Eat more on the days you lift weights?

SarahMorganP

I just had my first weight lifting class ever today. Am I supposed to eat higher calories today? I am clueless when it comes to weight lifting. I eat 1300 calories now, and I do eat back most if not all of my cardio calories (I use a hrm) but I thought I had read that on weight lifting days people say to eat more?

supremeck

Things get more complicated when you try to factor the calories burned while weight lifting and trying to figure out your end of the day calorie intake. I say just pick a number and stick to it. Like for me, I eat 1600-1850 cals every day regardless of workout or not.

cyncetastic

I generally eat more on leg days because legs are such large muscles and they burn more calories. Depends how heavy you're lifting, though. (Hint: You should be lifting as heavy as you can)

monty619

I generally eat more on leg days because legs are such large muscles and they burn more calories. Depends how heavy you're lifting, though. (Hint: You should be lifting as heavy as you can)

^^ thats what i do, but on days off i try to reduce carbohydrates and calories, but i keep my proteins and fats constant

Huffdogg

If you are currently eating at a deficit, it will be very hard for you to gain muscle (and therefore strength) unless you up your intake on lifting days. Whether or not you follow the dietary protocol associated with it, a lot of people like to use http://www.1percentedge.com/ifcalc/ to help cycle calories and macros.