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View Full Version : how accurate are calories burned calculators?

Andy69
06-14-08, 04:33 PM
Or rather, which one is most accurate. They seem all over the map as far as the number they calculate.
Machka
06-14-08, 04:42 PM
Pick the one with the lowest numbers.
Andy69
06-14-08, 06:28 PM
Pick the one with the lowest numbers.

I like to go with the one with the highest numbers :)
Machka
06-14-08, 06:32 PM
I like to go with the one with the highest numbers :)

That would be nice ... but if you want to lose weight, go with the lowest. And ... when you plug your weight into the formula, use your goal weight, not your current weight.
Snuffleupagus
06-14-08, 07:39 PM
I like to go with the one with the highest numbers :)

And I like to eat whole pizzas washed down with pitchers of beer.

Unfortunately for me, I can't do that with regularity if I want to keep my caloric intake in check. Go with M's advice - with one addendum: She advises that you go with your target weight. This is fine within reason, but not fine if you're a good bit over your target weight. If you're 150 and want to be 135 then by all means, plug 135 into the calc. If you're 250 and want to be 135...then, well, don't.
Machka
06-14-08, 07:52 PM
And I like to eat whole pizzas washed down with pitchers of beer.

Unfortunately for me, I can't do that with regularity if I want to keep my caloric intake in check. Go with M's advice - with one addendum: She advises that you go with your target weight. This is fine within reason, but not fine if you're a good bit over your target weight. If you're 150 and want to be 135 then by all means, plug 135 into the calc. If you're 250 and want to be 135...then, well, don't.

Yes, I agree with the addendum. :)

If you're 250 and want to be 135, plug in 225 or something like that, until you get near to 225, then plug in 200, etc.
ericgu
06-14-08, 10:55 PM
Or rather, which one is most accurate. They seem all over the map as far as the number they calculate.

My advice:

1) Try to get your base diet either equal or with a slight deficit without adding in your exercise.

2) Take in 200-300 cal/hour while you ride (assuming you ride at a reasonable exertion rate), and get a few calories when you're done (say, another 200-300 mixed carb/protein) if the ride is longer than 90 minutes.

The goal is to replace the carbs you burn while you ride but not the fat. That will control your hunger.