
    Relaxingmind wrote: »
    Over a 1+ year period I lost a good amount of fat because I used to be overweight. I made sure to eat at a 300-500 deficit from my TDEE (according to myfitnesspal). This was before any added exercise. I did exercise but not much, and I still do. The problem is I'm only 7 pounds away from my goal weight and I feel like I just can't do counting deficits anymore. It's getting too difficult so I was wondering would I still see results if I instead ate at maintenance and increased my exercise and activity?

    What is it about 'counting deficits' that's getting too difficult? And if you're not counting your calories (in spite of increased exercise) how will you know whether or not you're eating at maintenance?

    I still count my calories. What I mean is for example when I was overweight and eating at a 500 daily deficit, I didn't feel as hungry. Now after slimming down, I feel like I'm starving when eating at a 500 deficit. I need a new approach, but at the same time, I don't want to slow or halt my progress since I still have a bit of weight to lose. A catch-22.

    Realize that as you are close to goal (you said 7 lbs to go), your progress should/will slow down. You probably should set your goal to lose 0.5 lbs per week--this will give you more calories on a daily basis, bringing you closer to maintenance. And when you finally do hit your goal, it's not like your allowed daily calories are going to suddenly increase by a huge magnitude--maintenance, just like losing, is a lifestyle adjustment. Adding in some level of exercise will allow you to eat a bit more regardless of whether you are losing or maintaining.
  • ziggy2006
    ziggy2006 Posts: 255 Member
    Relaxingmind wrote: »
    I still count my calories. What I mean is for example when I was overweight and eating at a 500 daily deficit, I didn't feel as hungry. Now after slimming down, I feel like I'm starving when eating at a 500 deficit. I need a new approach, but at the same time, I don't want to slow or halt my progress since I still have a bit of weight to lose. A catch-22.

    My recommendation is to compromise - there is no black or white dichotomy here. I think your best strategy is to balance a small calorie deficit with an increase in exercise, which offers both weight loss and increased fitness. If you are currently eating at a 500 calorie deficit without much exercise, I would suggest going to a 250 calorie deficit and increasing the number of calories burned through exercise. You'll be set to lose about .5 lb/week through your reduced intake, and whatever calories are burned through exercise can either increase your rate of weight loss or, if you experience increased hunger, you can adjust your calories consumed and still maintain a rate of loss of about .5 lb/week.

    Some people report increased appetite due to exercise. I am an exception to that rule, especially if I am running outdoors through our neighborhood with rolling hills. Knowing I have to get my behind up those hills the next morning really helps me make better choices with what I consume. YMMV - give it a go and see how your body responds to the increased activity.

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