Increasing Calories for Christmas?
Ciara108
Posts: 45 Member
Hey there.
So I'm going to up my calories for over christmas(starting maybe the 20th December). Ill be switching from losing to mantaining then back again afterwards.
First off, is this a good idea/healthy?
Also, should I slowly increase like start a few weeks before and increase or does it matter?
My calorie intake now is 1210 and will be 2100.(both according to mfp)
So I'm going to up my calories for over christmas(starting maybe the 20th December). Ill be switching from losing to mantaining then back again afterwards.
First off, is this a good idea/healthy?
Also, should I slowly increase like start a few weeks before and increase or does it matter?
My calorie intake now is 1210 and will be 2100.(both according to mfp)
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Replies
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I think you can enjoy yourself at the holidays. My strategy has been to think of them as just one day (Or Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, if you're really festive
) Treating them as a day or two has worked for me. This may not be helpful since you asked for experience increasing starting December 20, but that's what worked for me! Another option might be increasing to 2100 on the day or days you celebrate, and increasing to say 1700 on the other days. These are just ideas--I'm not a nutritionist! 0 -
You won't gain fat eating at maintenance, so that's totally fine.0
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I'm going to maintenance starting at Thanksgiving and through the end of the year. I've been at this since January and need/want an extended break. If you are at the point where you need a break, or maybe your life would just be much easier/more enjoyable if you upped to maintenance for awhile, I think it is a good idea to do so. I'm not sure how much you have to lose but I've lost 52 pounds so far and I have to say that allowing myself flexibility like this is what has kept me on track.0
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skinnyforhi wrote: »I think you can enjoy yourself at the holidays. My strategy has been to think of them as just one day (Or Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, if you're really festive) Treating them as a day or two has worked for me. This may not be helpful since you asked for experience increasing starting December 20, but that's what worked for me! Another option might be increasing to 2100 on the day or days you celebrate, and increasing to say 1700 on the other days. These are just ideas--I'm not a nutritionist!
See, I'd usually be like Christmas is just one day. But last year I missed Christmas due to being in hospital so I'm trying to make this year extra special so I'm like extending the celebration of it.
I do like you idea of just going to 1700 but would the jump up be bad for my body since I'm at 1210 now, should I graduate it up and back down or will it be fine?
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I decided to "maintain" last year and ended up gaining several pounds back by New Years because I overdid it. So this year, I'm doing what skinnyforhi suggested and just treating the holidays as individual days. If it's a holiday or if I'm going to a holiday dinner on a given day, I'll splurge and not worry a lot about how much I eat. But on the majority of days throughout Nov and Dec, I'll be sticking to my regular number of calories.0
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I'm actually planning to do pretty much what you mentioned, with slight modifications.
I'm on 1210 calories at the moment, I will reach/beat my goal weight by December 21st.
The week starting December 7, I will increase to around 1500 calories.
The week starting December 14, I will increase to around 1800 calories.
Finally, the week starting December 21st, I will increase to maintenance, which will be approximately 2100 calories.
I think that increasing gradually will help the transition back to maintenance.0 -
JulieAnn72 wrote: »I decided to "maintain" last year and ended up gaining several pounds back by New Years because I overdid it. So this year, I'm doing what skinnyforhi suggested and just treating the holidays as individual days. If it's a holiday or if I'm going to a holiday dinner on a given day, I'll splurge and not worry a lot about how much I eat. But on the majority of days throughout Nov and Dec, I'll be sticking to my regular number of calories.
Thanks, it's great to hear from someone who actually tried it. Maybe if I do stick to Christmas day only as like a cheat day and try to maintain my calorie intake as it is for the other days but I'd be a lot more relaxed for the time between Christmas and New Years and not get bogged down if I go over, what do you think?0 -
I'm going to maintenance starting at Thanksgiving and through the end of the year. I've been at this since January and need/want an extended break. If you are at the point where you need a break, or maybe your life would just be much easier/more enjoyable if you upped to maintenance for awhile, I think it is a good idea to do so. I'm not sure how much you have to lose but I've lost 52 pounds so far and I have to say that allowing myself flexibility like this is what has kept me on track.
I've only been doing this since August. Is it too soon to take a break, tbh I just want to enjoy Christmas without worrying too much about what I eat but still to be within a healthy limit.
Could you keep me updated on how your doing after thanksgiving(which I have no idea when it is cause, I live in Ireland and we don't celebrate it) and if you gained any from just maintaining?0 -
skinnyforhi wrote: »I think you can enjoy yourself at the holidays. My strategy has been to think of them as just one day (Or Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, if you're really festive) Treating them as a day or two has worked for me. This may not be helpful since you asked for experience increasing starting December 20, but that's what worked for me! Another option might be increasing to 2100 on the day or days you celebrate, and increasing to say 1700 on the other days. These are just ideas--I'm not a nutritionist!
See, I'd usually be like Christmas is just one day. But last year I missed Christmas due to being in hospital so I'm trying to make this year extra special so I'm like extending the celebration of it.
I do like you idea of just going to 1700 but would the jump up be bad for my body since I'm at 1210 now, should I graduate it up and back down or will it be fine?
I'm glad you are healthy this year! Just eat at maintenance and enjoy--it sounds like you have lots of reasons to celebrate.
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If you can have the rational conversation with yourself that, "self, you are going to eat at maintenance for these days, and then after that, we're right back on track," then go for it. I will usually have a few days each month were I eat at maintenance or above, due to traveling, visiting family and/or special days. I have noticed that even on those days, it's still less than I would have been eating at this time last year, so I figure it's definitely a sign that I've made real changes and progress.0
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I'm going to maintenance starting at Thanksgiving and through the end of the year. I've been at this since January and need/want an extended break. If you are at the point where you need a break, or maybe your life would just be much easier/more enjoyable if you upped to maintenance for awhile, I think it is a good idea to do so. I'm not sure how much you have to lose but I've lost 52 pounds so far and I have to say that allowing myself flexibility like this is what has kept me on track.
I've only been doing this since August. Is it too soon to take a break, tbh I just want to enjoy Christmas without worrying too much about what I eat but still to be within a healthy limit.
Could you keep me updated on how your doing after thanksgiving(which I have no idea when it is cause, I live in Ireland and we don't celebrate it) and if you gained any from just maintaining?
I've taken three different one week maintenance breaks this year. Each time, I've still tracked my food (measure, log, etc.) and I've never gained weight during any of them. Our Thanksgiving is November 27 this year. I'm actually planning to do maintenance through January 31 so it will be a longer break but I'm confident that I won't gain. I'm going a bit longer than just the holidays because I've met my initial goal and want to increase how much I can lift a bit before trying to lose another 10(ish) pounds. I'm getting to the point where I feel like I need that break and between the holidays, vacation, and that, I'm just going to do it.
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Well, it will, but it's not fat. Expect to put on about 5 lbs...this is just because your glycogen stores will be full. It's water weight, and will drop back off when you return to a deficit.0 -
I'm going to maintenance starting at Thanksgiving and through the end of the year. I've been at this since January and need/want an extended break. If you are at the point where you need a break, or maybe your life would just be much easier/more enjoyable if you upped to maintenance for awhile, I think it is a good idea to do so. I'm not sure how much you have to lose but I've lost 52 pounds so far and I have to say that allowing myself flexibility like this is what has kept me on track.
I've only been doing this since August. Is it too soon to take a break, tbh I just want to enjoy Christmas without worrying too much about what I eat but still to be within a healthy limit.
Could you keep me updated on how your doing after thanksgiving(which I have no idea when it is cause, I live in Ireland and we don't celebrate it) and if you gained any from just maintaining?
I've taken three different one week maintenance breaks this year. Each time, I've still tracked my food (measure, log, etc.) and I've never gained weight during any of them. Our Thanksgiving is November 27 this year. I'm actually planning to do maintenance through January 31 so it will be a longer break but I'm confident that I won't gain. I'm going a bit longer than just the holidays because I've met my initial goal and want to increase how much I can lift a bit before trying to lose another 10(ish) pounds. I'm getting to the point where I feel like I need that break and between the holidays, vacation, and that, I'm just going to do it.
Defiantly sounds like it a well deserved break! Congrats on hitting your goal!0 -
You will gain some water weight - so be prepared for that. But you will not gain any fat at maintenance so long as you are weighing and measuring everything and logging accurately.0
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Well, it will, but it's not fat. Expect to put on about 5 lbs...this is just because your glycogen stores will be full. It's water weight, and will drop back off when you return to a deficit.
Ok that actually gives me a much better understanding and now I'll be aware if that does happen that it is just water, thanks!0 -
UmmSqueaky wrote: »If you can have the rational conversation with yourself that, "self, you are going to eat at maintenance for these days, and then after that, we're right back on track," then go for it. I will usually have a few days each month were I eat at maintenance or above, due to traveling, visiting family and/or special days. I have noticed that even on those days, it's still less than I would have been eating at this time last year, so I figure it's definitely a sign that I've made real changes and progress.
Honestly I think that I can do that, I have good self control.
That's great, hopefully that'll happen for me!0 -
Also, I just want to throw it out there, but you can certainly eat more than 1210 calories to lose weight. Again, just throwing it out there, it's up to you. I'd rather eat as much as possible and still lose weight when cutting, but that's just me.0
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I'm actually planning to do pretty much what you mentioned, with slight modifications.
I'm on 1210 calories at the moment, I will reach/beat my goal weight by December 21st.
The week starting December 7, I will increase to around 1500 calories.
The week starting December 14, I will increase to around 1800 calories.
Finally, the week starting December 21st, I will increase to maintenance, which will be approximately 2100 calories.
I think that increasing gradually will help the transition back to maintenance.
See I'd only be mantaining for a few days cause I havnt hit my goal yet, then I'd be going back to 1210, do you think I should still graduate it or I'll be fine?
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I'm actually planning to do pretty much what you mentioned, with slight modifications.
I'm on 1210 calories at the moment, I will reach/beat my goal weight by December 21st.
The week starting December 7, I will increase to around 1500 calories.
The week starting December 14, I will increase to around 1800 calories.
Finally, the week starting December 21st, I will increase to maintenance, which will be approximately 2100 calories.
I think that increasing gradually will help the transition back to maintenance.
See I'd only be mantaining for a few days cause I havnt hit my goal yet, then I'd be going back to 1210, do you think I should still graduate it or I'll be fine?
You'll be fine. You don't need to increase or decrease gradually.0 -
I'm actually planning to do pretty much what you mentioned, with slight modifications.
I'm on 1210 calories at the moment, I will reach/beat my goal weight by December 21st.
The week starting December 7, I will increase to around 1500 calories.
The week starting December 14, I will increase to around 1800 calories.
Finally, the week starting December 21st, I will increase to maintenance, which will be approximately 2100 calories.
I think that increasing gradually will help the transition back to maintenance.
See I'd only be mantaining for a few days cause I havnt hit my goal yet, then I'd be going back to 1210, do you think I should still graduate it or I'll be fine?
You'll still be fine provided you understand the water weight. The scale will go up, but that's okay. You won't accumulate more fat unless you go over maintenance. You can eat a month at maintenance, one day, gradually build up to it, or just jump right in. Doesn't matter.
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__freckles__ wrote: »Also, I just want to throw it out there, but you can certainly eat more than 1210 calories to lose weight. Again, just throwing it out there, it's up to you. I'd rather eat as much as possible and still lose weight when cutting, but that's just me.
Well mfp said in order to lose 2lbs a week to have 1210. I know I can eat more but I wouldn't lose as much and at the moment since my BMI isn't in the healthy range I'd like to be losing 2 lbs a week.0 -
I'm actually planning to do pretty much what you mentioned, with slight modifications.
I'm on 1210 calories at the moment, I will reach/beat my goal weight by December 21st.
The week starting December 7, I will increase to around 1500 calories.
The week starting December 14, I will increase to around 1800 calories.
Finally, the week starting December 21st, I will increase to maintenance, which will be approximately 2100 calories.
I think that increasing gradually will help the transition back to maintenance.
See I'd only be mantaining for a few days cause I havnt hit my goal yet, then I'd be going back to 1210, do you think I should still graduate it or I'll be fine?
You'll still be fine provided you understand the water weight. The scale will go up, but that's okay. You won't accumulate more fat unless you go over maintenance. You can eat a month at maintenance, one day, gradually build up to it, or just jump right in. Doesn't matter.
Ok thanks, I think I'll just be jumping right in!0 -
__freckles__ wrote: »Also, I just want to throw it out there, but you can certainly eat more than 1210 calories to lose weight. Again, just throwing it out there, it's up to you. I'd rather eat as much as possible and still lose weight when cutting, but that's just me.
Well mfp said in order to lose 2lbs a week to have 1210. I know I can eat more but I wouldn't lose as much and at the moment since my BMI isn't in the healthy range I'd like to be losing 2 lbs a week.
Fair enough. Good luck OP. I think eating at maintenance for Christmas is a great idea.
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I'm eating whatever I like Christmas Day, but it will be business as usual every other day0
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__freckles__ wrote: »Also, I just want to throw it out there, but you can certainly eat more than 1210 calories to lose weight. Again, just throwing it out there, it's up to you. I'd rather eat as much as possible and still lose weight when cutting, but that's just me.
Well mfp said in order to lose 2lbs a week to have 1210. I know I can eat more but I wouldn't lose as much and at the moment since my BMI isn't in the healthy range I'd like to be losing 2 lbs a week.
Just because I see this type of thing ("MFP says to lose 2 lbs/week I have to eat XXX") posted a LOT, I figured I would leave this here:
If you have 75+ lbs to lose 2 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 40-75 lbs to lose 1.5 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 25-40 lbs to lose 1 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 15 -25 lbs to lose 0.5 to 1.0 lbs/week is ideal
If you have less than 15 lbs to lose 0.5 lbs/week is ideal
Your profile says you originally had ~40lbs to lose and you've already lost some, so I'd say you're due to switch to losing 1 lb/week -- good news is, you get to up your calories and still lose at a fairly steady (and yet completely sustainable!) rate.
Check out these links, if you're interested (if not, I'll leave them here for someone else):
A Guide to Get You Started on Your Path to Sexypants
So You're New Here...0 -
I'm an advocate of a cheat meal, not day. In my experience, if I am diligent in logging and exercising I can go on a weekend vacation or have a holiday celebration and not worry at all about what I'm eating. Sure I might put on 1-4 pounds in a weekend....but as long as I get right back to being diligent those pounds fall off like nothing in a week or two max.
Best of luck! Remember you are only human. If you want to splurge a little, do it and don't feel guilty. If you want to stick with your logging, do it and be proud of yourself.0 -
For the holidays i'd boost the calories up a bit but since my mom is now diabetic we don't bother baking or buying as much stuff.0
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ActuarialChef wrote: »Just because I see this type of thing ("MFP says to lose 2 lbs/week I have to eat XXX") posted a LOT, I figured I would leave this here:
If you have 75+ lbs to lose 2 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 40-75 lbs to lose 1.5 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 25-40 lbs to lose 1 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 15 -25 lbs to lose 0.5 to 1.0 lbs/week is ideal
If you have less than 15 lbs to lose 0.5 lbs/week is ideal
I think this is a good guide in general, though adjusted a bit upwards or downwards based on the person's height and GW. So, a very large person trying to lose 40 pounds could be eating more (and thus targeting a faster weight loss) than a smaller person trying to do the same. Since the calorie deficit would end up being a bigger percentage of total calories for a smaller person.
I started off with a 40lb target loss at a 0.8lb/week (400 calorie/day) deficit -- which was already TDEE-20% so going lower would've made no sense for me.
Now I have about 32lbs to lose, and I'll probably drop that to 0.7 or even 0.6/week soon.0 -
ActuarialChef wrote: »Just because I see this type of thing ("MFP says to lose 2 lbs/week I have to eat XXX") posted a LOT, I figured I would leave this here:
If you have 75+ lbs to lose 2 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 40-75 lbs to lose 1.5 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 25-40 lbs to lose 1 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 15 -25 lbs to lose 0.5 to 1.0 lbs/week is ideal
If you have less than 15 lbs to lose 0.5 lbs/week is ideal
I think this is a good guide in general, though adjusted a bit upwards or downwards based on the person's height and GW. So, a very large person trying to lose 40 pounds could be eating more (and thus targeting a faster weight loss) than a smaller person trying to do the same. Since the calorie deficit would end up being a bigger percentage of total calories for a smaller person.
I started off with a 40lb target loss at a 0.8lb/week (400 calorie/day) deficit -- which was already TDEE-20% so going lower would've made no sense for me.
Now I have about 32lbs to lose, and I'll probably drop that to 0.7 or even 0.6/week soon.
Agreed. I stole it from someone else -- I'm not sure where the original person got it from, but I see it everywhere so I figured I would add it to this thread haha.0
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