Calorie Spikes???

i also found this! i believe you are confusing your body, our bodies get used to the way in which we life, i.e the diet and excercise, if you throw it off track now again it doesnt know whats happening. just a theory

Your body with work it self into a routine. It wants and is designed to only do as much as it needs too (I am talking about on a cellular and cell respiration and metabolism) If you spike your calories like that it is like slapping your body in the face. This keeps your body guessing. this is what you want your body to do. As long as it is trying to figure out and guess and adjust, Keeps your body working. Just don't do it too often I think once a week is fine and I would do a "meal" and not a day. Within reason. Typically I would eat aprox, 500-750 calories above what you normally consume for that day. If you view it as just a day to cheat and eat whatever, just not good.

I have spoken to many educated professionals about this and they all say a cheat day is necessary not just for the mental aspect of it.

It's legit. My trainer practices it and advises it.

I personally like a more structured approach than "one cheat day", so I have started zig zagging my calories. You can get good info and a zig zag schedule calculator at: http://www.freedieting.com/

Bascially, the point is to achieve the same weekly deficit target, but by some lower calorie days and some higher calorie days to mix it up and so that your body knows there is not a scarcity of food and avoid going into more of a preservation mode.

I'm the type of person that needs a structured plan, so this has worked for me and helped my break a plateau that I've struggled with for over a year.

The only cautionary note I would offer is that whether it is a weekly "cheat day" or a zig zag plan, I would recommend simply eating some larger portions of the healthy food you are already eating. Other than the infrequent treat, I wouldn't recommend using the extra calories on junk food or a significant amount of alcohol.

and of course... all calories should be logged, even on "cheat" days... we should still be eating consciously and continue our good habits established by consistent logging.

I tried this yesterday so we'll see. I'm also worried I won't get myself out of "spiking"...lol

HHmm it's the weekend and Im going out for a meal 2morrow..I will eat it up and not feel to guilty! Its only one meal, its a problem if you can't get back on track.:drinker: