How to balance calories

Jubee13

I reached my goal weight Sunday (yay!). I have been very careful about everything I eat - bringing my lunch to work every day, not eating out, etc. Today, the company provided a special lunch which never happens, and I ate and enjoyed it! When I figured up my calories, it totaled over 900!! It wasn't that much food, it was more what I ate. Anyway, I'm kind of unsure what to do from here on out. I'm sure I'll go over my calorie allotment by the end of the day. Do I eat less tomorrow to make up for it? I know this is "real life", and I want to learn to handle it in the best way. What is best to do if you go over your calories for one day?

Francl27

I keep a deficit so that if I go over a couple times a week it's not a huge deal.

20yearsyounger

I look at the 7 day calorie average on the nutrition tab. That way, it's not really about the day, it's about the week.

Looking at it, I also realized that there are some days where I generally eat more than others, so I started calorie cycling to match my eating/exercise cycles.

5stringjeff

Congrats on reaching your goal! I also tend to look at the weekly average, so if you're a little over today, and you're a little under later on in the week, you should be all right.

Jubee13

I felt like I ate SO much, but at the end of the day I'm only over 30 calories!

LivingtheLeanDream

I eat a bit lower during the week so I can enjoy extra calories at the weekend, it does balance out

Congrats on reaching goal.

rosebarnalice

I declared maintenance in early February, so I am still learning, buI concentrate more on my weekly averages than I do on my daily calorie goals.

I have two days a week where I regularly eat way under my calorie goal like by 4 to 600 calories but two other days usually the weekends where I am over by about the same amount. It all seems to balance out.

Yes, my weight fluctuates daily, but overall I am holding steady at a weight where I am comfortable, and in fact, have actually lost another 6 pounds since declaring maintenance 3 months ago.

ReaderGirl3

Like others said, I focus more on weekly totals, than daily ones. I usually eat a little under during the week and then have bigger calorie weekends.

nxd10

I go back the week too. And don't do it next time. Pick the couple of foods you really want, eat a bit of those, and fill up on veg.