calories and metabolism question!

alyssa83202
alyssa83202 Posts: 334
edited September 23 in Food and Nutrition
So, I know the reason that you are supposed to eat at least a net of 1200 calories a day is so your metabolism doesn't slow down, and so you don't start holding onto your calories. However, since that takes repeatedly not eating enough calories, it got me thinking.

Is there any harm/benefit in having one day a week were you have a larger calorie deficit? If you ate 1200 calories but worked off 500 and didn't eat them back, but only did so once a week, what effect would this have on your body and metabolism?

Just curious. Thanks!

Replies

  • boardedney
    boardedney Posts: 31 Member
    Well, you should check with your doctor before attempting that. I know that doing it consistantly can really upset your metabolism long term...I did it! LOL! But, I think about once a week, I eat around 1250 even though I worked out and then am a little more reasonable the rest of the week. So far, so good. I'm losing 2.5lbs per week. I don't think it's the worst thing you can do. but maybe ask yourself why you want to do it. Are you close to your goal weight and having a tough time getting past the plateu? If so, there are additional things you can do to help with that. But, in that position, I too am tempted to drop a little below 1200 once or twice a week. but again, check with a doc.
  • wriglucy
    wriglucy Posts: 1,064 Member
    I don't think a week would affect it much. It'll probably take months of consistantly eating way under to cause any problems. I would check with your doctor though too...just to be safe.
  • FemininGuns
    FemininGuns Posts: 605 Member
    Check with doc!

    Also, I would think about doing the opposite: eating 1200 cals regularly and then INCREASING your cals one day a week. Called calorie zigzagging. You can google it to get more info :drinker:
  • boardedney
    boardedney Posts: 31 Member
    Yes! I agree with Femininguns. I meant to say that in my reply as well...knew I was forgetting soemthing! LOL! I am a personal trainer and used to be a wightloss counselor at a clinic. That is more on the money. Choose like a cheat day and go at it with in reason and then keep around 1300 otherwise.
  • alyssa83202
    alyssa83202 Posts: 334
    Check with doc!

    Also, I would think about doing the opposite: eating 1200 cals regularly and then INCREASING your cals one day a week. Called calorie zigzagging. You can google it to get more info :drinker:
    I definitely had a cheat day today... me and my boyfriend decided to go to steak n shake about an hour ago, and I went WAY over my calorie limit! Probably by too much for even a healthy cheat day! lol. Since I wasn't planning on going, I didn't even eat light earlier in the day.
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