Resetting Metabolism. Myth or Not?

mcarter99

I don't claim to understand the science but when I incorporate 2-4 days of "cheat days" every 4-6 weeks I end up losing more weight than if I stuck to plan during that time. My trainer says that it confuses my metabolism. Perhaps it does. Perhaps it does not. But one thing I know- I ALWAYS lose weight when I do it . I have tested this and it really makes a difference. So, the results themselves cause me to do it.

How do you know how much you would've lost if you'd stuck to your plan during that time instead? By repeating the same conditions (as much as possible anyway) and observing if you lose more with or without 'cheat days'? Could the cheat days be psychologically helping keep you on plan hard-core on the other days?

I think there is something to carb refeeding and calorie cycling but I'm dubious about 'confusing your metabolism'.

Does anyone know McDonald's education? I can't find anything on his site. I think his info is spot-on and I think he reads more than most people with advanced degrees, possibly, but then again his books are non-'published' ebooks, as far as I can tell so it's hard to really cite him as an authority without knowing more about him.

Sidesteal

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...Although, the more I search online the less I am sold on the idea. I have been searching for a couple weeks and the trainer for Oprah says "it is sounds to good to be true, it isn't."

All I know is that I trust Lyle McDonald a lot more than "Oprah's trainer". Lyle has done a lot of research, is very knowledgeable and doesn't spout broscience. He's one of about three people in the fitness/nutrition world that I put any real trust in (the other two being Alan Aragon and Tom Venuto).

^ I should get more familiar with Venuto. Aragon and Lyle are my favorites, as is James Krieger.

AnvilHead

^ I should get more familiar with Venuto. Aragon and Lyle are my favorites, as is James Krieger.

I'll have to check out James Krieger as well, especially if he's one of the sources you draw information from. I've read many of your posts and you give solid info with no silly myths or broscience in the mix.

michellekicks

In June I tried eating at my maintenance calories for 2 weeks prior to a big trail race I was running (10 miles/16km with an elevation gain of 4370'). By half way through the first week I ran an amazing 16km road run faster than anything else I'd run before. On race day I blew my time estimates out of the water - finished in 2:32 what I thought would take me closer to 2:50.

During the two weeks eating at full TDEE (net 2000 calories - roughly avg. 2500 day/gross) I gained slowly about 4.5 lbs. I'm convinced these were just glycogen stores and extra water.

I started cutting again (a cut of 400 cal/day or NET 1600) two days after the race and lost 6 lbs within 3-4 days... the 4.5 I had gained plus 1.5 more.

So for anyone scared of gaining during a week or two diet break, don't be. Those lbs are temporary and they will come back off.

I'm definitely going to do it again before my half marathon next month... only for a week though. It was an excellent experience for me.

mcarter99

show previous quotes

...Although, the more I search online the less I am sold on the idea. I have been searching for a couple weeks and the trainer for Oprah says "it is sounds to good to be true, it isn't."

All I know is that I trust Lyle McDonald a lot more than "Oprah's trainer". Lyle has done a lot of research, is very knowledgeable and doesn't spout broscience. He's one of about three people in the fitness/nutrition world that I put any real trust in (the other two being Alan Aragon and Tom Venuto).

^ I should get more familiar with Venuto. Aragon and Lyle are my favorites, as is James Krieger.

I like Venuto's book "The Body Fat Solution".

If by Oprah's trainer we're referring to Bob Greene, that guy is a moron, in my opinion. I read his "The Best Life Diet". He had poor Oprah running on the treadmill for an hour +, 365 days a year. I'd pick being overweight, too, if that was my alternative.

AnvilHead

...I like Venuto's book "The Body Fat Solution".

I haven't read that one yet, but I have "Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle" and it's a good read. I was initially very suspicious of Venuto, thinking that he was yet another internet hawkster, but after reading a lot of his articles and finding that he gives good info without hype or fad crap, I bought the e-book. He's one of the good ones.