Need help starting

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  • dejavuohlala
    dejavuohlala Posts: 1,761 Member
    So I have been increasing my calorie intake slowly over the past 7 weeks. Two weeks ago I disconnected my fitbit from
    MFP account as it was confusing me. Just on the Fitbit my TDEE is showing 1750-1800 burn per day. Does that suggest lightly active??? Or sedatary ? So I have reached about 1450 do I just keep a slow increase going until I get to 1750? Then what do I do?

    Thank you for you support and keeping me on the right tracks. Carol
  • empressichel
    empressichel Posts: 730 Member
    Hi Carol
    Yes, just keep increasing until you get to the 1750-1850 calories.
    That's all you need to do for now, don't worry about anything else or what your next move will be.
    Just get there first!
    Ichel
    EM2WL ambassador and moderator
  • dejavuohlala
    dejavuohlala Posts: 1,761 Member
    Hi Carol
    Yes, just keep increasing until you get to the 1750-1850 calories.
    That's all you need to do for now, don't worry about anything else or what your next move will be.
    Just get there first!
    Ichel
    EM2WL ambassador and moderator

    Thank you Ichel, good time to do it with Christmas coming !!!!
  • dejavuohlala
    dejavuohlala Posts: 1,761 Member
    Majority of days I'm making my
    Protein levels ( not always) but my carbs always go over, so annoying. I will look like a chicken, in fact I've started clucking!!!
  • heybales
    heybales Posts: 18,842 Member
    I'll comment that many people find that when they start going over 4000 steps, which is rather minor, you start going above what MFP consider's sedentary level of calories. And you'll start getting adjustments up.

    And MFP's sedentary is actually higher than the traditional rough 5 level TDEE chart.

    So sedentary is really bump on a log level of sitting around - every single day. Most easily go higher than that not even including workouts.
  • dejavuohlala
    dejavuohlala Posts: 1,761 Member
    heybales wrote: »
    I'll comment that many people find that when they start going over 4000 steps, which is rather minor, you start going above what MFP consider's sedentary level of calories. And you'll start getting adjustments up.

    And MFP's sedentary is actually higher than the traditional rough 5 level TDEE chart.

    So sedentary is really bump on a log level of sitting around - every single day. Most easily go higher than that not even including workouts.

    Sorry heybales I don't understand the reference to steps/sedentary? Do you mean that I should be using sedentary rather than lightly active??
  • scaryann1
    scaryann1 Posts: 259 Member
    I believe what he is saying is that very few people fall under the sedentary range. With very little effort you would go up a notch to at minimum lightly active. I consider myself sedentary because of the fact if I try to do too much movement I dislocate something and end up with a major injury. Therefore I set my goal as sedentary, but then try to keep track of anything I do that gets me up off my reclining loveseat.
  • heybales
    heybales Posts: 18,842 Member
    edited November 2016
    heybales wrote: »
    I'll comment that many people find that when they start going over 4000 steps, which is rather minor, you start going above what MFP considers sedentary level of calories. And you'll start getting adjustments up.

    And MFP's sedentary is actually higher than the traditional rough 5 level TDEE chart.

    So sedentary is really bump on a log level of sitting around - every single day. Most easily go higher than that not even including workouts.

    Sorry heybales I don't understand the reference to steps/sedentary? Do you mean that I should be using sedentary rather than lightly active??

    You had a question about whether you are sedentary or lightly active.
    I was merely trying to give you some perspective.

    But you never mentioned above how many steps your Fitbit reports, therefore I wouldn't think of suggesting a level.
    If in another thread I don't recall it anyway.

    How many steps you get average daily?
    Your emailed Fitbit reports tell you.

    More than 4000 on average?

    Then that makes you ......
  • dejavuohlala
    dejavuohlala Posts: 1,761 Member
    heybales wrote: »
    heybales wrote: »
    I'll comment that many people find that when they start going over 4000 steps, which is rather minor, you start going above what MFP considers sedentary level of calories. And you'll start getting adjustments up.

    And MFP's sedentary is actually higher than the traditional rough 5 level TDEE chart.

    So sedentary is really bump on a log level of sitting around - every single day. Most easily go higher than that not even including workouts.

    Sorry heybales I don't understand the reference to steps/sedentary? Do you mean that I should be using sedentary rather than lightly active??

    You had a question about whether you are sedentary or lightly active.
    I was merely trying to give you some perspective.

    But you never mentioned above how many steps your Fitbit reports, therefore I wouldn't think of suggesting a level.
    If in another thread I don't recall it anyway.

    How many steps you get average daily?
    Your emailed Fitbit reports tell you.

    More than 4000 on average?

    Then that makes you ......

    Oh I see it's around 6000 steps
  • jerilynconn
    jerilynconn Posts: 524 Member
    I'm trying to focus this fall and winter on nailing down that tdee. I lowered my calories and I will increase by 50 every week, weighing in using Libra to track trends. Is a week enough time or should I consider two? Or do i need to be open to other numbers?

    I'm hoping this can truly nail down my numbers. Because I didn't increase slowly the first time I kept gaining due to a suppressed tdee (I think).

    I've been frustrated with this whole thing for the past month or so. I feel like I've totally gone backwards, into some dieting mentality. And I've lost the happy with myself/love myself as I am now. Not the way I wanted to go. And I thought it was a flash in the pan, but here I am still. I hope the mental change wasn't the flash in the pan, but it's just hiding down there. I've noticed that if I feel like I will be successful (even if not right now at this moment), I am much more positive.
  • empressichel
    empressichel Posts: 730 Member
    Oh Yes, the power of positive thinking works for real!
    I would stay at each level for 2 weeks or more, I don't think a week is long enough because of life anomalies.
    The diet mentality course was very intense. It opened up the bare bones of the psychology we have associated with our bodies, self worth etc.
    It's tough! Going through made me look at parts of my life and question some things.
    But that's all good, because that's how we learn and grow rather than following a path blindly. When we carve the way out for ourselves it means more, resonates deeper.
    You are still here. You aren't giving up.
    That's all you need right now.
    Ichel
    EM2WL ambassador and moderator
  • jerilynconn
    jerilynconn Posts: 524 Member
    I was just expecting the course to push me higher and farther on the good path I was on... Not shove me off and bury the trail under tons and tons of debris. Lol.

    I was a little afraid someone would say 2, only because it will take longer. I still have the impatience.

  • Raynn1
    Raynn1 Posts: 1,164 Member
    Look at the course as something that showed you it IS possible to be out of the diet mentality mindset and be truly happy with who you are. Many of us have moments where we revert back to that old mentality thinking. Thats why it really and truly does help to make sure you are doing the steps necessary AND correctly in order to move on.

    Your biggest setback has always been impatience. You allowed yourself to rush through two(?) resets and not listen when you were told to hang out at TDEE for a long while. You impatiently cut twice when you know deep down, you shouldnt have, and you got impatient when changes werent seemingly happening when you were at TDEE. Patience is key, and I know you know that:)

    I think its a really good thing you are taking a step back and tracking your way back up to knowing what your true TDEE is. Take it SLOWLY. For the vast majority of us, 8-12 weeks at TDEE is NOT enough time. So dont set a time frame ahead of hitting it. All it does it put that Diet mentality back in place. (I need to get through this reset, so I can cut, and see the magic happening)..

    I thought very much the same on my second reset... and it was only when I did my third (and final) reset, that I realized that in order to truly walk the path, I had to stay committed to the path. And that meant putting my hands up ( I give!!!) and truly allow myself to sit at TDEE and make sure that was second nature.Only then could I concentrate on hitting my macros every.single.day. Only then was I able to put my focus on other aspects of my journey. That is when I started learning to love who I was, even at my heaviest. That was when I stopped stressing, and starting smiling more. That was when I realized my life was passing me by and I was spending it all pissed off that I wasnt smaller. So TDEE is where not only the body can heal, but the mind can too. The longer you can give to TDEE, the happier, your mindset will be.

    Kelly
    EM2WL Ambassador and Moderator
  • ibtmas
    ibtmas Posts: 111 Member
    Hey @jerilynconn so good to see u back! I'm at my reset and whenever i gain a number somewhere in the back of my mind i have your picture! Ur positivity impressed me and i started increasing cals once going back down! All the best this time. U can do it.
  • heybales
    heybales Posts: 18,842 Member
    I was just expecting the course to push me higher and farther on the good path I was on... Not shove me off and bury the trail under tons and tons of debris. Lol.

    I was a little afraid someone would say 2, only because it will take longer. I still have the impatience.

    And you likely have a good idea of what 2 weeks to put together out of the month for a balanced view of a trend.

    Wrong 2 weeks could feel discouraging despite knowing full well it happens every month and should be expected.
  • Luna3386
    Luna3386 Posts: 888 Member
    Hey all, my old account freaked out (I actually think it was the app) and I ended up having to make a new account. You can add me as a friend if you want.

    I'm not currently following em2wl exactly, but I am still using so much that I learned. I lift still, and nail my macros daily. My calories are lower but I am losing weight while keeping my strength.
  • zanyzana
    zanyzana Posts: 248 Member
    Hey! I wondered how you were. Strange thing to happen. Glad you're going well.
  • ibtmas
    ibtmas Posts: 111 Member
    Welcome back! hope u r doing well!
  • Raynn1
    Raynn1 Posts: 1,164 Member
    Welcome Back Jerilyn:)

    Kelly
    Team EM2WL
  • TerezaToledo
    TerezaToledo Posts: 613 Member
    Good to see you again!

    Tereza
    Team EM2WL Certified Trainer and Coach
  • jvezzsb01
    jvezzsb01 Posts: 115 Member
    Yay, you're back! Glad to "see" you back on the board again. :)
  • empressichel
    empressichel Posts: 730 Member
    Hey!
    Good to see you back in here!
    Ichel
    Team EM2WL
  • Luna3386
    Luna3386 Posts: 888 Member
    zanyzana wrote: »
    Hey! I wondered how you were. Strange thing to happen. Glad you're going well.
    ibtmas wrote: »
    Welcome back! hope u r doing well!
    Raynn1 wrote: »
    Welcome Back Jerilyn:)

    Kelly
    Team EM2WL
    Good to see you again!

    Tereza
    Team EM2WL Certified Trainer and Coach
    jvezzsb01 wrote: »
    Yay, you're back! Glad to "see" you back on the board again. :)

    Thank you.

    Ugh the same thing happened to my Instagram too. I'm notorious for having issues with technology (and cars lol)- I'm basically not allowed to touch my husband's electronics. LOL.
  • kaygold
    kaygold Posts: 92 Member
    Hi Everyone. I sure hope its ok for me to post this question here. I tried to post it on the regular forum, and only got one sole response :(

    So, after having gained some weight, I've decided I need to get back on the wagon rather than wallow in self pity and reach for the junk food lol .

    Second to the vanity, I'm on new medication, which MAY cause weight gain. So, I want to be meticulous about my calorie tracking. This way, if I gain, rather than lose, I can rule out poor CICO, and work with my doctor to see if the medicine is having an adverse effect.

    Was hoping my fellow TDEE warriors could make sure I'm calculating my stats right to make sure I don't mess up. I've done TDEE for a while, but never feel like having a second set of eyes hurts.

    My current stats:

    Female, 29, 5 feet 7 inches, 135lb

    Activity: Orange Theory (1 hr HIIT with cardio on the treadmill, weights, and rowing)3-4 times a week... using 1-3 hours light exercise for my activity level.

    Goal: 125

    I use the Scooby Calculator, and came up with:

    BMR: 1414
    TDEE: 1944
    10% cut: 1750

    I chose 10% since I want to lose 10 pounds, but I'm all for slow and steady wins the race.

    Does the above look right? Any jarring errors anyone can see? Or, any recommended changes?

    Also, Scooby is what was recommended to me when I first started years back...is that still the go-to for most?

    Thanks all
  • Raynn1
    Raynn1 Posts: 1,164 Member
    We actually have our own calculator now:)
    http://eatmore2weighless.com/weight-loss-calculator/

    Our calculator has the same numbers for you.

    I would actually look at why you want to lose ten pounds. i think based on your height and weight currently, you dont "need" to lose "weight"... you may want to lose fat, which means leaning out and showing what is underneath your skin, not neccessarily losing weight in that process. if we go by what the BMI says, you are actually underweight at 135. BMI is not a great tool for gauging health at all, but it might be something to consider as to why you think you need to lose 10 pounds.

    Your workouts being HIIT based, are all cardio and not considered strength training. You may want to look at weight training with heavy lifting to help you achieve the look you are after without actually losing "weight"

    Hope this helps
    http://eatmore2weighless.com/just-heavy-heavy-lifting/


    Kelly
    Team EM2WL
  • kaygold
    kaygold Posts: 92 Member
    Raynn1 wrote: »
    We actually have our own calculator now:)
    http://eatmore2weighless.com/weight-loss-calculator/

    Our calculator has the same numbers for you.

    I would actually look at why you want to lose ten pounds. i think based on your height and weight currently, you dont "need" to lose "weight"... you may want to lose fat, which means leaning out and showing what is underneath your skin, not neccessarily losing weight in that process. if we go by what the BMI says, you are actually underweight at 135. BMI is not a great tool for gauging health at all, but it might be something to consider as to why you think you need to lose 10 pounds.

    Your workouts being HIIT based, are all cardio and not considered strength training. You may want to look at weight training with heavy lifting to help you achieve the look you are after without actually losing "weight"

    Hope this helps
    http://eatmore2weighless.com/just-heavy-heavy-lifting/


    Kelly
    Team EM2WL

    Oh wow!!! That calculator is AWESOME ; SO user friendly! Thank you so much for providing me that; I'm happy to see the numbers all aligned :)

    So, have I been using the wrong BMI calculator? I thought I was currently at a normal BMI at 5 feet 7 Inches and 135 lb, and that I would still be at 125 lbs. I definitely do NOT want to be underweight, so if I have been calculating that wrong, boy oh boy do I need to re-evaluate :blush:

    I think for myself, I feel best at 125-130 health wise. Once I creep past 130, I start to feel a bit bogged down both mentally and physically. I have started some weight lifting via Orange Theory, and find I do enjoy them! So I'm super happy you mentioned that! I really want to feel my best, and get a bit more firmed up :smile:
  • Raynn1
    Raynn1 Posts: 1,164 Member
    I wouldnt fixate on the weight numbers. You can focus on fat loss, which happens with eating the right amount of cals, and weight lifting. These things will help change your body shape, giving you the look you are likely after, without losing "weight".. its a big misconception that scale weight means "gained weight"... and that we can be smaller, healthier and happier, even if the scale doesnt actually go down:) Based on where you are, I would definitely focus on building the muscle as that will be your ticket to fat loss and "losing weight":)

    Kelly
    Team EM2WL
  • brileylmt
    brileylmt Posts: 199 Member
    @luna3386 so glad to see you back!!! I hope you are doing great!!
  • jerilynconn
    jerilynconn Posts: 524 Member
    Hi again everyone,

    I've figured out my old account and am trying to get back into tracking. Other than the past month of crazy busy summer I've been lifting consistently. Haven't lost weight in a year but have slimmed down. Haven't really been tracking, but am trying to get back into the habit because of two reasons: I'd like to cut a little bit more and I've been having digestive issues. I've been dairy free this entire year and while that has helped tremendously I'm still having issues. Tracking might help me pinpoint them. Unfortunately my protein has really decreased since going off dairy. I did find a protein powder that works for me though I don't even eat it every day as those aren't my favorite things to eat and often shakes/smoothies make me feel ill and not full at all.

    Obviously, fixing, if possible, my issues is number 1. I find it really hard to stick to a good macro meal plan when I often feel like junk- bloated, nauseous, bathroom issues, etc. Anyways, the board seems pretty dead but I thought I'd update anyways.
  • ambsnic17
    ambsnic17 Posts: 305 Member
    @jerilynconn welcome back!!!!

    I’m sorry to hear about the stomach issues still. 😞 Over the past couple of weeks/months I have been diagnosed with IBS(irritable bowel syndrome) dr had me try a strong probiotic, which helped but issues were still there. So I’ve been on IBguard (over the counter) May want to give it a try to make your gut feel “happy” it has helped tremendously! Still trying to figure out my trigger foods.

    I’m on day 4 of no sweets/desserts & no bread/pasta. Really trying to limit the carbs like crackers breads pastas etc. to see if any of that will help my gut.
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