New to MFP

Just wanted to drop in and say "hi" to the community side of this app/site.

My name is David and I'm from Norman, OK.

Currently my stats are that I'm 27, 5'11'', 220lbs. I hate that I've gained so much weight since highschool. I know that everyone does, but I used to be 185 and worked out literally every day. I was in great shape until late in college when I got married. My highest weight was 240lbs about three and a half years ago. I saw a picture of myself on a Cancun vacation and hated what I saw. I curbed a lot of my bad eating habits (I have a sweet tooth to rival any) and dropped to 220 pretty easily. I have maintained my current weight for about 2 years but would ultimately like to get just under 200lbs.

I'm finding the "program" a little hard. Not operating it, of course, but realizing how terrible high in calories most everyday items are. I'm really hoping I can stick to this and actually lose this excess weight.

A couple quick questions, if anyone can take the time to answer:

1. How realistic or accurate are the caloric totals offered on the app? I mowed my lawn earlier and while I did break a sweat, the app gave me over 900 calories for this "exercise."

2. Why don't exercises like push ups and other "strength exercises" deduct calories?

Thanks!