Under/Over Calories

veganempress

Is it possible to overeat one day and make up for the next day by eating less? Or vice versa. Can you under eat one day and eat more the next day?

I was wondering because there was one day where I overate, but the next day I was not as hungry so I did not eat almost the same amount of cals that I overate the previous day. Is it the net cals at the end of the week that I should be concerned with? Since creating a cal deficit for the week to equal 3500 can I possibly zig zag the cals?

myricksmom

I do this regularly. I undereat on Saturday (by about 400) and borrow those calories on Sunday. Football is a major event here on Sundays and the food is part fo it all.

ashlee954

It is actually a very good idea to zig zag. It keeps your metabolism guessing and makes the possibility of a plateau much less likely because your system does not get used to any set calorie intake.

FrenchMob

Like Ashlee said, it's actually a good idea. It's also known to help break through a plateaus.

KristyF08

I'm curious about this too! I've heard of "zig-zagging" but was never really sure if it worked. Thanks for posting!

FrenchMob

I usually go 15-20% calorie deficit for 3 days, followed by a 5-10% calorie surplus for 1 day, & repeat. This also helps maintain lean mass while trying to lose fat.

veganempress

Thank you for breaking it down in Percentages. It makes sense to me now. I will try this!

ttungttung

Hey this sounds like an interesting idea... I might try it too!