Question about zig-zag

MelissaL582

So, I was checking out the zig-zag "diet" and with the numbers I got according to freedieting.com..aren't we all doing a zig-zag with the calories. None of us are eating the same exact calories a day. We're either up a day, down a day...just a roller coaster of different numbers each day. Thoughts?

Kat0310

I kinda wondered that as well, interested in what others say.

htebaram

I agree, I'm never the same...either I go over my goal calories or I'm under, I'm never at exactly 1300 cals. Have a great zig-zag day everyone!

simplysara9

I don't think I necessarily zig-zag my calories. I do not eat the exact same amount everyday but I do not fluctuate much either if that makes sense.

I was actually talking to my dad about this the other day and his doctor suggested he zig-zag his calories by eating around 2000 calories for 3-4 days then eating 1500 calories for a day and then back up around 2000. I think the zig-zag has to be bigger than just a hundred calories give or take (like 500 calories). I could be way off on this but this is what my dad's doctor suggested. By zig-zagging your calories it keeps your body confused and will allow you to continue losing weight.

LillysGranny

My workouts vary so my exercise calories vary from zero on my off day to around 1100 on days that I kickbox and Zumba. I try to eat most of my calories every day, so my intake varies from 1200 to around 2200 (not counting the days I go over :happy: )

_Sally_

zig zag is planned in advance and will keep your weekly calorie deficit where you want it to be. otherwise, it seems a little random, which won't work for everyone. it all depends on what works for you and what you will stick with.

I personally don't like too big of a calorie swing because I don't want my stomach to be able to handle those large binge days anymore. I also am trying a schedule from freedieting.com. I set my base calories at the lowest calorie days it generated for me (1200) and then set up a custom exercise in MFP for each day of the week to add in the additional calories (anywhere from 85 to I think 213). Then I have my exercise calories on top of that, which I try to eat back most of, if not all. I like the feeling of reaching my calorie goals and not regularly going over my daily "budget", so I like the idea of scheduling the zig zag days, but that's just me.

i also think it's important to keep making healthy food choices on the high calorie days, by just having larger portions or adding in an extra snack. I wouldn't recommend getting the extra calories from junk.