(yet another) zig zagging question

innerfashionista

I looked through the forum posts about zig zagging calories but I didn't find exactly what I'm looking for.

I used a website (http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm) to calculate the number of calories I should be eating using the zig zag method. I'm giving this a shot or a month or two because I've hit plateaus and the more weight I lose, the harder they are to break...imagine that, eh?

My question is, is the website zig zagging enough? I have about 70-80 more pounds to lose. I'm constantly mixing my exercise up and I am doing strength training, 5'2, 194. I wear a HRM when I work out and average about 300-400 calories burned an hour, depending on my activity. I work out 5-6 times a week, between 30-60 minutes

Because I still have so much to lose, I feel comfortable going for the "Extreme weight loss" numbers provided by the website, and I understand these already include workout calories:

Monday 1552
Tuesday 1552
Wednesday 1863
Thursday 1552
Friday 1552
Saturday 1708
Sunday 1552

Does there need to be more of a swing on the calories? Any thoughts are appreciated

starpi22

Oh! I completely forgot about this method. Years ago I was a bridesmaid and needed to lose 10lbs. When I was at a supermarket I saw a Women's day or some magazine at the check out talking about zig zagging. The people interviewed about the diet said that they ate like this:

Mon. 1500 Cal.
Tues. 1200 Cal.
Wed. 1500 Cal.
Thurs. 1200 Cal.
Fri. 1500 Cal.
Sat. 1800 Cal.
Sun. 1200 Cal.

I followed it for 4 weeks and lost 12lbs. But then again that was the first time I had ever needed to try to lose weight, so I can't say how reliable the diet or the source is. Maybe talk to your Dr. to make sure you are getting all the calories your body needs

innerfashionista

Much appreciated. I know I can't work off 1200 a day most days. I used to do that but I perform so much better at at least 1400/daily. It just seems like so much food.

I know to eat the healthy, high calorie items and all that get it in. Just the swing you posted is more of what I expected over the ones the calculator gave me.