Do you believe in banking calories in the week?

cant wait to hear what others think...I do this sometimes too.

What you describe is called zig zag dieting. It is especially used to break plateaus.

I would try not to make a habit of it. I admit, I've done it before but I would not make it regular because it doesnt seem like it is productive. You have willpower! If you can be under one day...try to level it out some. You'll be alright.

I do that -- I track my total calories for the week and how much I've used day by day. I try to stick to 1200-1400. My target per MFP is 1200. I do plan on at least 1000 additional calories from work outs during the week. It works for me. HTH

dont wanna be mean but if you are plateau-ing then obviously whatever you are doing isnt working, try not eating your exercise calories

I always think about when I'm going to be burning those calories off. In order for your body to be most efficient, you will want to burn those calories off the same day you eat them so they are not stored. It's not the worst thing in the world to bank, and if it helps you attain and maintain a healthy weight then I think you should do what works for you. I want my machine, my body, to be as efficient as possible so that I can maximize my weight loss, so for me, I don't bank.

i think it depends on how much you go over/under each time...if it is a small amount that you are going over each time you aren't going to sabotage yourself too much because there is a deficit built in to your calorie goal each day anyway...personally i do have a bad day now and then and try to make up for it the next few days after...its natural...i feel like i will stick with the program longer if i let myself 'forget' the rules from time to time and have a good night out with the girls or enjoy a bbq with a few drinks

"I googled, I read, I looked, but seriously this is how I see it; I am fat, I get no rewards! This pattern of crazy rewarding yourself is not playing by the rules. I am not a rule guy, but because I am fat, I get no slack. This program is science, this program should be based on a great routine, and very healthy eating. I would not hold calories, borrow, save, go easy in the morning and save for a big dinner etc.. That is just plain dumb! Slow and steady, balanced meals, get a great routine with foods that meet your goals, and do not cheat."

I have two problems with this. First, you make it sound like being fat is a character flaw like if you're overweight, you're evil and you will be punished! I don't know about anybody else on here, but I have struggled with my weight since looooong before I was old enough to decide for myself what I ate. Second, the idea of never varying your diet or making room for a special occasion is, first, not realistic and second, simply a crappy, depressing way to live, which will lead to becoming discouraged and quitting. Yes diet and nutrition are science, but life is also, in large part art. If you get no joy from the food you eat, you're missing out on a lot.

I think what "Big Vinney" was trying to say was that you have to take losing weight seriously and playing games with "banking" calories and saving them up...is just another excuse for cheating. If you want to seriously lose weight, then don't play games. Be honest with yourself. You know that eating those extra calories isn't going to get you in the direction you want to go.

Yeah, we all cheat sometimes....that's just normal and it's fun. But in the end, fooling yourself into thinking that you can overdo it one day cuz you did good the day before is just counter productive.