Fitbit Cals vs MFP Cals and extra Cals from Workouts

Ivanapoutine
Ivanapoutine Posts: 28 Member
edited November 24 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi all, trying to get the hang of it all. First, MFP states 1200 cals (plus extra from exercise) to lose 2 lbs a week. Fitbit gives me 996 cals (seems a bit too low) for 2 lbs a week. What gives? Secondly, am I sabotaging myself by consuming the extra cals given from exercise on MFP? Trust me, I want to eat them but I left WW because I realized I was consuming too many cals following their plan (though eating healthy and strictly following guidelines) and I'm not paying for WW if I have to count anyways (the reason I tried WW because I hate counting). I am not looking to lose insane amounts quickly but I also don't want another month of following a plan and not losing. Thoughts? Want to start off right but not starve

Replies

  • ColoradoLivingg
    ColoradoLivingg Posts: 17 Member
    I also left WW recently because of the new Freestyle plan. The calories Fitbit is giving you are ridiculously low. From what I understand, MFP will never go below 1200. You need to at least eat 1200 calories a day otherwise it's not healthy and can harm your body. I would advise to go with what MFP is giving you. In regards to the exercise calories, I've read most people recommend only eating back about half of them. That being said, experiment with what works for you!
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    If your fitbit puts you that low, then there is a good chance your weekly weight loss goal is much too large for your stats.
    Here is a good reference, if you have over 100 lbs to lose you can lose more than 2 lbs/week safely, that being said it is best to set a realistic safe weekly loss goal and:
    If you have 75+ lbs to lose 2 lbs/week is ideal,
    If you have 40-75 lbs to lose 1.5 lbs/week is ideal,
    If you have 25-40 lbs to lose 1 lbs/week is ideal,
    If you have 15 -25 lbs to lose 0.5 to 1.0 lbs/week is ideal, and
    If you have less than 15 lbs to lose 0.5 lbs/week is ideal.
  • Ivanapoutine
    Ivanapoutine Posts: 28 Member
    I will stick to MFP for my calorie intake and not Fitbit. I have 40 lbs to lose so I appreciate the breakdown though I really was hoping to lose it in 6 months, thinking 6.5 lbs was not that unhealthy of a monthly loss. But alas, a loss is a loss even if it's less than expected.
  • HavtaLose
    HavtaLose Posts: 59 Member
    I'm a Fitbit user too and quite surprised at the number fitbit is giving you. What are your stats?
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    MFP uses the NEAT method (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis), and as such this system is designed for exercise calories to be eaten back. However, many consider the burns given by MFP to be inflated and only eat a percentage, such as 50%, back. Others, however, are able to lose weight while eating 100% of their exercise calories.

    My FitBit One is far less generous with calories than the MFP database and I comfortably eat 100% of the calories I earn from it back.

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/818082/exercise-calories-again-wtf/p1
  • SCoil123
    SCoil123 Posts: 2,111 Member
    MFP is giving you 1200 because that is the minimum it will give anyone. It can’t go any lower because it wouldn’t be safe or healthy for you.

    Fitbit doesn’t set a minimum so it will show what you would eat for that goal. Obviously because it’s so low your goal is too aggressive. With less than 50lb to lose I’d suggest a 1lb per week goal.
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