Hungrier on "day off " from exercise?

NuttyforHealth
NuttyforHealth Posts: 40
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi friends,
I have started to take one day off each week. I have found that in the last year EVERY day I take off and don't workout, I end up OVEREATING and going over my calorie intake. I am close to maintenance, so my deficit is literally like 100 calories (I don't mind). But I realize that when I workout, I can "generally" stay within my calories.

Do you find that you are hungrier on days off? And what is your reasoning?

Replies

  • april1445
    april1445 Posts: 334
    I definitely find that working out curbs my hunger. I couldn't begin to guess why. It makes no sense. Try doing something less taxing? I really don't know. I know we need rest days, but that can't mean walking right?
  • pinkiemarie252
    pinkiemarie252 Posts: 222 Member
    Oy. I asked the same question like 2 days ago and got my head ripped off. Yes, I'm definitely hungrier on my days off. I'm not sure why it is--boredom, being on a different schedule, something involving metabolism. No idea, but yep the same thing happens to me!
  • focuseddiva
    focuseddiva Posts: 174 Member
    I'm not as hungry on rest days .. I'm usually hungry on the day following a hard workout. Rest days are important .. in fact, I find that the day after a rest day is when I see a drop in the scale. Maybe it's the water the muscles hold onto being released? Rest days also help because they make me more energetic going into the next workout. I do 2 rest days a week. Also, if I know I didn't exercise that day, it helps me control my calories. I can't reason to myself that I burned away so many calories to justify eating more. So sometimes, rest days are a big win for me in terms of calorie intake.
  • p4ulmiller
    p4ulmiller Posts: 588 Member
    Sounds like a refeed to me.

    Are you sure you're getting enough on your workout days?
  • wndrwmn86
    wndrwmn86 Posts: 507 Member
    I do the same thing! I thought it was just me.
  • FlabFighter86
    FlabFighter86 Posts: 233 Member
    Happens to me too!
  • XTSH
    XTSH Posts: 129 Member
    Yep yep. Me too.
  • IamUndrCnstruction
    IamUndrCnstruction Posts: 691 Member
    Happens to me too...have no idea why, except maybe it's a replenishment thing? I don't know...
  • VelveteenArabian
    VelveteenArabian Posts: 758 Member
    You might just be bored or thirsty.
  • mrsamanda86
    mrsamanda86 Posts: 869 Member
    Either your body is needing more food to compensate from all the workouts, or you're bored and giving in to that. Drink some water and go do something(laundry, sweep/vacuum, etc.), if you're still hungry then eat something.
  • hwoeltjen
    hwoeltjen Posts: 199 Member
    When you workout you use glucose. Hunger can be triggered by low glucose levels in the blood. Therefore, the next day, after your body has begun repairing, it responds to a lowered level of glucose in the body.

    Many believe the hormone ghrelin is responsible for this obsessive eating problem.

    It's important to keep yourself full. Don't eat unhealthy food, try to stay within your deficit, and expect to be satisfied throughout the day. Consistent dieting habits will ensure you don't consume simple sugars and set yourself up for failure later on.
  • BikerGirlElaine
    BikerGirlElaine Posts: 1,631 Member
    I'm hungrier on the day after weight training. I've always figured my body is asking for the protein to rebuild things :bigsmile:

    Here's another idea to try on, though. Exercise releases endorphins, which also serve to suppress hunger. So no exercise = no endorphins, and your hunger signals come through more. You could try doing some other things that release endorphin. Like laughing, dancing, singing, good sex, meditating, prayer. Things that make you feel good. Worth a shot at least, what's the worst that could happen? You'd have a good time doing something that feels good!
  • cuinboston2014
    cuinboston2014 Posts: 848 Member
    This usually happens to me for one of two reasons:

    1. My workout the previous day was like a 20 mile run. It's impossible to even eat back half the calories a girl my size burns running that long/far. Usually, aside from making myself consume protein and carbs to refuel I have little to no appetite the day of the run so my body needs those nutrients the next day.

    2. On a regular off day - like yesterday - I think I get bored. I'm also more tired. But instead of spending an hour and a half to two hours dedicated to working out (changing, getting to and from the gym, shower etc) I'm now around more food and not sure what to do with that time. That's why I try not to spend a ton of time at the hosue on off days...

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