Net Calorie Question?

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I am 5'5 and 143 pounds. I run often , burning between 300-600 calories. I believe I run 4 days per week. On the days I dont run , I weight train. I usually burn 500-700 on these days. I was told I should eat 1500 calories for weight loss.

My question is...am I JUST supposed to eat to 1500..or am I supposed to net 1500...

Replies

  • sammyliftsandeats
    sammyliftsandeats Posts: 2,421 Member
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    How are you getting your burns? They may be overestimated.

    But you are supposed to NET 1500. So if you eat 1500 and burn 300 calories running, you should eat GROSS 1800.

    But calorie burns are often overestimated, depending on how you are tracking it, so it is advised you start by eating half of the stated burn and assess as you go along. Are you losing too fast? Eat more calories. Too slow? Eat less calories.
  • akasharuns
    akasharuns Posts: 8 Member
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    I use the Polar Watch M400
  • sammyliftsandeats
    sammyliftsandeats Posts: 2,421 Member
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    Okay that has a heart rate monitor, right?

    It may be good for your running but it won't be good for your weightlifting. HRMs are good for steady state cardio.

    Lifting is not steady state cardio and the increased jumps in heart rate during your sets may cause overstating of calorie burn.
  • akasharuns
    akasharuns Posts: 8 Member
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    Its a HRM. I didnt know that. Interesting!