Question about deficits

What effect does eating at a maintenance level (aka eating more than I should to be at a deficit/losing weight) for one day have on overall weight loss? I'm assuming minimal but I was just wondering if someone could explain it in a more scientific way lol

Replies

  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    Maintenance is, by definition, the number of calories at which your weight will stabilize.

    But just one day will have negligible effect. Always look at your nutrition for the past 7 days—not just today. (It's easier in the app.)

    The Sexypants post should be required reading for all MFPers: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
  • shadow2soul
    shadow2soul Posts: 7,692 Member
    if your going for 1lb a week, your deficit for the week is 3500 cal (500 cal a day)
    eating at maintenance 1 day would make it a 3000 cal deficit for the week

    so essentially, it just means that you will lose a little less than what your aiming for the week
  • amr122393
    amr122393 Posts: 17 Member
    if your going for 1lb a week, your deficit for the week is 3500 cal (500 cal a day)
    eating at maintenance 1 day would make it a 3000 cal deficit for the week

    so essentially, it just means that you will lose a little less than what your aiming for the week

    Ah okay, this makes sense. Thank you! :)