Calculating Calories

[uclown2002]

OK - I shall stop worrying. The result of this seems to be there is no reliable way of calculating calories burnt, so I shall stop worrying.

If you are tracking calories in and out I would err on the side of caution when calculating exercise calories, so use the lowest estimate you get from your sources.

To demonstrate the variability I have a 2 garmin devices, a FR70 (in bike mode) and a Garmin 800, both syncd to the same HRM. However, the 800 is normally about 30-40% less in its estimate, so I would use that one if I was to track calories.

 

[Deleted member 26715]

I noticed this when I imported my Endomondo rides into Strava the calories were only about 30%. Using the same ride
Endomondo 23.24 Miles, 1h:28m:42s, 1980kcal
Strava 23.2 Miles, 1h:28m:57s 646 Calories

Alan...

 

[VamP]

I noticed this when I imported my Endomondo rides into Strava the calories were only about 30%. Using the same ride
Endomondo 23.24 Miles, 1h:28m:42s, 1980kcal
Strava 23.2 Miles, 1h:28m:57s 646 Calories

Alan...

And that Strava number is still a slight overestimate. But a darn sight better one than that Endomondo shocker.

 

[jowwy]

last year when i lost 4.5stones i used the calculation of 30-40calories per mile and it worked for me

 

[Sittingduck]

For the MFP calculator, I would be inclined to subtract a good 20% from the estimated values. I used to do it that way anyway and based upon deficits generated and weight lost, I reckon it wasn't that far out. A heavy guy riding at quite a hard effort might burn 800 per hour or thereabouts but it really depends on level of effort and elevation, wind, tyre type, etc etc. Best thing to do is to try a best guess method for a while and you will get a feel for what is roughly right.

 

[Davidc]

I've never worried about energy burn (i.e. calories) in itself, there are simply too many variables.

There was one circumstance though where I did (did - not any more sadly) which was when touring. With a heavy load for camping or slightly less B&B, and doing between 80 and 100 miles a day, I needed to eat about 5500 to 6000 calories a day to avoid losing weight.

With a lot less load and doing day rides of similar length every day for two weeks that drops to about 4500 to 5000.

(Average speeds between 10 and 15 mph)

 

[Ian Watts]

I've basically decided now to use http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/ to work out TDEE-20% (based on 3-5 hours of moderate exercise), and put that as a custom goal in MFP. I then will just concentrate on enjoying the exercise rather than running about the specifics of it. At 18.4 stone, any deficit is good.

 

[uclown2002]

I've basically decided now to use http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/ to work out TDEE-20% (based on 3-5 hours of moderate exercise), and put that as a custom goal in MFP. I then will just concentrate on enjoying the exercise rather than running about the specifics of it. At 18.4 stone, any deficit is good.

Nice one, you can always adjust later if necessary.

You may know this but try to weigh yourself under similar conditions, i.e first thing in morning,before food and drink, after potty visit, stark bullock..... Also expect daily fluctuations through water retention. If your diet is working you should see a steady downward trend, but not necessarily day by day.

Good luck.

 

[Ian Watts]

Nice one, you can always adjust later if necessary.

You may know this but try to weigh yourself under similar conditions, i.e first thing in morning,before food and drink, after potty visit, stark bullock..... Also expect daily fluctuations through water retention. If your diet is working you should see a steady downward trend, but not necessarily day by day.

Good luck.

Cheers mate - just been for a big family meal and eaten all my calories in one meal (22 oz T Bone steak with all the trimmings). Better get out on my bike tomorrow. I do all the stuff above once a week - if ever the window cleaner came round while I was weighing myself he's run a mile.

 

[Ian Watts]

Endomondo publish their formula for working out calories for sports activities - I thought others might like to see it - this is based on not having a HRM:

The formula looks like this: Calorie consumption in kcal = X kcal * body weight in kg * distance in km For instance, the factor for walking is 0.8.

For a person with a weight of 75 kg taking a walk of 5 km, the formula looks like this:
Calorie consumption in kcal = 0.8 kcal * 75 kg * 5 km
Calorie consumption = 300 kcal

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Someone post a facepalm pic please

 

[Cherrypop]

Want to lose weight? Eat carbs the right way and your body will thank you for it, more importantly, eat real food.
http://theharcombediet.com/
Nothing new here, just things we might have forgotten.

 

[Rob3rt]

LOL.

 

[jay clock]

I used this one http://www.bikejournal.com/calories_calc.asp to give myself a base approx level of 32cal/km. A quick revisit says a 20 mile ride at 15mph for someone weighing 200 pounds says 1093 cals. Using the exact figures you give, results in 1043. So about a 1000

 

[VamP]

That's a vast overestimate.

I used this one http://www.bikejournal.com/calories_calc.asp to give myself a base approx level of 32cal/km. A quick revisit says a 20 mile ride at 15mph for someone weighing 200 pounds says 1093 cals. Using the exact figures you give, results in 1043. So about a 1000[/quoteThat's