Net Calories vs Total Calories eaten?

[Andrea182]

I am a 5'2" 156ib female. I have recently made it my goal to become more active. I did swimming and dance in high school, but have done nothing in my 4 years of college except maybe occasionally attend an "ab lab" class.

I've started working out regularly, but I'm confused as to how "net calories" and "total calories" work. My goal is 1, 400 calories a day. I'm trying to lose at least 1 ib a week.

If I eat that many (1,400 calories) but work off say 200 calories, am I supposed to make up that difference or just call it a day at 1,200 net calories?

I'm using thedailyplate.com to help keep track of the foods I eat...I've looked everywhere in the forums but I still don't quite get it.