Calorie cycling?

fairyfootsteps40
fairyfootsteps40 Posts: 19 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I was just wondering if anyone has done calorie cycling/zigzag calories.
I heard it's good for giving a nudge if you are stuck at the same weight and if you want to bulk up but I was wondering if it is any good for everyday or just stay with the daily recommended calories.

Replies

  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    i do it, as i like to give myself more calories at the weekend.
  • livingleanlivingclean
    livingleanlivingclean Posts: 11,751 Member
    I do it... I eat less on non training days. I eat more on one day a week (usually the weekend, gives me room for more indulgences and socialising is easier)

    Many people look at their weekly calorie goal rather than daily, budgeting for treats on certain days - it's effectively the same as calorie cycling without a fancy name.
  • tcunbeliever
    tcunbeliever Posts: 8,219 Member
    I do...more calories/carbs on strength training days (tu/th/sat) and less on other days...makes my workouts more productive and has actually be amazing for reducing body fat...but for me not much change in overall weight...but I'll take smaller and less fat over lighter every single time.
  • tinkerbellang83
    tinkerbellang83 Posts: 9,152 Member
    I look at mine over the week, but that's nothing to do with getting out of a stall for me, I just prefer to mix it up for social occasions and runger. I have stalled, gained and I have lost doing this, the only time I stalled it was because I was eating at maintenance (i.e. not logging accurately)

  • yirara
    yirara Posts: 10,019 Member
    I don't as I'm very much used to the way, and what I'm eating. I have a lot of dinner variation but everything before that is pretty much the same. I might get a white split roll on a weekend day or buy an artisan bread, or eat peaches or plums instead of apples. But otherwise there's very little variation throughout the day. makes life easier.
  • sardelsa
    sardelsa Posts: 9,812 Member
    I do it in a deficit to help with adherence and gym performance. I don't do it so much when I'm bulking though as I like to keep calorie intake more consistent for manageability and adequate muscle gain.
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    If it helps you in some way that you prefer as in the above post, great. But it won't help you if you are stuck unless you are already pretty lean and looking to drop the last few lbs while maximizing your training. Eg. competitive body builder. Those protocols are not for the faint of heart.
  • fairyfootsteps40
    fairyfootsteps40 Posts: 19 Member
    This is what I was thinking just a little treat at the weekend like a glass of wine or two nothing silly like gorging and starving the rest of the week.
  • tinkerbellang83
    tinkerbellang83 Posts: 9,152 Member
    edited February 2018
    fairyfootsteps40 wrote: »
    This is what I was thinking just a little treat at the weekend like a glass of wine or two nothing silly like gorging and starving the rest of the week.

    On weekends I also tend to eat brunch rather than breakfast and lunch, which is perfect for me to make room for some craft ale while I watch the rugby.
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    fairyfootsteps40 wrote: »
    This is what I was thinking just a little treat at the weekend like a glass of wine or two nothing silly like gorging and starving the rest of the week.

    Or, you could just take a refeed day on the weekends. It has some hormonal and lot's of psychological benefits. But, the strategy of a little less during the week and a little more on the weekends is fine. It just won't get you "unstuck" if you are in a little bit of a stall.
  • fairyfootsteps40
    fairyfootsteps40 Posts: 19 Member
    Thank you for your replies. I didn't know if it was just a silly idea but I suppose with everything give it a go and see if works which I am sure should if I stay within my weekly budgeted calories.
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