Eating the calories you burn???? Doesn't make sense to me.

hayleedolive
hayleedolive Posts: 4
edited December 17 in Food and Nutrition
Hi all!!!

I have been having trouble shedding the pounds. Here's the scenario:

--MFP has me eating 1320 calories a day per my goals, age, weight, etc.
I am eating right at the goal calories. Not over, not too much below.
--I exercise M-F. Elliptical for 40 minutes every day, upper body on M & Th and lower body on Tu & F, with Wed, Sa, & Su being my
off days, per the fitness instructor at my gym.

The problem is: I AM NOT LOSING ANY WEIGHT! And, BARELY any inches. I lost 6 lbs. the first 2 weeks, and then hardly nothing!!!!!

What could be the problem? I JUST found out (5 mins ago) that I am supposed to be eating back the calories I burn everyday. I did not know this and have not been doing this. Like, my caloric intake per MFP should be 1320, which I do eat. But, when I add in the cardio, this brings my caloric total to around 1900 calories! I am not eating 1900 cals, I'm still eating 1320.

Is this why I am not losing the weight? If so, why??????

And, what good is burning calories if you just eat them right back?????

Help, please! Much thanks!!!!!

Replies

  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    You just answered your own question.

    If you're supposed to be eating a net of 1320 by not eating the 600 or so cal burned during exercise you're at a net of 700 which is way too low and can actually impede your ability to lose weight.

    The net calories that MFP calculates already has a deficit built in that should result in your desired rate of weight loss (1 to 2 lbs per week).

    The other factor to consider is that weight loss is not linear, human physiology is more complex, and even when we do everything right we'll have weeks with no weight loss (sometimes even gain a pound or two). Eat your exercise calories and be patient, this is a marathon not a sprint.
  • hayleedolive
    hayleedolive Posts: 4
    @BrianSharpe: Thanks for the input. This explains why I am ravashed of energy, my muscles never to seem to stop being SO FREAKIN SORE and why I have to mentally and almost physically fight myself from eating more than the 1320. I absolutely had no idea. I thought MFP was crazy for adding my calories burned back into my net, so I just didn't eat them. And, not sprinting, by any means! :) Just thought that 6 lbs in 2 1/2 months of diet and exercise was too little lost, and I wasn't sure where I was going wrong. Thanks again!!!
  • wolftrax
    wolftrax Posts: 50
    BrianSharpe is telling it like it is..This is a long term deal !! Getting all frustrated about the scale not moving is not going to help you..look at this in terms of months and not weeks...settle down to it and dig in your heels for a long rider mind-set...You will be glad in the end game...If you lose 1# a week it will get you into the winner's circle at some later date..

    Shake and bake..
  • hayleedolive
    hayleedolive Posts: 4
    @wolftrax: Thanks for the input! And, I'm sure it seems as if I am being impatient. That is not the case. I was just truly at loss for an answer. I have never been this physically active and have never really dieted, so this is still new to me with many questions, I'm sure, will need to be answered in the future. I'm sure anyone who has NO CLUE about anything diet and exercise (like me! lol) would be wondering the same thing. So, from researching after seeing BrianSharpe's response, I have read that eating too little kinda counteracts your deficit, causing your body to preserve whatever it takes in, and stores it so it can't be burned, because it is like in starvation mode! lol! Which is exactly how I have been feeling. For 2 1/2 months, I have kept thinking, "Man, this hunger thing has GOT to slack up at some point, right???" lol. Now I see why! Thanks again for the reaffirmation! :)
  • CyberEd312
    CyberEd312 Posts: 3,536 Member
    Been on this journey for 34 months avg. 1-2 lbs. week weight loss, Some weeks more and some less...I am a firm believer in eating back all my exercise calories ( I wear a Polar FT60 for a more accurate burn). It all adds up over time.... just look at my ticker...... Good Luck to you......
  • Pepper2185
    Pepper2185 Posts: 994 Member
    Exercise calories are the best tasting calories because you've totally earned them!!!
  • Jameslemond
    Jameslemond Posts: 60 Member
    Been on this journey for 34 months avg. 1-2 lbs. week weight loss, Some weeks more and some less...I am a firm believer in eating back all my exercise calories ( I wear a Polar FT60 for a more accurate burn). It all adds up over time.... just look at my ticker...... Good Luck to you......

    WOW!!! Check out your weight loss.... Way To Go man
  • spynoodle
    spynoodle Posts: 404
    Exercise calories are the best tasting calories because you've totally earned them!!!

    Amen!!

    The easiest way I've heard it put is:

    Your net calories SHOULD equal your goal calories.
  • silkysly
    silkysly Posts: 701 Member
    WHAT are you eating? Not trying to be mean, but I tell my freinds, "You are what you eat. You eat crap, you look like crap!"
  • 77tes
    77tes Posts: 8,571 Member
    You asked about eating back exercise calories, and here is why I recommend it: For me it is the secret to success. If I plan to eat out, I plan a workout in the morning so I will have lots of extra calories. I don't get discouraged because I can never have a cookie or an order of fries -- I just work out so I can "afford" them. MFP is the first time I have ever eaten back my exercise calories, and it is totally working for me. I'm losing weight (almost to my goal), I'm exercising a LOT, and I'm excited every day to face the challenge. I eat pretty clean, but I can splurge it I want to.

    I know it sounds crazy, but it works.
    Good luck with your weight loss:flowerforyou:
  • cpettigrew
    cpettigrew Posts: 168 Member
    You may not have to eat exactly what you are burning off though. MFP freaks out at my calorie count being so low according to its standards. If you do bring your calorie count up, bring it up a little at a time. Find that balance where you are not hungry, light headed, weak, etc versus eating ALL the calories the MFP says you should. One thing to remember; the caloric intake on this site is based on the standard BMI measurements. Contrary to what the BMI scale dictates, not everyone fits into that standard.
    I have talked to a bioligist, fitness trainer, and a nurse during the last 3 months. They all say the same thing, as long as you are feeling well and remaining at a functioning level, you do NOT have to eat all the recommended calories. I lost 14 pounds in 2 weeks, and panicked. After the first 2 weeks, however, I have lost no noticable weight, but have gone down an entire pants size. They all said to make sure to take a multi-vitamin as well. If you are not already taking one, taking one may eliminate some of the fatigue.
  • oldgirlfowler
    oldgirlfowler Posts: 4
    I understand your frustration... I was a very big girl, working very hard, eating carefully, and nothing much was happening... after years of dieting and putting weight back on, it appeared my metabolism wasnt as good as it could have been... I was told to try Coconut oil, instead of butter or margarine on my toast.. only a small amount each day, but its a good fat that assists the metabolism. I tried it, and didnt look back... the weight started to move a bit quicker for the same amount of hard work that I had put in from the beginning.

    Also, make sure the food you eat is as natural as possible, you can count calories, but if its processed, its not going to be as good for you.

    I would also suggest you measure yourself... as sometimes the scales dont move, but the tape measure does, and it gives you the encouragement to continue.

    My final suggestion is to find yourself a good naturopath, they can assess what your body needs and doesnt need, and if you eat accordingly, you will be amazed at the difference. I discovered I was gluten intolerant, and since changing my diet, I sleep better, have more energy, and dont have the bloating and discomfort I had put up with for years... good luck, I hope you find what works for you...
  • tabulator32
    tabulator32 Posts: 701 Member
    I was at my calorie goal last night and wanted a tofutti cutie mint chocolate chip dessert bar.

    Jumped on the Gazelle for half an hour and at the dessert bar.

    Well worth it.

    Always eat your workout calories...or, in my case, workout so you can have dessert.

    :bigsmile:
  • hayleedolive
    hayleedolive Posts: 4
    @EdDavenport: A BIG CONGRATS TO YOU!!!! That is absolutely amazing! Congrats to the newfound you! I am very happy for you!!! :)) I will check into the Polar FT60! Thanks for the input!! Keep it up!!!

    @Pepper2185: Thanks! I will remind myself that tomorrow!!! lol :))

    @77tes: Congrats to you on your weight loss!!!! And, thanks! I have definitely thought about using my burned calories for something like what you describe (cookie, fries, etc., although, I'd rather have a beer! lol) But, thanks for the input. That's something I will definitely keep in mind! Congrats and good luck on the last few pounds!! :)

    @cpettigrew: MFP freaks out on me, too! Lol! And, I will have to try eating back my burned calories, because like you described, I constantly feel like @ss!!!! I mean, I feel so bad all the time, sometimes it takes all I can do just to pick up my kids, or sweep my kitchen. Thanks for the input!!!!

    @silkysly: I am eating pretty clean, for myself. I mean, I went from fast food/home cooked fried foods 5-6 a week (Yes, it is a southern thing), to eating lean meats (lots of turkey, filet mignon instead of my FAVORITE, ribeyes, etc.), lots and lots of vegetables (market fresh brocolli, green beans, etc.) and tons and tons of salads (mostly baby spinach). No fried foods. If I have to use oil for recipes, I use 1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. No dairy. I use powdered creamer for my coffee and truvia for sugar in anything that calls for sugar. Does that give you an idea of what crap I eat? And GALLONS OF WATER.

    @oldgirlfowler: wow! you sound like my double! Lol. Congrats on your weight loss! Thank for the advice and I will definitely try the coconut oil and the naturopath! Congrats again and good luck to you!!!! :)

    @tabulator32: Lol!!!! Thanks for the laugh! First one I have had all day! And, you're right! Maybe I will start having more dessert! Good luck to you and thanks!!! :)
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