eat my exercise calories?

MarchelleLynne
MarchelleLynne Posts: 229 Member
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Hello I have been tracking on MFP for over two months but still lil confused about eating my calories. My daily calorie goal is 1540, on days I work out the net is always over. I always try to eat only 1540 calories. I am not complaining I just want to be sure I am using the tools properly to lose the most weight. Thanks
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Replies

  • kao708
    kao708 Posts: 813 Member
    18 pounds in 2 months is fantastic...keep doing whatever you're doing! It's working!

    The general idea is to make sure your net isn't less than 1200 calories each day...the way MFP is created you would want your net to match your daily calorie goal...just not less than 1200. This is just to make sure that you are taking in enough net calories to fuel your body. Eating back exercise calories doesn't work for everyone so you have to find out what works for you. If you search the boards, you will find thousands of posts just like this and many more opinions on the process. There is NO right or wrong way because we all lose weight differently. Good luck!
  • dls06
    dls06 Posts: 6,774 Member
    Yes. that is what they say. Did you read these? They answer a lot of question. You can find original post under general diet and weight loss help at the top of the page. You really should read it.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/3047-700-calories-a-day-and-not-losing

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/6556-the-answers-to-the-questions

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/9433-expectations

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/10589-for-those-confused-or-questioning-eating-your-exercise-calo
  • countrymom1
    countrymom1 Posts: 125 Member
    bump :)
  • Bakins929
    Bakins929 Posts: 895 Member
    From what I understand, you should enter your exercise and then eat until it says you have 0 calories left for the day. So yes, eat your exercise calories. You will see shortly that there are as many opinions on this as there are members here...
  • csoul27
    csoul27 Posts: 53
    Great job on your weight loss. I was wondering the same thing myself. To eat or not to eat the extra calories.
  • Scarlett_S
    Scarlett_S Posts: 467 Member
    I do not eat my exercise calories. I count them towards my total calorie deficit for the week. I try to have a 1000 calorie deficit per day for a 2 pound weight loss per week.
  • sahm23ladies
    sahm23ladies Posts: 91 Member
    I don't look at the net cals. I just look at my food cals. Otherwise, you just might maintain & not lose anything... tread water so to speak.

    You're doing great! Keep it up!
  • MarchelleLynne
    MarchelleLynne Posts: 229 Member
    I see BUMP alot what does this mean??
  • morgat17
    morgat17 Posts: 17
    If you're goal is weight loss right now, I'd say just eat your normal calories (whatever plan you're on..1500 cal, 1200 cal, etc.). Sounds like you're doing what is working for you though so I'd say don't change! :) Everyone is different so it is just finding what works for you! I don't eat the extra calories...but they are nice to see, I think!

    Good luck and keep up the great work!!
  • Kelly_Wilson1990
    Kelly_Wilson1990 Posts: 3,245 Member
    It is a matter of debate. I finally went and talked with my doctor and nutritionist and both said I do not need to eat back my exercise calories. I am doing what they say to do.
  • seasonalvoodoo
    seasonalvoodoo Posts: 380 Member
    There is so much debate on this topic, but I will say that I eat my exercise calories and have lost 52 lbs since Jan 3rd.

    MFP already builds in a deficit to lose your weight without lifting a finger in the exercise department (assuming your activity level is set to sedentary).

    The real point of eating back exercise calories is to properly fuel your body for all the exercise you are doing. You will notice that when your cals increase for exercising so does the amount of protein and carbs....this is because you lose nutrients when you exercise and you need to replace those lost nutrients.

    Plus, again there is debate, your metabolism runs smoothly when you feed yourself enough...underfeeding does cause a metabolic slow down and no one wants that!
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