Rest Days

Could someone please explain the "Rules" of these rest days. I am still not quite sure what it means. Do I not exercise AT ALL, do I not follow the calorie guidelines? WHAT? I just don't get it, I keep hearing people say they go out all out eating pizza's and big fat slice of cake, but on my rest days I just can't seem to do it, i still fit in at last 20 minutes of treadmill or stretching just to make me feel like i did something. I know a lot of people tell me not to get addicted to the calorie counting, but i am, I am CONSTANTLY aware of what goes in my body and I have only started this journey 6 weeks tomorrow. I can't see putting more than 1 slice of a name brand pizza in my body and the idea of eating a slice of cake really makes me want to puke now. Please, I am really asking for some input here. What are your rest days like?

You can get addicted to calorie counting? If so, I'd have to say it's better than being addicted to food (which I was until recently). Now I actually have fun checking the calories and making them fit into my day. If I want a little treat I work for it.

Listen to your body, when it needs rest, you will know. A 20 minute walk and some stretching sounds like a wonderful way to spend a rest day---if you don't want to do anything at all either, that's just as fabulous! I would not eat like a pig on a rest day though---if you want to have a little slice of cake or an extra slice of pizza, you can do that, but just think about the extra calories you'll have to burn! I am all for treats every now and then though!! I rest no more than 2 days a week---some workout days are lighter than others, while some are super extreme. The important thing is to listen to your body!! Good luck, and great job with 6 weeks of healthy!

I don't think there are any rules set in stone about rest days. As for me, I still watch what I eat. If I go overboard and have a little too much, then I do go into the gym and work it off. But normally I just count it as a day off from the gym. I still stay active though, I don't sit around and do nothing.

For example, I do yard work or take the dog for a walk. Nothing hard core or strenuous, but enough to keep me motivated. Hope that helps you )

For me Rest Days are schedule days in my workout programs where I don't do a dvd workout for the day.

I do go for a 45 min walk because I feel weird not exercising and on Rest Days I usually get the munchies! LOL Rest Days I also take that time to deep clean the house. Tomorrow is grocery shopping day so I will probably skip the walk and count grocery shopping as my exercise for the day.

My rest day happens to be on a Tuesday because I started my workout program on a Wed instead of Monday - I just couldn't wait a few more days to start it lol

Sundays are my cheat days & my weigh in days. I weigh in before I start my cheat day.

Also on cheat days I really don't keep track of calories but I do keep in mind moderation/portions.
For Example: Yesterday my husband knew I wanted chili cheese fries so badly, so at the bowling alley he got a plate for us to share. He did eat most of it for me lol I enjoyed a few bites and stepped away from the plate. I told my husband to finish it off before I do lol. I was also wearing my size 11 jeans to remind myself of how hard I have been working (I was wearing my "fat" pants but last minute i changed my mind because I knew if I was wearing my "fat" pants I would eat more lol)

Here in about a week my rest day is going to change to because I'm starting up a new program. So Sunday will be my Weigh In, Rest Day, and Cheat Day.