Calorie Cycling Bombed Me....

Anyone offer any help?

I started calorie cycling 3, almost 4, weeks ago. I did it from the freedieting.com website as recommended by someone on here so that it includes exercise calories (500 a day is what it works out too, I think). I do not subtract daily exercise calories based on what I do and I stay pretty true to the calories. I'm 5'7", 187 lbs (I was 176 4 weeks ago) and have been on MFP for months now. I try and keep my carbs around 100-120.

My weekly cals are:
S- 1873
M-1873
T-1490
W- 2230
T-1873
F-1950
S-1873

For exercise I do boot camp for an 60-90 minutes Monday-Thursday, then after boot camp I walk for an hour with a friend at 4.0 and sometimes I also walk my dog after that. On Friday's I do a crossfit-esque workout that is typically demanding or I go to the gym for 60-75 minutes of cardio.

In 3 weeks I gained 10 pounds! Seriously?

There's no way that could be all muscle/water. I wouldn't be too concerned but my measurements are increasing. My waist went from 32 to 34, and my hips are staying at 40. Clothes have no significant changes. What is this?!

Does anyone have experience like this or advice to offer?

Replies

  • Hendrix7
    Hendrix7 Posts: 1,903 Member
    Such extreme calorie cycling is totally unnecessary for 99% of people.

    I eat the same calories every day and my weight does not fluctuate, the body is not 'reset' every 24 hours it is constantly using and consuming energy.

    Go back, workout out your correct calorie intake and a decent macro split and hit it every single day, do it for 2 weeks and adjust by 100 if you need to.

    You are making things far too complicated.
  • jkr12
    jkr12 Posts: 31
    Agreed, it does seem complicated. However, I was trying it as a different approach because I kept hitting plateau after plateau for weeks on end.

    Just tryin' it out to see if it worked for me or not. I appreciate the input.