Finally getting serious & question

I set my own goal based off my BMR (you can calculate that using the "Tools" section on MFP or by googling the Harris-Benedict Equation). MFP sets the goals too low in my opinion! I've found (and a lot of people here will agree) that you can lose more weight by eating at least your BMR every day. It also makes you new lifestyle easier to stick with.

I also set my own calorie goal, to eat above my bmr. MFP would have me set on a goal that is too low. I would not have been able to enjoy food and stuck with a lifestyle change. But that's just me, and everyone is different. I try to net around 1900 calories. I also often go under and over my calories so they even out at the end of the week. I also try and eat my exercise calories, or at least some of them. I usually lose around 1 lb per week.


http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/bmr/

This is a great tool for figuring out your BMR and how much you should be eating. The guys have a fantastic podcast as well and I HIGHLY recommend it and listen to the audio clips on the home page!


Good luck on your journey!

Defiantly check that website to find out some important #'s - TDEE and BMR.

I set my own goals at TDEE - 15%.

I let MFP set it for me! However, I don't always listen. Some day I go over or under just to keep my metabolism guessing and keep burning. Feel free to add me if ya need some new friends. You'll do great. I love it here.

When I started I went with what mfp said. I recently adjusted mine to a lower amount. It is easier at first to go with their recommendations.

Start by using the site as it's intended and let it set goals for you. A lot of people have found great success doing just that.

:flowerforyou:

i set my own goal.

I go lower than MFP. But I play a game of chicken with my calories. I still lose 2 lbs per week, but it's tricky.

During the week, I eat 1400 (it's about 200 less than MFP). I have my 2 cheat meals, but sometimes I find I tend to go over some on some days. I let my body tell me. Some days, I'm cool with 1400 after eating my workout calories, and other days, I'm still hungry. I've learned how to read those signs. I drink a lot of water during the day at work (about 100 oz) just because. Not because a rule of thumb, but it's what my body tells me is ok. Sometimes it's more or less than this amount.

I say it's called "playing chicken" because I'm not following the strict guideline. I've noticed when I use to eat at the recommended level, I wouldn't lose weight. I should be down another 2 lbs this week based on preliminary testing.

I also go off the calories burned on the machines, and I don't calculate daily activities "gardening", "walking in mall", etc. The reason for going off the calories on the machine is since it pretty much gives less calories than I am burning (based on a heart rate monitor I purchased) I know in the back of my mind that when I have a cheat meal, that it probably doesn't hurt me as bad as MFP shows, and it usually doesn't.

I know that doesn't help but it's what works for me.