Calorie Goal Question

JackFigures87
JackFigures87 Posts: 7 Member
edited November 2024 in Getting Started
Hey everyone, sorry if this seems like a silly question, but I am curious about the calorie goal for the day. Now, if I meet that goal every day am I looking at sustaining my current weight, or is that goal to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week? I've been under my calorie intake a lot lately, mostly because my appetite isn't as big as it used to be. I'm still eating, so no worries there. I'm just averaging a 400-500 deficit everyday.

Replies

  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    edited March 2018
    When you enter your stats into My Fitness Pal (MFP) - height, weight, age, activity level the system determines how many calories it takes to maintain your current weight. You then choose a goal - weight loss, weight maintenance or weight gain.

    If you told MFP you wanted to lose 1pound a week, it took 500 calories off your maintenance calories. That is your goal. Averages are just fine, but you want to MEET your weekly goal, not be under it. Too fast weight loss has a down side, a larger % of lean muscle loss among other things.
  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    MFP has already deducted the calories for you, so you will lose if you eat your goal amount. And that's what you should be eating...while eating less and losing quicker may sound ideal, it may cause more harm in the long run (especially in terms of muscle loss).
  • JackFigures87
    JackFigures87 Posts: 7 Member
    That's what I was thinking, but I didn't know exactly what to do. Still working on the diet aspect. Have to find a solution to creating easier meals.
  • JackFigures87
    JackFigures87 Posts: 7 Member
    Also, thank you for the reply!
  • Denlom
    Denlom Posts: 17 Member
    What if you find it difficult to hit goal? Is that ok?
  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    Denlom wrote: »
    What if you find it difficult to hit goal? Is that ok?

    First, make sure you aren’t overeating. Are you weighing everything on a food scale? Then if you really aren’t hitting your goal, add in some more calorie dense foods (nuts, nut butters, full fat dairy...even a treat or two if you’ve hit your nutrient goals).
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