when do I take a break?

TripleJ3

I have been seeing more and more how everyone takes a break and goes up to maintenance for a week or two. Some say 8-10 weeks, some say 6 weeks or even 4 weeks. How do I figure out what is best for me since I have only been at the EMTLW for about 3 weeks?

Do I wait a bit to see how things even out for me? I am going to Vegas July 4th so that sounds like a perfect time to up my calories but I am sure I won't be doing any workouts except walking and dancing:bigsmile:

It just seems a little early for me to switch things up already, but what has the veterans of the group found best?

31prvrbs

Diet breaks are recommended 1week off after every 4-6 weeks in deficit, or 2wks off after every 8-10 wks deficit.

~Kiki

scottc561

Diet breaks are recommended 1week off after every 4-6 weeks in deficit, or 2wks off after every 8-10 wks deficit.

~Kiki

Kiki is the size of your caloric deficit any factor in that? So someone that is on a very low calorie diet may need more breaks or or longer breaks then someone on a small deficit? I'm just curious.

GoGoGadgetMum

When you say diet break is it eating at maintenance/TDEE??? 10 weeks will be perfect for me as my kids have 2 weeks of school holidays

rotnkat

When you say diet break is it eating at maintenance/TDEE??? 10 weeks will be perfect for me as my kids have 2 weeks of school holidays

You eat at maintenance for a week or two and then go back to eating TDEE - 15%

31prvrbs

Diet breaks are recommended 1week off after every 4-6 weeks in deficit, or 2wks off after every 8-10 wks deficit.

~Kiki

Kiki is the size of your caloric deficit any factor in that? So someone that is on a very low calorie diet may need more breaks or or longer breaks then someone on a small deficit? I'm just curious.

Scott,

It's more of a lean factor that determines it. The leaner person should take more frequent breaks (4-6 week range), higher bf% can go 10-12wks, before breaking. Others can find their sweet spot in the middle-ish zone..

I take a week off every 4 wks when in deficit, for reference.

~Kiki

TripleJ3

Great, thanks!

GoGoGadgetMum

Thanks Kiki, is there any reason why you wouldn't go to tdee. My bf is 23% hopefully maybe 22% on Thursday, I have been doing this for 4 weeks this being my 5th. I'm currently eating at 15% cut according to katch mcardle = 2000 cals


Don't get me wrong I'm certainly not trying to avoid adding them, I'd hate if I had to lose them now.

Thanks for your help and education.
Rach