Help with Calories and Exercise
I recently started tracking calories and intentionally exercising for the first time in my life and I’m a little confused about what the right move is.
35f, 5’5”, 145lbs — goal weight 120/125
I use MyFitnessPal and joined OTF mid-January. I am working out 4-5 times per week.
Ive weighed 145lbs since I joined OTF, and I’ve been weighing myself consistently and remain around 144/145. I will say that I didnt really eat much the day of my first weigh in (not purposely, but want to include that in case it’s helpful).
Here are my questions:
I’ve been weighing in the evening bc that’s when I work out and when I did my initial weigh in. Do I need to weigh in the morning or is it ok as long as I do a consistent time?
MFP says I should be at 1200 calories (sedentary lifestyle), but TDEE now is saying 1052. Even though the internet says not to go below 1200. On days I’ve been working out, I’ve been eating more calories bc MFP adds those as calories I can eat. My weekly average total calories is around 1500. My weekly net average is between 1100-1250 when subtracting workout calories burned. What calorie count should I be at and is MFP right in giving me more calories on work out days?
Is it possible that I’m gaining enough muscle that I’m canceling out the weight loss? I probably had close to zero muscle before but it’s only been a month. My face looks skinnier imo, but I only just measured my waist and hips for the first time so I don’t know there.
Thank you!!