arnphawk's Journal, 11 February 2014

I'm having a similar problem with the Exercise Calculator's count of calories -- the numbers are way too high. So it's probably the same with the RDI. I am not too impressed with the calculators at all. But the human support is great! :) 

Yes, the RDI's on here seem higher than other sites. But they should always be used as a guideline anyway. You have to adjust it to meet your needs and how your body functions. It's always better to start high, that way you can cut calories as your weight goes down. Your body needs less calories as you lose weight in order to keep losing (usually but everyone is different). 

I agree! I haven't had the chance to check out other sites for the exercise logs though. Any recommendations? =) 

You can change the setting of what kind of a life you lead. Sedentary, little active, more active, etc. that then helps in determining the RDI. It worked fine for me. I also have a profile on Calorie Counter and it came out the same. Good luck. 

Seemed high to me also. I cut mine in half so I knew I would at least have a chance at losing weight. Try putting in your activity as it has been suggested. It will help customize your number. Good luck. I've hit a plateau even with my new aerobics so it is tough. Hag in there. You are not alone.  

I've always read to enter sedentary on counter sites even if you do workout during the week. You workout calories are a bonus burn! 

I got a good base line back when I was losing weight by using a BMR (basal metabolic rate) calculator, subtracting 10% (due to my sedentary lifestyle at the time) adding in calories burned through exercise, and then subtracting 500-800 cals (and no more than this! you don't want to under eat and ruin your metabolism, and cause malnutrition etc.) this will give you a good number for a healthier calorie deficit. Calories arent everything either, watch your macronutrients, try not to eat less than 30 grams of fat per day (your central nervous system needs healthy fats!) 15-20% fats, 30-35% carbs, and 45-55% protein is a good balance for someone who is following an exercise program. 

I'm glad I found this entry; it has been my concern as well. The calculator said my RDI is 1900. That seems so darned high to me. I think i lowered it to 1400, not really knowing where it SHOULD be. I'll keep it at 1400 for now; see how that works,,,, especially now that I have read this. Thanks, and GOOD LUCK TO YOU!! 

yeah, i reset mine to 1200. actually i try for between 1200-1400 usually i am more around 1000 as i simply cannot eat more. it says i should be at 1700. on another thread someone stated that the estimate of calories burned is high. so that will affect the rdi.  

I don't go by it! I have mine set at 1,333 calories per day. With the intent that I should be burning 250 calories per day. It is not easy. Also, eating enough, but not eating too much. On top of it, to have go to burn 250 calories per day. You can adjust it, and put it where you wish to put it. That's the good thing about it. Mine says, that I can eat 1,900 calories, as well. It is hard not to eat over 2,000 calories. You have to make very careful choices. Then there is the matter of feeling starved, and deprived. Which does not work either. The hardest thing, even, is to burn 250 calories per day. I find, that when I get out of the house, I do better at working off the calories. Community exercise programs really do help. Unfortunately, exercise needs to be a daily thing. Good luck to you, and to everyone!  

Daily exercise makes me feel so good, if i miss a day that's what is unfortunate. Wish that i had not quit a number of years ago, so glad i'm back at it. It's hard some days to fit it in. My goal next week is to get this old body moving quicker in the am so i can get 30 minutes in on my gazelle before work everyday. I know it's going to be overtime everyday this next week at work so if i don't make my cardio days at the gym i have that 30 in already. Strength training is normally every other day.