Calorie cycling

dclark6011

Thoughts on calorie cycling?

CipherZero

Seems an unnecessary complication to "eat less than your TDEE".

sijomial

I like to eat in an uneven pattern for adherence to a weekly goal, enjoyment and exercise reasons but what are your reasons for considering it OP?

I don't have a rigid pattern though, it's based on many factors including fitting my diet (noun) into my social life and exercise routine.

Part of the reason the MFP eat back exercise calories method is superior for me compared to the average TDEE method is I feel I have more flexibility. I feel restricted by a set daily calorie goal whether losing or maintaining, for long term happy maintenance feeling restricted or constrained makes it hard work.

When losing weight 5:2 fasting suited me (only felt restricted two days a week instead of seven), being fully fuelled on big exercise days was required for my long distance cycling for example.

Haven't seen any convincing arguments or studies that calorie cycling gives better results than same every day calories or same net calories every day. There is a really poor MFP sponsored blog on recomposition which includes calorie cycling but the arguments seemed more like over complicated woo than science.

AhmedHKH

I like it, it gives your stomach a break on your off days and help you stay as lean as possible especially if you're bulking.
I suggest you read this article on the subject
http://www.muscleforlife.com/calorie-cycling/

Gallowmere1984

I do it. Is there a tangible benefit? I have no idea. From a lifestyle and convenience stance, do I care? Nope.