MFP Calorie Goal?

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ElizIvory
ElizIvory Posts: 141 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Alright MFP folks, I've used MFP for a while.

I am confused on my calorie goal I just updated it and it dropped me from saying I should eat 1880 to 1670.

I want to lose 2lbs a week, I've calculated out my BMR at various places (this is around 2100-2300) . I was recalculating my calories here because I felt like I was stalling.

I walk around 2-5 miles a day (5 days a week) I do some at home body weight work outs, and I am just curious if this is actually the amount I need to be eating?

I have my self set to sedentary but I do track my exercise in MFP. Is there a better way to get an accurate calorie goal? Is MFP accurate?

SO MANY QUESTIONS.

Thanks :D

Replies

  • ElizIvory
    ElizIvory Posts: 141 Member
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    over the course of 7 years on and off I've lost 77lbs. I've kept it off. I haven't had any loss for about 3 months (just maybe 1-3lb fluctuations)

    I am just trying to make a compromise between sites 1600 seems lowish to me but it could just be because I was so obese for so long that I was told I needed to eat higher etc. at 5'10 I am still quite obese but maybe I am down into a range that has a more normal calorie goal.

    I just know that a lot of people have thoughts on whether the MFP goal is accurate or not, so I was wondering if anyone had some more insight.

    I'm glad it worked out for you, I will try this amount likely and see if it pushes me.
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
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    ElizIvory wrote: »
    over the course of 7 years on and off I've lost 77lbs. I've kept it off. I haven't had any loss for about 3 months (just maybe 1-3lb fluctuations)

    I am just trying to make a compromise between sites 1600 seems lowish to me but it could just be because I was so obese for so long that I was told I needed to eat higher etc. at 5'10 I am still quite obese but maybe I am down into a range that has a more normal calorie goal.

    I just know that a lot of people have thoughts on whether the MFP goal is accurate or not, so I was wondering if anyone had some more insight.

    I'm glad it worked out for you, I will try this amount likely and see if it pushes me.

    Have you considered using a food scale for your solid foods? Sometimes people find they have success counting calories for a while but then need to switch to more accurate methods of measuring food after they lose some weight.
  • RAinWA
    RAinWA Posts: 1,980 Member
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    Are you eating back any of your exercise calories? MFP calorie goals are before exercise.

    I have found the MFP goal pretty spot on. I have gained, lost and maintained pretty much in line with those goals. I do find if I start not losing when I think I should be it is a good time to tighten up my logging - making sure I'm logging everything, using a food scale for all solids and measuring liquids. As you get smaller there is less room for error in your logging.

    Congrats on your loss so far!
  • ElizIvory
    ElizIvory Posts: 141 Member
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    I had a food scale for a while, when I moved most recently (june, across country via airplane) I didn't get to take it with me. I will purchase another one and synch it up. I think I was mostly surprised it adjusted my calorie goal so much when I didnt actually change what I wanted. I just updated it, maybe I hadn't since I'd lost some of the weight, that may be what happened.

    Thanks for the congrats! I am hoping I can shed some more and get down to a healthier BMI. Maybe I am eating more than I think. :)
  • kimny72
    kimny72 Posts: 16,013 Member
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    ElizIvory wrote: »
    over the course of 7 years on and off I've lost 77lbs. I've kept it off. I haven't had any loss for about 3 months (just maybe 1-3lb fluctuations)

    I am just trying to make a compromise between sites 1600 seems lowish to me but it could just be because I was so obese for so long that I was told I needed to eat higher etc. at 5'10 I am still quite obese but maybe I am down into a range that has a more normal calorie goal.

    I just know that a lot of people have thoughts on whether the MFP goal is accurate or not, so I was wondering if anyone had some more insight.

    I'm glad it worked out for you, I will try this amount likely and see if it pushes me.

    So one option would be to stick with your original 1880 and tighten up your logging. We often experience "portion drift" where what looks like a cup of cereal slowly grows over time :lol:. Get a new food scale, focus on that diary, and see if you can get back to losing on your old calorie goal. If nothing moves after 4-6 weeks, then you know you need to drop lower.

    Also keep in mind that 2 lbs per week is the most aggressive pace, and your weight of loss will naturally slow. Maybe 2 lbs per week just isn't possible for you to do comfortably now. Nothing wrong with going for 1.5 or even 1lb if it makes you more likely to keep going :drinker:

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