Calorie Zig Zagging

jhanso86
jhanso86 Posts: 35
in Health and Weight Loss
Has anyone heard of this? I was just thinking about it...
I've been eating MUCH healthier the past two weeks, and staying just slightly under what MFP advises me to eat everyday. I am worried about messing up my metabolism if I don't eat enough, however I want fast results (doesn't everyone? lol) There are days when I think about eating MUCH less than what I am advised to for my weight, then going back to what I should eat the next day. Just as an 'every now and then' type of thing, maybe for a little added boost. I've been working out daily also, usually 50 minutes a day. Does anyone have any advice? I am around 280 (haven't weighed myself since starting my new healthy lifestyle, though) and 5'3" 26 years old. Thanks!
Also, I am new here and would love some friends to help keep each other going! Add me if you'd like :)

Replies

  • monty619
    monty619 Posts: 1,308 Member
    in my opinion you are supposed to do this anyways... in the manner of eating more on days you workout and less on days you dont workout... still have a caloric surplus or defecit depending on goals and make sure to be consistant with weekly cals.
  • kazzsjourney
    kazzsjourney Posts: 674 Member
    I did it very successfully for the majority of my weight loss. I was planned it so my higher calorie days were on days I exercised :)
  • thaiguy1980
    thaiguy1980 Posts: 4 Member
    Hi,

    I have been on MFP for about 5 months now and have lost 23 lbs as of today. I watch my calories closely sunday through thursday and allow myself some flexibility on friday and saturday ever week. I try to balance out any overconsumption of calories (fridays and saturdays) by going to the gym those days.

    I have been tempted like you about lowering my calories some days just so I could lose weight faster. I have done it a few times and it actually worked. However, I decided that it is not a good idea because I do not believe I could sustain it in the long run and my weight loss would come back (with a vengance-I might add).

    I have yo-yo dieted several times throughout my 20s ( I am 32 now) and would like to finally lose the weight and keep it off.

    I could always use friends online! Everyone needs to talk and motivate each other to eat healthy because dieting is very difficult and can be stressful.

    :)
  • cecee27
    cecee27 Posts: 46 Member
    bump
  • mabelbabel1
    mabelbabel1 Posts: 391 Member
    Yes zig zagging is quite common and where you have high days and low days but where the daily average for the week or weekly total is around your goal figure.

    I have a calorie range as I'm still working out what my BMR and TDEE really are so I aim to eat between 1500 and 1850 cals a day, I think that it's very easy to become obsessed by hitting a certain number each day....flexibility works for me.....i'm a natural zig zagger!

    Feel free to add me :smile:
  • jhanso86
    jhanso86 Posts: 35
    Thanks everyone :) And Happy Thanksgiving!
  • CalJur
    CalJur Posts: 627 Member
    yes it works. it can jumpstart a stagnant metabolism and get you going again.
  • quirkytizzy
    quirkytizzy Posts: 4,052 Member
    I don't know a whole lot, but I do know a LOT of people have had good, healthy success with calorie cycling. Keeps your metabolism hopping.
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    It doesn't really do anything for your metabolism. That being said, it's fine to use this method if that's your preference.
  • taunto
    taunto Posts: 6,420 Member
    It doesn't really do anything for your metabolism. That being said, it's fine to use this method if that's your preference.

    It's time to take me for a walk SS

    weEvw.jpg

Categories