We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

when do I take a break?

TripleJ3
TripleJ3 Posts: 945 Member
edited December 2024 in Social Groups
I have been seeing more and more how everyone takes a break and goes up to maintenance for a week or two. Some say 8-10 weeks, some say 6 weeks or even 4 weeks. How do I figure out what is best for me since I have only been at the EMTLW for about 3 weeks?

Do I wait a bit to see how things even out for me? I am going to Vegas July 4th so that sounds like a perfect time to up my calories but I am sure I won't be doing any workouts except walking and dancing:bigsmile:

It just seems a little early for me to switch things up already, but what has the veterans of the group found best?

Replies

  • 31prvrbs
    31prvrbs Posts: 687 Member
    Diet breaks are recommended 1week off after every 4-6 weeks in deficit, or 2wks off after every 8-10 wks deficit.

    ~Kiki
  • scottc561
    scottc561 Posts: 329 Member
    Diet breaks are recommended 1week off after every 4-6 weeks in deficit, or 2wks off after every 8-10 wks deficit.

    ~Kiki

    Kiki is the size of your caloric deficit any factor in that? So someone that is on a very low calorie diet may need more breaks or or longer breaks then someone on a small deficit? I'm just curious.
  • GoGoGadgetMum
    GoGoGadgetMum Posts: 292 Member
    When you say diet break is it eating at maintenance/TDEE??? 10 weeks will be perfect for me as my kids have 2 weeks of school holidays :)
  • rotnkat
    rotnkat Posts: 393 Member
    When you say diet break is it eating at maintenance/TDEE??? 10 weeks will be perfect for me as my kids have 2 weeks of school holidays :)

    You eat at maintenance for a week or two and then go back to eating TDEE - 15%
  • 31prvrbs
    31prvrbs Posts: 687 Member
    Diet breaks are recommended 1week off after every 4-6 weeks in deficit, or 2wks off after every 8-10 wks deficit.

    ~Kiki

    Kiki is the size of your caloric deficit any factor in that? So someone that is on a very low calorie diet may need more breaks or or longer breaks then someone on a small deficit? I'm just curious.

    Scott,

    It's more of a lean factor that determines it. The leaner person should take more frequent breaks (4-6 week range), higher bf% can go 10-12wks, before breaking. Others can find their sweet spot in the middle-ish zone..

    I take a week off every 4 wks when in deficit, for reference.

    ~Kiki
  • TripleJ3
    TripleJ3 Posts: 945 Member
    Great, thanks!
  • GoGoGadgetMum
    GoGoGadgetMum Posts: 292 Member
    Thanks Kiki, is there any reason why you wouldn't go to tdee. My bf is 23% hopefully maybe 22% on Thursday, I have been doing this for 4 weeks this being my 5th. I'm currently eating at 15% cut according to katch mcardle = 2000 cals


    Don't get me wrong I'm certainly not trying to avoid adding them, I'd hate if I had to lose them now.

    Thanks for your help and education.
    Rach
This discussion has been closed.