ok....wait.....HELP!

bbbsmama
bbbsmama Posts: 96
edited December 24 in Fitness and Exercise
I am so confused!! I think what I am understanding is that I am supposed to burn more calories than what I eat? So, if I eat 1200 calories, I am supposed to exercise 1200 calories? Is this true?

Replies

  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    No, then you're running on empty. You should eat the calories MFP has set for you based on what you entered in your profile. If you exercise, it subtracts those calories burned, so you can eat more to meet your NET calorie goal.

    It's confusing at first, but MFP has already set you with a calorie deficit, meaning the calories for the day are already below your average burn just living your life - work, play, errands, etc. So eating up to the number on your profile (I'm assuming it's 1200) is what you should aim for, and eat back exercise calories so your net is 1200.

    Personally, I found 1200 to be way too low and I was hungry and tired all the time, but that's another topic. :tongue:
  • A_Valerie
    A_Valerie Posts: 129 Member
    No, typically you want to consume at least 1200 calories that you do not burn. if you are eating a lot of calories over that then the exercise burns off the excess and still allows your body some nutrients that it needs to function.
    check out webmd for recommended caloric intake for age and sex.

    http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/estimated-calorie-requirement
  • bbbsmama
    bbbsmama Posts: 96
    I have a really hard time eating all my calories. I am just not hungry!!! Could someone check out my diary and tell me what to do? What to add to it?
  • A_Valerie
    A_Valerie Posts: 129 Member
    imho, it appears as though most of your calories are coming from carbs. I would recommend that you add more protein to your diet.
    I understand the not being hungry aspect but try and force yourself to eat a more balanced meal. Try adding in a protein shake with some fresh fruit and veggies. I am concerned that by the low caloric intake you have that your body is in starvation mode.
  • Rae6503
    Rae6503 Posts: 6,294 Member
    You "burn" calories by living. A lot of them actually, maybe around 1800 calories or so. I burn about 2300. You don't have to "burn" all that you eat with exercise.
  • Helloitsdan
    Helloitsdan Posts: 5,564 Member
    Read the link on my profile page.
    It clears everything up.
  • BeanQueen3000
    BeanQueen3000 Posts: 161
    What is this i don't even...
  • angel79202
    angel79202 Posts: 1,012 Member
    I have a really hard time eating all my calories. I am just not hungry!!! Could someone check out my diary and tell me what to do? What to add to it?

    You are not eating enough..try to add in more lean protein and veggies..also check some of the things in your diary, you are eating almonds which are a good fat..however..u have them logged as 0 fat which isn't the case..I'm not going to debate the whole starvation mode myth but it's east to see u need to eat more..
  • NoAdditives
    NoAdditives Posts: 4,251 Member
    You definitely need to be eating more. If you're having trouble meeting your calorie goal, there are a few of things you should do. 1. Add a little more food to each meal and add in 1-2 snacks per day.
    2. Eat calorie dense foods like avocado, nuts, cheese, etc.
    3. Consume liquid calories from juice, milk, protein shakes, etc.

    Your body will thank you and you'll adjust to wanting the right amount of food.
  • now_or_never12
    now_or_never12 Posts: 849 Member
    Are you logging everything? Your diary doesn' t have much to it.
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    Read the link on my profile page.
    It clears everything up.
    I was going to point you to Dan's page...it's helped me a ton! Read it, then read it again, and keep at it, ask questions if you need to, but understanding these things have been key in meeting my goals and dropping the fat off this bod! :smile: And dropping it without being hungry.
  • bbbsmama
    bbbsmama Posts: 96
    I have a really hard time eating all my calories. I am just not hungry!!! Could someone check out my diary and tell me what to do? What to add to it?

    You are not eating enough..try to add in more lean protein and veggies..also check some of the things in your diary, you are eating almonds which are a good fat..however..u have them logged as 0 fat which isn't the case..I'm not going to debate the whole starvation mode myth but it's east to see u need to eat more..

    I know...I am horrible at looking at anything except the calories. I bought the almonds at a heath food store in the bulk department so I didn't have the nutrition info :/ I need to get more educated!!!!

    I for sure need more veggies. I hate veggies...unless they are raw. I will work on that.
  • bbbsmama
    bbbsmama Posts: 96
    imho, it appears as though most of your calories are coming from carbs. I would recommend that you add more protein to your diet.
    I understand the not being hungry aspect but try and force yourself to eat a more balanced meal. Try adding in a protein shake with some fresh fruit and veggies. I am concerned that by the low caloric intake you have that your body is in starvation mode.

    I will search the forum for protein ideas! Thanks :)
  • bbbsmama
    bbbsmama Posts: 96
    Are you logging everything? Your diary doesn' t have much to it.

    Yes, I log everything. I just don't eat much anymore. I used too eat a lot, all the time. Now, I don't eat if I am not truly hungry.
  • bbbsmama
    bbbsmama Posts: 96
    Read the link on my profile page.
    It clears everything up.

    Will do. Thanks!
  • tabulator32
    tabulator32 Posts: 701 Member
    If you have problems with veggies and fruits, juice them in the blender and add some ice and perhaps some milk to make a smoothie. Drinking them is a good, quick way to get soluble nutrition and vitamins.
  • bbbsmama
    bbbsmama Posts: 96
    If you have problems with veggies and fruits, juice them in the blender and add some ice and perhaps some milk to make a smoothie. Drinking them is a good, quick way to get soluble nutrition and vitamins.

    Good idea! Thanks :)
  • mem50
    mem50 Posts: 1,384 Member
    Not into veggies? Ever try drinking them? My niece got me into Bolthouse Green Goodness smoothies awhile back and I swear all I can really taste is the apple part of it. Bare Naked is also a good juice for veggie supplement. or you can make your own at home if you have a juicer.
  • Bobby_Clerici
    Bobby_Clerici Posts: 1,828 Member
    Welcome to MFP; this is a great place to get results on the road to health and fitness.
    Losing fat is actually very simple but just hard work.
    This is how MFP works
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/help/faq/3-how-does-myfitnesspal-work
    And Tips for Newbies
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/470367-tips-for-newbies
    Just get started by going into settings to Update diet/fitness profile.
    Set your goals for 1 lb weight loss per week.
    NO MORE!
    And eat lean meats, low fat dairy, nuts, whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies.
    Do both cardio and resistance exercise.
    Log in those exercises to your MFP exercise diary.
    AND EAT BACK YOUR EXERCISE CALORIES!
    Remember, this is not a race, and you can reach your goals if you stick to a good plan as recommended on this site.

    You have many people here ready to lend support, answer qustions and discuss any challenges.
    You can do this.

    All Is Possible!
  • yourenotmine
    yourenotmine Posts: 645 Member
    Do you know WHY you're eating so little? Is it because you're truly not hungry? Is it because it's summer and it's hot? Really, just genuinely curious - you're not taking in very much, some whole days less than I eat in a meal!
  • tsuma
    tsuma Posts: 7
    Do you measure you food? For example... You logged that you had cereal with 1 fluid oz of milk. That's only an eighth of a cup. If you aren't measuring I strongly suggest you start. Use measuring cups and a digital scale so that you are logging accurately. It also seems like you tend to skip a meal or two nearly everyday. If you really aren't hungry you could try a couple tablespoons of nut butter to keep your body running. It's a quick, small way to get some calories, protein, and fats into your system.
  • Ely82010
    Ely82010 Posts: 1,998 Member
    Please check the macros of your entries very carefully. Chicken breast and almonds with "0" protein? I don't think so.

    You got good ideas and suggestions from other posters, follow them and you will get good results. You can do it, good luck!
  • bbbsmama
    bbbsmama Posts: 96
    Do you know WHY you're eating so little? Is it because you're truly not hungry? Is it because it's summer and it's hot? Really, just genuinely curious - you're not taking in very much, some whole days less than I eat in a meal!
    I think the weather and he fact that it's summer has a lot to do with it. I've been so busy too. I am usully a stress eater, bored eater, emotionl eater, etc. & I told myself that I wouldnt eat if I am not hungry so now I don't.
  • bbbsmama
    bbbsmama Posts: 96
    Please check the macros of your entries very carefully. Chicken breast and almonds with "0" protein? I don't think so.

    You got good ideas and suggestions from other posters, follow them and you will get good results. You can do it, good luck!

    I haven't really figured all that out yet lol I only started 4 days ago with this site. The first few things I did not know you could search others food. Plus I was just concerned with the calorie part of it then. Now, after doing research on this site, I see that it is about way more than just counting calories.
  • bbbsmama
    bbbsmama Posts: 96
    Do you measure you food? For example... You logged that you had cereal with 1 fluid oz of milk. That's only an eighth of a cup. If you aren't measuring I strongly suggest you start. Use measuring cups and a digital scale so that you are logging accurately. It also seems like you tend to skip a meal or two nearly everyday. If you really aren't hungry you could try a couple tablespoons of nut butter to keep your body running. It's a quick, small way to get some calories, protein, and fats into your system.

    I literally dispise milk. I barely put any in cereal and I don't swallow any, I just use it to moisten the cereal.
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