Spike Day?

SergeantSunshine_reused

Hey all! I have read so many people talking about a "Spike Day" and my question is... Are the really necessary? I can go weeks staying under my calorie goal and do not feel deprived.

And if they are, how often should you have them? And how much do you go over?

Thanks!

amerr

I was hoping this had something to do with Spike from BTVS. lol

adjones5

One day a week I eat whatever my heart desires. Its the best idea I've ever had.

rockerbabyy

i dont know that theyre NECESSARY - but i do find that i can stick to eating healthy the rest of the week if i have something to look forward to on sunday after my weekly weigh in. i think last week i went over by a thousand or so ... its not always that drastic for me but i didnt beat myself up about it either.

kcdrake

I was hoping this had something to do with Spike from BTVS. lol

HAHA, That's the first thing I thought of too!

CindiBryce

I am no expert on "Spike Days", but the purpose is to prevent plateaus by boosting metabolism. I think that once a week is optimal and you eat slightly above your TDEE (BMR and activity level).

iuangina

One day a week I have what I call a 'cheat' day. I am able to go weeks at a time under my goal too, but this gives me the ability to go out with my friends without having to stress about where we go and what I'll eat. It also let's me get some of the foods that I crave like cheesecake!

jodie0520

I don't think you NEED a spike day. This is usually for people who feel like they need a day off to keep from falling off the wagon. If you don't feel you are depriving yourself and are staying at a healthy calorie intake (no less than 1200/day), then keep up the good work. Just remember that if you do have a "bad day" where you indulge and go over, you aren't doing yourself any harm.
Good luck!

SergeantSunshine_reused

Well I don't really need a "cheat day" I guess. I follow my plan quite well, even though I am some what strict - I like the way I eat.
Just don't want to be hindering myself or something xD

How much do I go over?

kyylieeeeee

I don't plan days when I'm going to go over, or purposely reward myself X times a week/month...but I do acknowledge the fact that sometimes it's just going to happen. Usually once or twice a week I'll go out with friends or the boyfriend, and I'll go over by a few cals with alcohol. And on days when there are extended family gatherings, I resign myself to the fact that I'll eat extra calories, and I don't let it bother me because life is also about enjoying time with the people you love.
Today was my Grandma's funeral and the entire family was there, and there was SOO MUCH food! I logged what I could, but mostly didn't care because that's just not what today was about. And tomorrow I'll resume accurate logging, exercise, and eating healthy.

I'm definitely all about moderation, because if you start avoiding situations just because of calories, life might get awfully lonely. I know that 5 or 6 days a week I'm usually right on target, so I try very hard to not stress out about accidental or circumstantial spike days.