Fitness and Nutrition Q & A

13

Replies

  • cityruss
    cityruss Posts: 2,493 Member
    I'm in the U.K and sedentry is not listed. I chose "not very active" thinking it would allow me less calorie intake? I think it's safe to say that I don't understand which setting I should have it on.

    On MFP?

    Yes. For activity settings it has - not very active - lightly active - active - and very active to choose from.

    Pick the one that best describes your activity level.
  • RuNaRoUnDaFiEld
    RuNaRoUnDaFiEld Posts: 5,864 Member
    I'm in the U.K and sedentry is not listed. I chose "not very active" thinking it would allow me less calorie intake? I think it's safe to say that I don't understand which setting I should have it on.

    On MFP?

    Yes. For activity settings it has - not very active - lightly active - active - and very active to choose from.

    If you go on a lap top etc it says sedentary. The app says Not very active. They mean the same thing.
  • cityruss wrote: »
    I'm in the U.K and sedentry is not listed. I chose "not very active" thinking it would allow me less calorie intake? I think it's safe to say that I don't understand which setting I should have it on.

    On MFP?

    Yes. For activity settings it has - not very active - lightly active - active - and very active to choose from.

    Pick the one that best describes your activity level.

    I'm a mum of four...there is no "doesn't friggin stop all day" setting to pick on it!! :D
    I will pick light active then.
  • I'm in the U.K and sedentry is not listed. I chose "not very active" thinking it would allow me less calorie intake? I think it's safe to say that I don't understand which setting I should have it on.

    On MFP?

    Yes. For activity settings it has - not very active - lightly active - active - and very active to choose from.

    They must have changed it!

    Go light active

    Ok. Done. Thanks.
  • I'm in the U.K and sedentry is not listed. I chose "not very active" thinking it would allow me less calorie intake? I think it's safe to say that I don't understand which setting I should have it on.

    On MFP?

    Yes. For activity settings it has - not very active - lightly active - active - and very active to choose from.

    If you go on a lap top etc it says sedentary. The app says Not very active. They mean the same thing.

    Thanks.
  • JonDrees
    JonDrees Posts: 161 Member
    I'm in the U.K and sedentry is not listed. I chose "not very active" thinking it would allow me less calorie intake? I think it's safe to say that I don't understand which setting I should have it on.

    On MFP?

    Yes. For activity settings it has - not very active - lightly active - active - and very active to choose from.

    If you go on a lap top etc it says sedentary. The app says Not very active. They mean the same thing.

    Thanks.

    You are probably better off using a TDEE calculator like this one https://tdeecalculator.net/ and only using MFP for tracking your calories. MFP doesn't do the best with calculating how many calories you need, or how many calories you burn with exercise.
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    No offence but your advice is far below the standard of advice I normally read on these boards.

    I disagree. I read his previous 9pg long Q&A that he linked on the first post and I thought he gave some solid advice. That's the only reason I bothered to ask his opinion coz I asked similar questions this week and got some really bogus answers, some from people who themselves said were trainers.

    Wow just wow. Those weren't bogus answers you got at all. You still believe you can lose 5 lbs and gain 5.5 lbs of muscle in 3-6 months on a 125 calorie surplus.
    Strength gains don't necessarily mean muscle gains and it's not a good way to measure muscle gain......

    Please let's not derail this thread by rehashing old ones. I got the answers I wanted from @JonDrees and he seems to know what he's talking about.
    ... What happened to your DEXA scan?

    I'm still shopping for one cheaper than the $90-125 I've found so far.

    @Traveler120 look at the mobile dunk tank van in your area. Mine also does dexa for about $50. Unfortunately the machine was down last time they were here.
  • JonDrees wrote: »
    I'm in the U.K and sedentry is not listed. I chose "not very active" thinking it would allow me less calorie intake? I think it's safe to say that I don't understand which setting I should have it on.

    On MFP?

    Yes. For activity settings it has - not very active - lightly active - active - and very active to choose from.

    If you go on a lap top etc it says sedentary. The app says Not very active. They mean the same thing.

    Thanks.

    You are probably better off using a TDEE calculator like this one https://tdeecalculator.net/ and only using MFP for tracking your calories. MFP doesn't do the best with calculating how many calories you need, or how many calories you burn with exercise.

    I will give TDEE a try, thank you. I have a garmin vivofit to track my steps and it connects to mfp. It's funny because garmin connect calculates my remaining calories differently to mfp. I usually have more calories left on connect, but I follow mfp's calculation to be on the safe side.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    JonDrees wrote: »
    I'm in the U.K and sedentry is not listed. I chose "not very active" thinking it would allow me less calorie intake? I think it's safe to say that I don't understand which setting I should have it on.

    On MFP?

    Yes. For activity settings it has - not very active - lightly active - active - and very active to choose from.

    If you go on a lap top etc it says sedentary. The app says Not very active. They mean the same thing.

    Thanks.

    You are probably better off using a TDEE calculator like this one https://tdeecalculator.net/ and only using MFP for tracking your calories. MFP doesn't do the best with calculating how many calories you need, or how many calories you burn with exercise.

    What makes you think mfp isn't very good at giving a calorie goal?
  • JonDrees wrote: »
    I'm in the U.K and sedentry is not listed. I chose "not very active" thinking it would allow me less calorie intake? I think it's safe to say that I don't understand which setting I should have it on.

    On MFP?

    Yes. For activity settings it has - not very active - lightly active - active - and very active to choose from.

    If you go on a lap top etc it says sedentary. The app says Not very active. They mean the same thing.

    Thanks.

    You are probably better off using a TDEE calculator like this one https://tdeecalculator.net/ and only using MFP for tracking your calories. MFP doesn't do the best with calculating how many calories you need, or how many calories you burn with exercise.

    What makes you think mfp isn't very good at giving a calorie goal?

    I just entered my stats in TDEE and it calculated to maintain my weight I should be eating 2203 calories per day but I can't find on it how many calories I need to lose weight. It may be that I just don't understand it but I think I will stick to mfp and just see how things for now.
    Thanks to all for their help.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    JonDrees wrote: »
    I'm in the U.K and sedentry is not listed. I chose "not very active" thinking it would allow me less calorie intake? I think it's safe to say that I don't understand which setting I should have it on.

    On MFP?

    Yes. For activity settings it has - not very active - lightly active - active - and very active to choose from.

    If you go on a lap top etc it says sedentary. The app says Not very active. They mean the same thing.

    Thanks.

    You are probably better off using a TDEE calculator like this one https://tdeecalculator.net/ and only using MFP for tracking your calories. MFP doesn't do the best with calculating how many calories you need, or how many calories you burn with exercise.

    What makes you think mfp isn't very good at giving a calorie goal?

    I just entered my stats in TDEE and it calculated to maintain my weight I should be eating 2203 calories per day but I can't find on it how many calories I need to lose weight. It may be that I just don't understand it but I think I will stick to mfp and just see how things for now.
    Thanks to all for their help.

    I wasn't asking you, I was asking @JonDrees as he said not to use MFP for calories. I am curious as to why he thinks that.
  • Oops. Sorry must have hit quote on your comment by mistake and not his.
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    JonDrees wrote: »
    I'm in the U.K and sedentry is not listed. I chose "not very active" thinking it would allow me less calorie intake? I think it's safe to say that I don't understand which setting I should have it on.

    On MFP?

    Yes. For activity settings it has - not very active - lightly active - active - and very active to choose from.

    If you go on a lap top etc it says sedentary. The app says Not very active. They mean the same thing.

    Thanks.

    You are probably better off using a TDEE calculator like this one https://tdeecalculator.net/ and only using MFP for tracking your calories. MFP doesn't do the best with calculating how many calories you need, or how many calories you burn with exercise.
    That's a bit of a sweeping statement.
    A TDEE calculator is going to be worse at estimating exercise than MFP as it introduces extra variables.
    Guessing an average frequency of exercise.
    Guessing the actual duration of exercise.
    Guessing the average intensity of exercise.

    TDEE calculators have the advantage of simplicity that's about all. That may be better for some people but also going to be worse for others. Those with a varied exercise pattern for example.
  • JonDrees
    JonDrees Posts: 161 Member
    JonDrees wrote: »
    I'm in the U.K and sedentry is not listed. I chose "not very active" thinking it would allow me less calorie intake? I think it's safe to say that I don't understand which setting I should have it on.

    On MFP?

    Yes. For activity settings it has - not very active - lightly active - active - and very active to choose from.

    If you go on a lap top etc it says sedentary. The app says Not very active. They mean the same thing.

    Thanks.

    You are probably better off using a TDEE calculator like this one https://tdeecalculator.net/ and only using MFP for tracking your calories. MFP doesn't do the best with calculating how many calories you need, or how many calories you burn with exercise.

    What makes you think mfp isn't very good at giving a calorie goal?

    Because they are a generally too low for people. Perhaps, they assume people will forget to log some of the food they eat, so it will all balance out in the long run.
  • JonDrees
    JonDrees Posts: 161 Member
    edited March 2017
    JonDrees wrote: »
    I'm in the U.K and sedentry is not listed. I chose "not very active" thinking it would allow me less calorie intake? I think it's safe to say that I don't understand which setting I should have it on.

    On MFP?

    Yes. For activity settings it has - not very active - lightly active - active - and very active to choose from.

    If you go on a lap top etc it says sedentary. The app says Not very active. They mean the same thing.

    Thanks.

    You are probably better off using a TDEE calculator like this one https://tdeecalculator.net/ and only using MFP for tracking your calories. MFP doesn't do the best with calculating how many calories you need, or how many calories you burn with exercise.

    What makes you think mfp isn't very good at giving a calorie goal?

    I just entered my stats in TDEE and it calculated to maintain my weight I should be eating 2203 calories per day but I can't find on it how many calories I need to lose weight. It may be that I just don't understand it but I think I will stick to mfp and just see how things for now.
    Thanks to all for their help.

    It depends on your goal, but 500kcal under your TDEE should be about a pound a week. 2203 - 500 = 1703

    A pound will be about 3,500kcal.
  • JonDrees wrote: »
    JonDrees wrote: »
    I'm in the U.K and sedentry is not listed. I chose "not very active" thinking it would allow me less calorie intake? I think it's safe to say that I don't understand which setting I should have it on.

    On MFP?

    Yes. For activity settings it has - not very active - lightly active - active - and very active to choose from.

    If you go on a lap top etc it says sedentary. The app says Not very active. They mean the same thing.

    Thanks.

    You are probably better off using a TDEE calculator like this one https://tdeecalculator.net/ and only using MFP for tracking your calories. MFP doesn't do the best with calculating how many calories you need, or how many calories you burn with exercise.

    What makes you think mfp isn't very good at giving a calorie goal?

    I just entered my stats in TDEE and it calculated to maintain my weight I should be eating 2203 calories per day but I can't find on it how many calories I need to lose weight. It may be that I just don't understand it but I think I will stick to mfp and just see how things for now.
    Thanks to all for their help.

    It depends on your goal, but 500kcal under your TDEE should be about a pound a week. 2203 - 500 = 1703

    A pound will be about 3,500kcal.

    Whoop! Whoop! I get to eat more!!! *visualise a near enough 40 year old doing mum dancing around livingroom*
    Oh, on second thoughts please don't it'll hurt your brain!!

    I will not abuse the extra 73 calories you have given me...I will be careful.
    Thanks. :)
  • RuNaRoUnDaFiEld
    RuNaRoUnDaFiEld Posts: 5,864 Member
    JonDrees wrote: »
    JonDrees wrote: »
    I'm in the U.K and sedentry is not listed. I chose "not very active" thinking it would allow me less calorie intake? I think it's safe to say that I don't understand which setting I should have it on.

    On MFP?

    Yes. For activity settings it has - not very active - lightly active - active - and very active to choose from.

    If you go on a lap top etc it says sedentary. The app says Not very active. They mean the same thing.

    Thanks.

    You are probably better off using a TDEE calculator like this one https://tdeecalculator.net/ and only using MFP for tracking your calories. MFP doesn't do the best with calculating how many calories you need, or how many calories you burn with exercise.

    What makes you think mfp isn't very good at giving a calorie goal?

    Because they are a generally too low for people. Perhaps, they assume people will forget to log some of the food they eat, so it will all balance out in the long run.

    MFP just applies the same math you did. The person chooses the weight loss rate. 1 pound equals 3500 calories.
  • RuNaRoUnDaFiEld
    RuNaRoUnDaFiEld Posts: 5,864 Member
    @iwannalosemymummytummy I think you'll do great. You have this nailed :)
  • JonDrees wrote: »
    JonDrees wrote: »
    I'm in the U.K and sedentry is not listed. I chose "not very active" thinking it would allow me less calorie intake? I think it's safe to say that I don't understand which setting I should have it on.

    On MFP?

    Yes. For activity settings it has - not very active - lightly active - active - and very active to choose from.

    If you go on a lap top etc it says sedentary. The app says Not very active. They mean the same thing.

    Thanks.

    You are probably better off using a TDEE calculator like this one https://tdeecalculator.net/ and only using MFP for tracking your calories. MFP doesn't do the best with calculating how many calories you need, or how many calories you burn with exercise.

    What makes you think mfp isn't very good at giving a calorie goal?

    Because they are a generally too low for people. Perhaps, they assume people will forget to log some of the food they eat, so it will all balance out in the long run.

    MFP just applies the same math you did. The person chooses the weight loss rate. 1 pound equals 3500 calories.

    Please don't take my 73 calories away from me! I've only just got used to it.
  • RuNaRoUnDaFiEld
    RuNaRoUnDaFiEld Posts: 5,864 Member
    JonDrees wrote: »
    JonDrees wrote: »
    I'm in the U.K and sedentry is not listed. I chose "not very active" thinking it would allow me less calorie intake? I think it's safe to say that I don't understand which setting I should have it on.

    On MFP?

    Yes. For activity settings it has - not very active - lightly active - active - and very active to choose from.

    If you go on a lap top etc it says sedentary. The app says Not very active. They mean the same thing.

    Thanks.

    You are probably better off using a TDEE calculator like this one https://tdeecalculator.net/ and only using MFP for tracking your calories. MFP doesn't do the best with calculating how many calories you need, or how many calories you burn with exercise.

    What makes you think mfp isn't very good at giving a calorie goal?

    Because they are a generally too low for people. Perhaps, they assume people will forget to log some of the food they eat, so it will all balance out in the long run.

    MFP just applies the same math you did. The person chooses the weight loss rate. 1 pound equals 3500 calories.

    Please don't take my 73 calories away from me! I've only just got used to it.

    :) You clearly are on track. Enjoy your massive increase ;)
  • JonDrees wrote: »
    JonDrees wrote: »
    I'm in the U.K and sedentry is not listed. I chose "not very active" thinking it would allow me less calorie intake? I think it's safe to say that I don't understand which setting I should have it on.

    On MFP?

    Yes. For activity settings it has - not very active - lightly active - active - and very active to choose from.

    If you go on a lap top etc it says sedentary. The app says Not very active. They mean the same thing.

    Thanks.

    You are probably better off using a TDEE calculator like this one https://tdeecalculator.net/ and only using MFP for tracking your calories. MFP doesn't do the best with calculating how many calories you need, or how many calories you burn with exercise.

    What makes you think mfp isn't very good at giving a calorie goal?

    Because they are a generally too low for people. Perhaps, they assume people will forget to log some of the food they eat, so it will all balance out in the long run.

    MFP just applies the same math you did. The person chooses the weight loss rate. 1 pound equals 3500 calories.

    Please don't take my 73 calories away from me! I've only just got used to it.

    :) You clearly are on track. Enjoy your massive increase ;)

    Thank you.
  • charlenekemp07
    charlenekemp07 Posts: 36 Member
    Hi. I'm trying to loose weight. The areas that bother me most is my arms, stomach and back (love handles). I run 4 times a week and do mountain bike 1-2 times a week. Will this be enough to loose fat in all areas or should I do more? I also plank every other night, but it's still a struggle.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Hi. I'm trying to loose weight. The areas that bother me most is my arms, stomach and back (love handles). I run 4 times a week and do mountain bike 1-2 times a week. Will this be enough to loose fat in all areas or should I do more? I also plank every other night, but it's still a struggle.

    weight loss comes from your calorie deficit - exercise is primarily for health and you cant spot reduce.

    you may want to consider adding some more resistance/strength training though to help retain muscle as you lose weight.
  • annteja
    annteja Posts: 48 Member
    Supplements question: I'm trying to loss weight and I'm eating healthy and excercise here and there. I'm taking B complecs, omega 3 and Msm (for the skin, hair). Is there something else I really should add just of an over all healthy lifestyles and not connected to weight loss?
  • JonDrees
    JonDrees Posts: 161 Member
    Hi. I'm trying to loose weight. The areas that bother me most is my arms, stomach and back (love handles). I run 4 times a week and do mountain bike 1-2 times a week. Will this be enough to loose fat in all areas or should I do more? I also plank every other night, but it's still a struggle.

    It might seem counter-intuitive, but I think resistance training will do more for your fat loss than running. You might want to consider doing 2-3 days a week of resistance training and drop down the running to 2-3 days. Obviously, the diet will be the biggest factor in your fat loss, though.
  • JonDrees
    JonDrees Posts: 161 Member
    edited March 2017
    annteja wrote: »
    Supplements question: I'm trying to loss weight and I'm eating healthy and excercise here and there. I'm taking B complecs, omega 3 and Msm (for the skin, hair). Is there something else I really should add just of an over all healthy lifestyles and not connected to weight loss?

    They won't do much for your weight loss, but these are the only supplements I generally recommend to healthy clients:

    1. Whey protein
    2. Multi-vitamin
    3. Vitamin D (for us living up North)
    4. Fish oil
    5. Sometimes Vitamin C
    6. Sometimes Calcium
    7. Creatine for some

    There is a lot of important vitamins and minerals to take in, but hopefully if you are eating decent, you will get most of those in your diet. Also, you probably don't need to be taking these every single day.

  • annteja
    annteja Posts: 48 Member
    @JonDress thank you :)
  • JonDrees
    JonDrees Posts: 161 Member
    annteja wrote: »
    @JonDress thank you :)

    Welcome!
  • Heather4448
    Heather4448 Posts: 908 Member
    What is your opinion of my exercise routine? (My diary is open.)
  • JonDrees
    JonDrees Posts: 161 Member
    What is your opinion of my exercise routine? (My diary is open.)

    I would definitely add in at least 2-3 days of resistance training. You also might want to consider adding in some higher intensity cardio to raise your heart rate a little - rowing, biking, swimming, etc.