4-Day Cycle of Calories

Sugar_Tulip
Sugar_Tulip Posts: 7 Member
edited 4:40PM in Health and Weight Loss
Hi.

7 years ago I followed this plan and worked out alongside it. I got into the best shape of my life.

3 days consuming 1500 calories (160g protein, 120g carb, 42g fat).
Then every 4th day I would have up to 2000 calories with freedom to eat more carbs and enjoy whatever fit within the limit.

I'm much heavier today than I was back then. I'm 5'4" and weigh 168lbs. I weighed about 153lbs when I did this plan 7 years ago, and it worked well. I dropped so much fat and got to 137lbs.

I'm hoping it will work again. This time I'm trying for even lower carbs and some more fats on the 1500 calorie days.

Constructive and educated feedback is welcome! I haven't been able to lose this weight. Goal is 138lbs. (Currently 168lbs).

I'm a 33 yr old female.

Replies

  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    We can do unpleasant things for a while, as long as we find it necessary, and as long as we can see results. But for lasting results, it can't be unnecessarily unpleasant. To lose weight, you need to consistently eat less. I no longer think it has to be easy, but it has to feel okay. Challenging yourself can be motivating. But it has to feel like what you're doing, is meaningful. Any strategy that allows you to consistently eat less, will make you lose, and then maintain, weight.

    I personally prefer a balanced diet (just sufficient protein - around 70 grams - plenty of fat, and carbs to fill up), and I need to allow myself anything I want.
  • Sugar_Tulip
    Sugar_Tulip Posts: 7 Member
    70g protein sounds slightly low for me.
    I liked this plan cuz I always had my "High day" (the 4th day) to look forward to.

    Naturally it's about whatever works for you, of course! :)
    I'm just hoping my age doesn't affect my progress.
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    I have every meal to look forward to. I don't mind the waiting, I like waiting when I know I'll be rewarded, and it makes me appreciate my meal more. Maybe you like to wait longer than I do (or think I do). It is interesting. It can work.

    I don't worry about protein intake - enough protein is important, but more than enough is just excess calories. What enough is, is also intensely debated. I prefer a little bit of each. If you like a diet heavy in protein foods, that's how you should eat.

    I wouldn't worry about age. I lost weight fine when I was 36, and fine when I was 43. My grandmother was 98 and weighed maybe 90 pounds.
  • Sugar_Tulip
    Sugar_Tulip Posts: 7 Member
    Thanks for your input!
    I think it's working :)

    And you're right about looking forward to each meal. I eat things I like too. But I can't eat Halo Top Ice cream every day so I am always looking forward to day 4 for the extra treats.

    Stepped on the scale and shows weight loss so yay!
  • xjessicaxrx
    xjessicaxrx Posts: 144 Member
    I like this idea, i may copy! :smile: I am struggling at the moment to lose any weight no-matter how mard I try, for the last two months iv stayed the same (11st) I'm the same height as you, iv been eating 1300 calories a day but then after a week or so of doing this I start to feel deprived then end up pigging out = Vicious cycle
  • Sugar_Tulip
    Sugar_Tulip Posts: 7 Member
    @xjessicaxrx then, yeah give it a try! See how your body responds.. :)

    This plan was (and once again is) maintainable for me. Also, I mix in some regular weight training and try to do occasional short-duration/high-intensity cardio.

    I wish you the best of luck! :)
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