Should I adjust calorie intake on weight lifting days

jswigart
jswigart Posts: 167 Member
edited November 13 in Fitness and Exercise
I recently lost 100 lbs thanks to MFP calorie tracking and exercise.
Currently I lift weights one day and do cardio on cycle or elliptical on alternate days.
My question is, since I burn less calories on weight lifting days, should I adjust my calorie intake to lower on those days?
Some people say to keep the extra calorie intake for muscle growth. Because of my age of 61 years young, I don't expect a lot of muscle growth.

Replies

  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    Some people aim to eat an average calorie level over the week and some like to adjust intake each day to (more or less) match calories burned. If you use the MFP goal, you do the latter since you log and eat exercise calories. If you got your calorie goal from a TDEE calculator, you do the former. It comes down to personal preference.
  • Lesley2603
    Lesley2603 Posts: 119 Member
    My trainer has me on more calories on days I weight train, good job because I am starving on those days, I'm 58 and am seeing muscle growth, see no reason why you shouldn't
  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    if you are going to be in a calorie surplus to gain, you need those extra calories on recovery days just as much, if not more than lifting days.
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,486 Member
    I eat both cardio and weight lifting calories. I found my calorie burn sinmilar enough for both that I just upped my calories by 200 (small old and female) a day 7 days a week. That has kept me in maintenance with enough energy to live life as well as exercise.

    At 63 I am by no means seeing the results I would have 40 or even 20 years ago, but I am feeling results. (Visually a slight improvement over time)

    Use your own numbers, energy levels, and apitite to decide what is best for you.

    Cheers, h.
  • cgvet37
    cgvet37 Posts: 1,189 Member
    You are not just fueling your body for that day, but the next.
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    Doubt it will make a significant difference either way.
    Suggest you do what helps you perform the best and you enjoy the most.
  • firef1y72
    firef1y72 Posts: 1,579 Member
    I generally eat more on lifting days, lifting really makes me hungry, while cardio suppresses my appetite. It all tends to even out over the week though
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