What is the difference between calories in and out?

[Ndunlop]

Hi. My name is Nancy and I'm new to the community. Been using my Fitbit for about a week and a half. I don't understand calorie tracking. Very hard for me to stay "in the zone". When I subtract calories in from calories out that number is different then the number of calories zip says I have left. Can anyone explain this for me? Thanks!

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[MakMak · Accepted solution]

Let me try to explain the numbers.

The first number you have is just your calories "burned." It's on a line that shows what is probably a stretch calorie goal for you. For me, my BMR is around 1400 for the day and the stretch goal is around 2300 calories. This just shows you your total burn for the day.

Second, you have your calories "left." This value will update through the day as you input your steps and food you have eaten. I think it tries to predict what you will do during the rest of the day and update your total accordingly.

Third, you have your "calories in vs calories out." This is just a snapshot in time of how many calories you have eaten vs burned.

Finally, you have your "over, in the zone, under," which, until the end of the day is just another indication of how you're pacing yourself with respect to your activity during the day. At the end of the day, it's an indication of how you did with meeting your goal for the day (calorie deficit). "In the zone" means you met your goal within 40 calories, I believe.

If you set a weight loss goal, say a 500 calorie deficit per day, these numbers will reflect how you're doing toward meeting that deficit.

Also, SebringDon made a great set of posts about the food plan, I think it's called "Demystifying the Food Plan" or something close to that.

[Ndunlop]

Thank you very much for this comprehensive answer. Very helpful.

Sent from my iPad