Why don't people use MFP to set their calorie goals?
Replies
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I assume that people who do that stubble across the forum and don't realize that there is an app associated with it.0
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TimothyFish wrote: »I assume that people who do that stubble across the forum and don't realize that there is an app associated with it.
I thought you are required to create an account in order to post a question on the Forums...let me know if I'm wrong about that.4 -
I think that people just starting out probably need to set a lower goal than what MFP calculates. Especially when you first start counting, you're going to suck at it. You will underestimate everything, you will forget to log stuff, etc. You will suck at it.
After you're used to tracking, and get better at it, you can raise your calories up to what MFP calculates.2 -
AllSpiceNice wrote: »TimothyFish wrote: »I assume that people who do that stubble across the forum and don't realize that there is an app associated with it.
I thought you are required to create an account in order to post a question on the Forums...let me know if I'm wrong about that.
Yep, you have to go through the set up process in order to create an account to post, otherwise the forums are read only.
And this thing with people asking how many calories they should eat has been bugging the hell out of me lately, there seems to have been a massive increase in the number of those posts. I just want to reply with 'the *kitten* *kitten* *kitten* app tells you!!!!'.8 -
AllSpiceNice wrote: »TimothyFish wrote: »I assume that people who do that stubble across the forum and don't realize that there is an app associated with it.
I thought you are required to create an account in order to post a question on the Forums...let me know if I'm wrong about that.
Yup, I believe that's the case - you can't post without an account, you can't have an account without it asking you questions.2 -
It depends on the person. Sometimes our TDEE is different than we realize. Mfp sets me way too low. I prefer the fat2fitradio calculator. And I eat the same each day according to my TDEE, so I don't need to eat based on exercise calories.2
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"Reading the manual" has gone out of fashion.
It's never been the case that everyone can learn by reading static material, IME. Over 20-some years managing people, I learned that even some pretty smart people need more structure/interactivity . . . or hand-holding, if you prefer.4 -
I think that people just starting out probably need to set a lower goal than what MFP calculates. Especially when you first start counting, you're going to suck at it. You will underestimate everything, you will forget to log stuff, etc. You will suck at it.
After you're used to tracking, and get better at it, you can raise your calories up to what MFP calculates.
Some of us suck at it the opposite way though. I have a natural tendency to overestimate the amount I'm eating when I'm dieting.
I think these are the exact reasons it's good to go with what they suggest to start with. Then if you aren't losing the amount you're set to you know what problems to look for. Or you can then adjust it accordingly to make up for your own errors.
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MFP settings are not accurate for my purposes and my goal is 0.75lbs weekly which (from what I recall and someone can correct me if I'm wrong) MFP doesn't offer as an option.
I set my own calorie goals with a custom amount I got from scoobys workshop for TDEE-xx% to provide me with my weight loss goal over a year timeframe. This has led to 60 pounds down in the last year.
> it took some trial and error to find the right rate of loss for my happiness and I initially lost closer to 2 pounds weekly before I balanced everything out.1 -
AllSpiceNice wrote: »Not trying to be snarky - but everyday I see multiple posts about "how do I determine my calorie goal? Someone help me figure out how much to eat / exercise to meet my goals?"
I find these questions confusing. When I first stumbled upon MFP, it was obvious that I could put in my stats and MFP would help calculate & track this. Yet so many on the Forums seem completely unaware of this.
Maybe someone can help me understand - why don't you take advantage of the MFP calorie goal and tracking? Does MFP need to draw more attention to those features so people know they exist? Do you see the tools but not trust their accuracy? Or is there another reason people come to the MFP site and decline to use the tools they offer?
When I came to MFP ...
I entered my details.
I selected sedentary as my activity level.
I chose to lose 0.5 kg/week.
MFP gave me my calories.
I ate those calories.
I lost weight.
Seems simple to me!
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When I first joined I didn't realise my calorie goal already included my deficit, so I guess people could get confused that way.4
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natboosh69 wrote: »When I first joined I didn't realise my calorie goal already included my deficit, so I guess people could get confused that way.
That's a very good point. Some people may get confused thinking the calorie level given is how much they burn, not how much they should eat.0 -
I don't use it because mfp gives me a 1500 calorie goal as a 6'1 male who walks 3-4 miles a day. My sex drive is already tanking from eating only 1800. So sod that11
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I don't use it because mfp gives me a 1500 calorie goal as a 6'1 male who walks 3-4 miles a day. My sex drive is already tanking from eating only 1800. So sod that
That's because you chose 2 pounds a week. That's the thing new people don't understand, you don't have to pick 2 pounds a week. That's what MFP calculated based on the rate of weight loss you chose, it hasn't forced that number on you and that rate of weight loss is not possible without going that low (or in your case possibly even lower since 1500 is the lowest it would go for men).
ETA: I'm not sure if this is already a thing, but does MFP have (Recommended) next to a moderate rate of weight loss? If it doesn't, this may help some people.7 -
amusedmonkey wrote: »I don't use it because mfp gives me a 1500 calorie goal as a 6'1 male who walks 3-4 miles a day. My sex drive is already tanking from eating only 1800. So sod that
That's because you chose 2 pounds a week. That's the thing new people don't understand, you don't have to pick 2 pounds a week. That's what MFP calculated based on the rate of weight loss you chose, it hasn't forced that number on you and that rate of weight loss is not possible without going that low (or in your case possibly even lower since 1500 is the lowest it would go for men).
ETA: I'm not sure if this is already a thing, but does MFP have (Recommended) next to a moderate rate of weight loss? If it doesn't, this may help some people.
I would have to sign up again to check, but it seems to me that MFP recommended I do not choose more than 1 kg/week, and that 0.5 kg/week would be the better choice.
It also seems to me that MFP said quite clearly that the number of calories includes the deficit. In fact ... unless I'm remembering completely wrong ... I'm pretty sure that the fact that the number of calories includes the deficit is written quite boldly and highlighted.
My recollection is that it was all clear and straightforward.3 -
@AnnPT77
Agree there's no one size fits all for learning, I've done a lot of training/coaching/mentoring.
There's quite a noticeable generational difference though. If I get a new piece of techno wizardry I'm likely to at least read the Quick Start Guide - my son would never dream of reading instructions as he's grown up with far more intuitive gadgets where "prod & poke" works just as well and probably quicker.
The gadgets when I was growing up (including technology at work) simply wouldn't respond to blundering your way along. Entering the wrong set of hexadecimal codes to bootstrap a computer (yes I'm showing my age!) wouldn't have got me anywhere.
I had the same argument at work regarding learning styles where some people think writing an 80 page process document will actually result in people reading it whereas screen tips are probably far more effective for the users.
Talking of screen tips - I do think the MFP getting started set up could be vastly improved to guide people far more effectively and helpfully.10 -
amusedmonkey wrote: »I don't use it because mfp gives me a 1500 calorie goal as a 6'1 male who walks 3-4 miles a day. My sex drive is already tanking from eating only 1800. So sod that
That's because you chose 2 pounds a week. That's the thing new people don't understand, you don't have to pick 2 pounds a week. That's what MFP calculated based on the rate of weight loss you chose, it hasn't forced that number on you and that rate of weight loss is not possible without going that low (or in your case possibly even lower since 1500 is the lowest it would go for men).
ETA: I'm not sure if this is already a thing, but does MFP have (Recommended) next to a moderate rate of weight loss? If it doesn't, this may help some people.
I want 2lbs per week loss, I dont have to eat 1500 cals a day to do that, Imho.5 -
amusedmonkey wrote: »I don't use it because mfp gives me a 1500 calorie goal as a 6'1 male who walks 3-4 miles a day. My sex drive is already tanking from eating only 1800. So sod that
That's because you chose 2 pounds a week. That's the thing new people don't understand, you don't have to pick 2 pounds a week. That's what MFP calculated based on the rate of weight loss you chose, it hasn't forced that number on you and that rate of weight loss is not possible without going that low (or in your case possibly even lower since 1500 is the lowest it would go for men).
ETA: I'm not sure if this is already a thing, but does MFP have (Recommended) next to a moderate rate of weight loss? If it doesn't, this may help some people.
I want 2lbs per week loss, I dont have to eat 1500 cals a day to do that, Imho.
You do need to eat that low if you are sedentary. These are simple calculations. If you are active, any activity you add would increase your calories and in that case you could eat more and keep that rate of weight loss.7 -
amusedmonkey wrote: »I don't use it because mfp gives me a 1500 calorie goal as a 6'1 male who walks 3-4 miles a day. My sex drive is already tanking from eating only 1800. So sod that
That's because you chose 2 pounds a week. That's the thing new people don't understand, you don't have to pick 2 pounds a week. That's what MFP calculated based on the rate of weight loss you chose, it hasn't forced that number on you and that rate of weight loss is not possible without going that low (or in your case possibly even lower since 1500 is the lowest it would go for men).
ETA: I'm not sure if this is already a thing, but does MFP have (Recommended) next to a moderate rate of weight loss? If it doesn't, this may help some people.
I want 2lbs per week loss, I dont have to eat 1500 cals a day to do that, Imho.
MFP provides a calorie target based on information you put in during set up. Based on your gender, height, weight, age, and activity level, it estimates your NEAT (non exercise activity thermogenesis) maintenance calorie level and then calculates a deficit based on the rate of loss you selected, 500 cals for 1 lb/week, 1000 cals for 2 lbs/week. This is excluding exercise so if you do not exercise, and eat at that level, you should lose at the rate you selected. If you do exercise, you should be eating a portion of those calories back, that's how the tool is designed.
Did you select Sedentary for your activity level, or did you factor your walk into your activity setting? Did you log and eat back those calories when you did start with the 1500 target?
That you are able to eat more and still lose because you are active does not make the recommendations of MFP rubbish. Believe me, I'm a huge proponent of the one who eats the most and still loses the weight is the winner, but you're blaming MFP for providing a target based on the numbers you entered and goals you chose.
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amusedmonkey wrote: »I don't use it because mfp gives me a 1500 calorie goal as a 6'1 male who walks 3-4 miles a day. My sex drive is already tanking from eating only 1800. So sod that
That's because you chose 2 pounds a week. That's the thing new people don't understand, you don't have to pick 2 pounds a week. That's what MFP calculated based on the rate of weight loss you chose, it hasn't forced that number on you and that rate of weight loss is not possible without going that low (or in your case possibly even lower since 1500 is the lowest it would go for men).
ETA: I'm not sure if this is already a thing, but does MFP have (Recommended) next to a moderate rate of weight loss? If it doesn't, this may help some people.
I want 2lbs per week loss, I dont have to eat 1500 cals a day to do that, Imho.
Well, considering 2lbs per week is over 1% of your bodyweight, it's probably not realistic or healthy to lose that much. You didn't put it on in a week, you're probably not going to take it off in a week, either.6 -
Back to the OP's question... I think that people are a little bit naive and would like to take the quick/easy way out...
It would be lovely if the guided setup was the first screen that popped up after registering as a user. It would also be lovely if, upon registering your starting weight and goal weight, mfp defaulted to a reasonable rate of weight loss (not 2 lbs a week!) to help folks manage their expectations.5 -
For some people, weight loss isn't the goal. I use MFP to track calories and protein. The calorie goal that MFP generates for me (based on their generic algorithm) isn't sufficient for maintenance calories for me. I've found that I can eat about 150 calories higher. I train for competitive powerlifting. There are other legitmately reasons people don't use the tools.
As for the MFP user that is trying to lose weight...I think a lot of people want to over complicate things...or people want a quick fix.
Instead of trusting the process (and committing and following through), people overthink and give up.
"I can't possible eat 1500 calories and lose weight..that seems high, b/c I read (in a fitness magazine) that the lowest a woman can eat is 1200; so, I'll eat 1200." Two weeks later, "I don't understand why I haven't lost weight; I'm about to give up." I read it in thd forums all of the time.6 -
AllSpiceNice wrote: »Not trying to be snarky - but everyday I see multiple posts about "how do I determine my calorie goal? Someone help me figure out how much to eat / exercise to meet my goals?"
I find these questions confusing. When I first stumbled upon MFP, it was obvious that I could put in my stats and MFP would help calculate & track this. Yet so many on the Forums seem completely unaware of this.
Maybe someone can help me understand - why don't you take advantage of the MFP calorie goal and tracking? Does MFP need to draw more attention to those features so people know they exist? Do you see the tools but not trust their accuracy? Or is there another reason people come to the MFP site and decline to use the tools they offer?
I also find it confusing why some people post as if MFP has never given them a calorie goal. I thought it was part of the sign up process to enter your stats and get a goal. I didn't think you could post on the forum without going through that.
I remember getting my first calorie goal from MFP being pretty straight forward and obvious. After getting on the forums and reading several knowledgeable seeming people using TDEE and calculating differently it got confusing if I should do that or use the MFP calorie goal. I stuck with what MFP gave me because it was easy and it worked out fine.
I guess the only thing I can think of is that people want a complicated formula or special diet plan and didn't get that so think they are missing something.6 -
AllSpiceNice wrote: »Not trying to be snarky - but everyday I see multiple posts about "how do I determine my calorie goal? Someone help me figure out how much to eat / exercise to meet my goals?"
I find these questions confusing. When I first stumbled upon MFP, it was obvious that I could put in my stats and MFP would help calculate & track this. Yet so many on the Forums seem completely unaware of this.
Maybe someone can help me understand - why don't you take advantage of the MFP calorie goal and tracking? Does MFP need to draw more attention to those features so people know they exist? Do you see the tools but not trust their accuracy? Or is there another reason people come to the MFP site and decline to use the tools they offer?
I also find it confusing why some people post as if MFP has never given them a calorie goal. I thought it was part of the sign up process to enter your stats and get a goal. I didn't think you could post on the forum without going through that.
I remember getting my first calorie goal from MFP being pretty straight forward and obvious. After getting on the forums and reading several knowledgeable seeming people using TDEE and calculating differently it got confusing if I should do that or use the MFP calorie goal. I stuck with what MFP gave me because it was easy and it worked out fine.
I guess the only thing I can think of is that people want a complicated formula or special diet plan and didn't get that so think they are missing something.
Well, it's possible that they just clicked through with random stats to be done quickly. I mean, it happens, just like "agree to terms and conditions".2 -
Thank you to everyone for their perspective! I will continue to recommend the MFP goal as a good starting place for those who don't know where to start. And of course, accurate logging to help meet the goal and understand if it's working as expected.
Hopefully MFP will continue to develop the user interface to make the set up process easy and intuitive.
ETA: Added missing words and corrected spelling - clearly I need more coffee this morning!2 -
I'm aware that I can let the MFP program set my calories but I find it reinforcing to do it myself. It's like getting on the scale every day. It's not necessary but it reminds me of how I want to face eating each day.
Since there are several different formulas for calculating TDEE and each comes out with a slightly different estimate for me I figure by telling people which one I use I am letting them know that they, with the same statustics, may come up with a slightly different number if using a different calculator.
And TDEE is, however it is calculated, simply an estimate. Not only do we differ as individuals, we differ from day to day in our base level of energy expenditure. We acknowledge this when we consider exercise in our calculations but it is also affected by things we wouldn't count as exercise. None of us expends the exact same amount of energy every day no matter how routinized our activities.1 -
some people are just stupid and can't follow instructions.
also FYI-
Just had to add this (in response to the comments of 'people choosing a not reasonable 2 lb/wk loss' being the cause of the 1200 calorie floor coming up)...
the 1200 (net) calorie floor comes up for plenty of us that select 0.5 lb/wk (the minimum selectable) as well (1200 net --> 0.4 lb/wk last time I recalculated). (thankfully it's net calories and my net maintenance seems to be slightly higher than estimated).4 -
Trying to think of my early days on MFP when still trying to get experienced with the system. I appreciated the math behind it and it made complete sense to me, but I struggled initially with trusting the system and always wanting to do more, so while speaking to the forum vets here I was also verify data from multiple sources. After time passed and I was hitting my goals I began to trust the system more and do things like eat back exercise calories and learned to focus on the things that mattered most.
I think some people immediately turn to the forums prior to checking out the site - wanting the social aspect first. Others have no clue that these forums exist. I think many are so indoctrinated with the diet and fitness industry woo it's almost like deprogramming someone who has been brainwashed.3 -
amusedmonkey wrote: »I don't use it because mfp gives me a 1500 calorie goal as a 6'1 male who walks 3-4 miles a day. My sex drive is already tanking from eating only 1800. So sod that
That's because you chose 2 pounds a week. That's the thing new people don't understand, you don't have to pick 2 pounds a week. That's what MFP calculated based on the rate of weight loss you chose, it hasn't forced that number on you and that rate of weight loss is not possible without going that low (or in your case possibly even lower since 1500 is the lowest it would go for men).
ETA: I'm not sure if this is already a thing, but does MFP have (Recommended) next to a moderate rate of weight loss? If it doesn't, this may help some people.
I want 2lbs per week loss, I dont have to eat 1500 cals a day to do that, Imho.
Well, you're 26, 6'1" and 192(ish) pounds. Aiming for a goal of 2 pounds per week probably isn't achievable for you, even if you want to hit that. Most people really can't lose that quickly without having to take their calories down to an unreasonable level.8 -
amusedmonkey wrote: »AllSpiceNice wrote: »Not trying to be snarky - but everyday I see multiple posts about "how do I determine my calorie goal? Someone help me figure out how much to eat / exercise to meet my goals?"
I find these questions confusing. When I first stumbled upon MFP, it was obvious that I could put in my stats and MFP would help calculate & track this. Yet so many on the Forums seem completely unaware of this.
Maybe someone can help me understand - why don't you take advantage of the MFP calorie goal and tracking? Does MFP need to draw more attention to those features so people know they exist? Do you see the tools but not trust their accuracy? Or is there another reason people come to the MFP site and decline to use the tools they offer?
I also find it confusing why some people post as if MFP has never given them a calorie goal. I thought it was part of the sign up process to enter your stats and get a goal. I didn't think you could post on the forum without going through that.
I remember getting my first calorie goal from MFP being pretty straight forward and obvious. After getting on the forums and reading several knowledgeable seeming people using TDEE and calculating differently it got confusing if I should do that or use the MFP calorie goal. I stuck with what MFP gave me because it was easy and it worked out fine.
I guess the only thing I can think of is that people want a complicated formula or special diet plan and didn't get that so think they are missing something.
Well, it's possible that they just clicked through with random stats to be done quickly. I mean, it happens, just like "agree to terms and conditions".
I suppose but that seems like a choice to make things up to get through sign up not actual confusion about how to set a calorie goal.
No one replying here seems to be confused about how to get a calorie goal from MFP or another calculator so we probably won't know for sure why those people are posting to the forum asking how to figure out their goal. They aren't asking how they go back and edit their stats.0
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