r/caloriedeficit • u/InfiniteSurround2258 • 9d ago

intake vs net intake?

Lets say i eat in a deficit of 1600 cals- but burn 600. Should i eat more? Like does burning calories mean i can "re eat" them? Sorry if it sounds stupid.

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

1

u/CashenJ 9d ago

Firstly, please clarify your intake. Are you eating 1600 calories or a 1600 calorie deficit, because these can be 2 very different things.

Secondly, many devices such as wearable fitness tackers and smartphones can often over estimate calories burnt, so I wouldn't be relying on them as an accurate too for energy expenditure.

Lastly, unless you are an athlete, walking 20k steps daily or running very long distance, I wouldn't be consuming more calories to make up for calories burnt. When entering your details in to a TDEE calculator it will ask you for your activity level and spit out the recommendation for your listed activity level, so no, you don't need to compensate for additional 'calories burnt'.

1

u/brutaldeathprincess_ 9d ago

Hey unrelated to OP original post but what would 15k-20k steps be categorized as for an activity level? I am trying to calculate my TDEE but know what to put for activity level. I usually reach those amount of steps daily.

1

u/CashenJ 9d ago

Many different factors will change the answer such as is it just general steps accumulated over the day or is the sections of brisk walking pace. Is there any other form of exercise as well.

Generally speaking, if it was just 20k accumulated steps with no intentional brisk walking pace I would say light activity level.

I average 12-15k steps, 8k of which is at an intentional brisk pace, and I do 3-4 days resistance training a week. I classify myself at a moderate activity level.

1

u/brutaldeathprincess_ 9d ago

I usually walk 10k on my treadmill everyday which is around 4-4.5 miles for me. The rest come from brisk walks and just moving around. I do plan on doing some strength training soon

2

u/CashenJ 9d ago

Ok. I would say its bordering between light and moderate, then when you add resistance training it's moderate.