Should I Save Cals/Carbs for Rest Day even while pregnant?

jehavin

Hey all, quick question about calorie carry-over, which I know was mentioned on a thread a few days ago, but since my situation is kind of unique, I thought I'd ask.

I've carb cycled in the past, (before I got pregnant, which I am 25 weeks now,) and it really worked for me. However, I did my high carb days with lifting days and low carb with rest or just "light" cardio days. about 250/100g, respectively. I really liked it and it helped with lifelong tummy issues along with helping me get the aesthetic results I wanted with weight loss. Bottom line: I prefer to alternate and thrive best when I have low carb days followed by high carb days.

When I found out that I was pregnant, I decided not to carb cycle anymore and keep my carbs at a moderate (125-175g) level every day. I've had very little trouble doing so. However, on the days where I do an intense cardio/lifting workout, I will "eat back" my carbs, which MFP usually increases by 25-30g and eat back about 50% of the total calories (about 250).

My problem, at this point, in the pregnancy with my "shrinking stomach," I am now having trouble hitting my calorie goals. My appetite is really suppressed after doing a good workout and I can barely hit my 1900cal goal without feeling sick, let alone eat back the extra 400cal I burnt. But, the next day, I am STARVING, especially for carbs. I know that it's all about calorie deficit, so, theoretically, I can "save" my calories for the next day if that's what my body wants, right? That way, I'm not truly going "over" my cals the day after if I still have the deficit from the previous day?

As an aside, are there any fellow Intermittent Fasters on here who carb backload? (I used to do 14-16 hour fasts but now I'm down to about 13 hours.) Doesn't Martin Berkhan claim that the carbs 24 hours after heavy lifting will be utilized, so I guess my "day after" hunger is still being utilized by my muscles, correct?

So, I guess what I'm asking is a) can I "save" my calories for the next day or should I "muddle through" to get them in the day of the workout? and b) does anyone else have trouble hitting their calorie goal on a workout day and then going over the next day due to hunger?

Thanks for the feedback on what to do with those "extra calories" and "extra hunger" that I'm currently facing!

pamelak5

I would definitely bank them, especially since you're pregnant. Sometimes, there is no rhyme or reason to when you get hungry - when I was pregnant, there were a few months where I simply could not get full between ten and two. I ate most of my food then. If I tried to hold back and make sure I ate dinner, I would end up not eating dinner. So, listen to your body. I didn't try to restrict during pregnancy, just ate whenever I was hungry: I gained about 23 pounds and lost it quickly. Good luck and congrats!

jehavin

Thanks! That's what I thought but it's nice just to have a second opinion

ajlon

Congratulations on your Pregnancy!!! ....................Please speak with your Midwife / Doctor / Dietitian regarding your diet / lifestyle as pregnancy can put an extra strain on your system..... the very best of luck with everything ..... the most important thing is not to get stressed and to ensure you have plenty of support networks

jehavin

Thanks! I am in good care and run my exercise/caloric regimen by my dr. at each visit. In fact, I had a checkup today and reminded him, "I'm still biking around 30 miles a week and eating around 2000 calories." He is really proud of my progress since this is my 5th pregnancy and by far my healthiest! Trying to listen to my body and not skimp the baby while not undoing all the progress I've made with my weight/fitness in the past year and a half! Thanks for your advice and congratulations!

ajlon

WOW!! 5th Pregnancy .... you are a pro that this stage!! Really glad to hear you are doing it the right and healthy way!! ... you're gona be such a fab yummy mummy!!