Calorie Tracker

[theimpactmike]

Can someone please explain how to use the calorie tracker in the food log? I am confused. I have entered in all the food I plan to eat today - breakfast, snacks, dinner - and it says I am over target but it also shows I have have 600 calories leftover. My goal is to lose 1.5lbs per week. I haven't exercised yet today so this will most certainly swing back to undertarget later this afternoon. Just wanted to gain some clarity. 

[Dominique]

Welcome to the Community, @theimpactmike!

I suggest you have a look at Fitbit’s Food Plan Demystified.

[seska422]

A weight loss goal of 1.5 pounds per week would mean a daily deficit goal of 750 calories.  That would mean that you would need to burn 750 more calories than you consumed for the day.

Having 600 calories leftover is 150 calories short of your target of having 750 calories leftover.  That would put you 150 calories over your target of burning 750 more calories than you consume.

Since Fitbit's calorie burn keeps adjusting until midnight, calorie burn is a moving target.  As you said, burning enough more calories will swing you back to under target.

[theimpactmike]

Thanks. If I set a goal to lose 1.5 pounds per week and that means I need a
750 cal deficit, then it would make sense for the "calories left" count to
go to zero instead of saying x calories left. Doesn't make sense to me.

[seska422]

I agree that it should subtract your desired deficit.  Unfortunately, it doesn't.

[emili]

@theimpactmike I think you ultimately have the answer to your question and I would still check out the link Dominique suggested so you have a clear view of what it all means and tweaks you may want to make. I would just like to offer some food for thought.. there is nothing wrong with entering your food all upfront because at the end of the day it will all work out as it should. However, you may not actually be tracking accurately this way. Unless you make every single meal fully weighed and packaged.. in that case it won't matter. If you make as you go or if you grab something tiny and not log it, it will reduce your success... my two cents for what they are worth...