Help Me

Are you losing weight? What is the real problem? You should eat some back if you are burning a lot of calories.

Are you keeping your weight under control? Many folks have to do what works for them and everyone is different. Some eat their extra cals and some don't. I tend to eat 100-150 of mine a day but like I said everyone is different. Good luck :flowerforyou:

Your body is burning energy; and due to the way our bodies are designed - FAT is about the last place the body will go to get that energy. Your body is very good at burning muscle and connective tissue, as well as your organs. This is why people who lose weight drastically, tend to have saggy skin in their mid-sections. They have 'digested' their connective tissues - you don't want that.

So, eat back most of your exercise calories. You will build muscle mass - NOT digest connective tissue, and give your body the nutrition you need as you melt the fat away. Lots of FAQ topics on this. I know, it seems pointless to eat back what you just burnt off - but the goal was to lose (0.5, 1, 1.5 or maybe 2 lbs) per week. Your calorie alotment takes this into consideration already.

By exercising, you are not only burning calories, you are strenthing your muscles, and creating a situtation where you body NEEDS the connective tissue - so it's forced to burn the fat.

I usually don't eat all of the calories burnt but I do eat most of them, I would eat something healthier than pizza. Even thought I do get tempted too, I pick up a protein bar instead or some trail mix or something like that.

If you are going to eat your calories back (some swear you have to, others say it doesn't matter) then you should make sure it is coming from a good source. Calories from lean meats, veggies, fruits... Those are way better and "worth" more than calories from a slice of pizza, a coke, cake or something else high in sugar/carb content. I try to eat my calories back just because, for me, I seem to notice better, quicker results when I have eaten closest to my daily caloric goal. The only time I don't eat all my calories back is when I have exercised so much that the deficit is just too huge.

The more important questions are whether or not you are seeing results, and are you hungry? That's what I use as a gauge. If I am hungry, then I eat. If I am not hungry... then I don't force food into my stomach. Just be mindful of WHAT you are eating and where those calories end up coming from in the end.

if you are "way" under then you should probably eat more. But I'd try a serving of something calorie and nutrient rich. A slice of pizza would be okay if you make it yourself with healthy ingredients. A low sugar smoothie, nuts or nut butters, hummus, fruit, granola or trail mix, or something of that nature that has protein and healthy fat can be a good way to add more calories too.