I had a day or 2 where I fell off track, not terribly so, but ended up eating prob 500+ calories more than usual. And I didn't exercise. A few days later the scale said I lost a pound...?? I read somewhere about calorie cycling, which would explain the lost pound.
Anyone heard of this or practice it? If so does it work?
Some people do it and swear by it; some people, like me, try it and can't find any particular value it it (no harm either). I found it didn't help my tendency to the obsessive to try and cycle a particular number on a particular day. However, although I try to stick to around 1500 a day, I do go a little lower on Friday and Saturday in order to have a bit extra for Sunday.
I think (and for me only) it's important not to be obsessive about sticking to exactly the same calorie budget every day and equally important not to be obsessive about varying it.
I do calorie cycling. It seems to be the only thing that really really works for me. I think it helps my metabolism in the long run. I have high days/average days/low cal days and I rotate them how I feel best. If you would like to try it I suggest Picking 3 or so numbers you would feel are right for you and start to rotate them. And if your high days feel like to much to you just make it up with a little extra movement! I swear by it so I'd say to try it if you feel comfortable doing so. Plus if you are like me you are way to bored to stick to the same amount of calories every day. I have tried that and it just drives me nuts lol =) I like variety!
Something I will be trying soon is carb cycling. There's a great article on figureathelete about it titled "Carb Cycling for Women". It's based on your basal metabolic rate, multiplied by activity and workout level and weather you want to lose fat or gain muscle primarily. You use your weight and BMR to determine the grams of protein, carbs, and fats you should have each day. I even break it down to the levels for each meal. The carbs change based on your activities that day. There are 2 high carb days, 2 moderate days, and 3 low days. This allows for muscle building and repair on your heavy workout days, and more muscle burns more fat.
By changing the amount of carbs you change the calories, so I guess it's a more defined/restricted version of your calorie cycling.
Yes, but not intentionally. While trying to follow normal hunger cues, I found that some days I ate less, and some days I ate more. I also tended to go higher with my calories when I had social events / work events planned.
I do think there is some merit to the idea. I DO think the body gets into a routine which can lead to a plateau. Mixing things up a little always seemed to keep the scale moving in the right direction.
I've lost my last 60 pounds calorie cycling. I really think it keeps the metabolism up and helps prevent diet boredom. If you check out the calorie counters section here at 3fc, you'll find lots of people and threads about this.
Calorie cycling?? Anyone know about this?
Spill some of your secrets to me...lol I know you've got some!
