Help please

Do you have a heart rate monitor? Without one chances are the exercise calories you add are over exaggerated.

I have it set to sedentary - that way on the days I don't work out I don't have to worry about whether I am over eating or not -- the lil number makes me want to eat more, lol

I have since this question asked many times before and I've concluded that it's one of those things that is different for everyone. I've tried both, and I prefer to have my settings on moderate to account for the normal activities in my daily life, and then add in exercise that I do. Right now I am experimenting with eating gluten free and not logging food, but logging exercise to keep me active. I have changed my approach at least 5 times in the last year and half to adapt to how my needs change and what I learn about myself.
Having an HR monitor definitely helps if you choose to add in your exercise separately, but if you aren't consistent in your workouts (in terms of weekly calorie burn) then including workout in your activity level might work against you. If you are consistent, then there's one less thing you have to worry about. If the scale isn't moving right now, tweak your settings. If it still isn't moving in a month (it takes my body three weeks to adjust to new diets/exercise routines) then tweak again. Just don't give up. Your aim here is not to do what's right, but find out what works best for you. That's a more complex journey, and its hard to figure out sometimes, but we'll all be here to be your sounding board and cheer you on when you need it!

Ah yes, that makes sense. I will do that then, thank you :-)

Erm, I'm 5ft 4, weigh 11 stone 1 and I'm 39. I exercise 5 or 6 days out of 7 - it varies though, sometimes I do a Body Combat or Body Pump class, sometimes I walk hills on the treadmill, sometimes I do a workout round the gym doing a little on all the machines. I always work hard and sweat loads though, and I always do about an hour.

Based on the stats, you should be around 1750-1800 calories daily. This assume about a 1400 calories BMR, you are moderately active and we can aim for a 20% deficit

CN = 1400 * 1.55 *.8 = 1736


If you want, you can put 1 lb per week in MFP and make it moderately active or you can take my calculations and do a custom setup. I generally do 35% carb, 40% protein and 25% fat.

Also, can you open your diary to see what you are eating.