[gymrat05]

I lost most of my weight calorie counting the first time. How do you guys set your calorie limits and how do you factor in exercise? It seems to be failing for me lately. *sigh* I know my BMR (had it tested).

I really want to get back into calorie counting.

[toobig]

I use a fitbit and mfp. Mfp is free and you can manually add in your exercise.

[kmac1196]

I use Lose it!

[gymrat05]

I have MFP toobig but do you eat back your exercise calories? I never know if I should or not.

[scoutycat]

I use LoseIt! and try not to eat back my fitness calories, but if I do I don't worry about it too much.

[toobig]

I eat back some of the exercise calories. 50-70% Depends on my hunger level. I basicly started the whole exercise thing so I could eat more calories.

[seagirl]

I use Sparkpeople, and have it set at 1350-1650 per day. I only burn about 250 cals a few times a week. I find that I lose weight fastest when I eat less and exercise just moderately. I was training for trithalons all summer and the weight wouldn't budge. Then I quit training, ate my face off, gained 10 more pounds and now I'm headed back down the scale with just mild exercise and low calories.

[gymrat05]

Hmmm interesting to know. Thanks seagirl!

[AilsaPearl]

I use MyPlate from the Livestrong website. I've tried sparkpeople, caloriecount, and MFP too, but I prefer MyPlate. I never eat back my exercise calories unless I feel really faint and hungry. I usually eat between 1200-1400 calories per day and then throw in a couple (usually 2) 1800-2200 calorie days per week to keep me sane. I find that if I am not exercising crazy hard (I usually make strength training my focus) I can be full on 12-1400 calories of lean meats/proteins and veggies. I would take your BMR and eat around that provided your exercise isn't burning 1000 calories per day in sprints or anything. I think WHAT you eat to get to your calorie level is a huge factor in how you'll feel, (hungry, tired, faint,etc) Try to make it lots of lean protein, fresh veggies, and healthy fats, it makes you feel just so much better than eating bread rolls and 100 calorie pack processed crap. good luck!