Confused

LydiaACA
LydiaACA Posts: 1 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
hi,

I'm just starting out on this programme. I want to lose 16 pounds as quickly as possible, but in the past I've found it incredibly difficult to stick to diets. My MFP target number of calories is 1200, but now I'm confused after reading other comments on the message board about having to eat extra calories if you exercise. I usually burn off about700 calories after each workout, but what's the point in going to the gym if I'm just going to eat the calories back again?? Can anyone help me and explain what I should be doing and does anyone have any tips on sticking to the calorie limit... I'm not sure how many I should be eating or what I should be doing. Thanks

Replies

  • rockerbabyy
    rockerbabyy Posts: 2,258 Member
    with most eating/exercise plans - youre given a goal. for example: eat 2000 calories and exercise off 500 a day to create your deficit and lose 1 lb per week.
    mfp says "ok well... you might not exercise so just eat 1500. but when you do exercise, you need to eat that 500 too.
    either way youre eating the same number of calories, mfp just figures your goal based on no exercise.
    if you just eat 1200, (as long as its not too big of a loss-per week for your size) and you dont exercise, youll lose weight. your body wont be as healthy, you might still have high body fat (hence the term "skinny-fat" and you probably wont be happy with your body once you hit your goal weight.
    if you really burn 700 exercising, and you eat 1900, youll still lose the same amount of weight as you set it for, but in the end your body will be healthier and look much better.

    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


    as far as calories go - i dont believe in cutting anything out. i still eat candy and bacon and full fat cheese. i just limit my portions and make it fit into my goals for the day. fat and protein keep me more full than carbs (even tho i crave carbs all the time >.>) and i try not to drink my calories (pop, juice, etc) very often.
    eat smaller portions of the foods you love, while incorporating fruits and veggies and lean meats.
    make a healthy goal - just because it comes off fast doesnt mean it was a good way. you might lose more than just fat (muscle). dont think of it as i diet. if its something you cant stick with for the rest of your life, you'll fail at some point.
  • RayRay1500
    RayRay1500 Posts: 158 Member
    I do not like to sweat, therefore I do not like to exercise. I just stick with my 1200 calories, do not exercise, and I lose my two pounds each week. Very simple and easy to stick too.
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    MFP includes your deficit for safe weight loss with no exercise. If you exercise you make your deficit too large. Plus if you have trouble sticking to calorie goals in the first place, you're going to want those extra calories. It's not safe for most people to net less than 1200 calories, because you need the nutrients. You have to plan very well to stay healthy while eating so little.

    edited to add: remember this is a change in the way you live and think about food-- it's not a race. It's ok if you don't drop the weight overnight. When I first joined I gained weight for 2 weeks before I started losing. Give it at least a month before you decide whether it's working. Don't change anything for the first 4 weeks. If after that you're not seeing results, come back to the boards and we'll help you tweak.
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