Strategies to Control Eating on Rest Days From Exercise

yayamom3

Does anyone else have this struggle? My motivation to eat well is very high on days when I exercise. There's no way I want to eat something stupid and negate the calories I just worked so hard to burn! My biggest struggles come on "rest days". I would like to (and have tried) to work out every day. However, I know my body needs rest days, and at my age (in my 40's), my body definitely tells me it does. This morning, I did the elliptical machine, and my legs felt like lead weights. I know I need to have a rest day tomorrow, but I'm terrified.

Have any of you struggled with this? What are some strategies you've used to cope?

Lizzy622

Sometimes I do a quick 5-10 minute stretch or ab exercise in the morning just to get my mindset right. It seems to work.

QuietBloom

On rest days I really focus on getting lots of protein with every meal. I find this helps with the hunger pangs. Cottage cheese and my protein shakes are staples. I also wait as long as I can in the morning to have breakfast, so I don't eat all my calories before 3 pm. Also, if I am extra hungry after all my calories are gone, I'll eat more. I don't sweat going over a little on my days off.

molissep

I can relate to this! I tend to preload my food intake into my diary so that I know what I'm eating for the day. If I have some wiggle room and I'm feeling hungry or craving something I'll allow it. I think knowing what to expect for the day helps a lot. Also I try to eat more protein and veggies so I am getting more for less kinda thing.

kcb0308

The key is to plan your meals beforehand. And just like you don't want to undue your hard work on your exercise days, think the same way by limiting your indulgence on your off days. You can do this, it's all about how much you want this for yourself. Stay positive.

bryntevans01

The Lead weight feeling your getting is not the need to rest but a build up lactic acid. I agree with some of these posts that stretching would be a good idea. Maybe try some yoga or pilates or even focusing on stretching your muscles. Stretching is one of the most overlooked practices in working out. Your muscles would be a lot more efficient and more accommodating to lactic acid. Flexible Muscles = strong muscles!

QuietBloom

The Lead weight feeling your getting is not the need to rest but a build up lactic acid. I agree with some of these posts that stretching would be a good idea. Maybe try some yoga or pilates or even focusing on stretching your muscles. Stretching is one of the most overlooked practices in working out. Your muscles would be a lot more efficient and more accommodating to lactic acid. Flexible Muscles = strong muscles!

Erm - if you have a build-up of lactic acid so that your legs feel leaden, it seems to me that is an excellent reason to either take a rest day or an active recovery day. As a person gets more fit, lactic acid clearance becomes more efficient and less rest between workouts is necessary. Totally agree with the stretching. But always do it AFTER your workout, never before.

happysherri

I've noticed that chicken breast really fills me up and when I snack - sometimes it's a salad instead of the normal snack items.

Yes, I struggle with this too.

yayamom3

Really great suggestions! Thanks, everyone, for taking time out of your day to offer advice:)