To get over the plateau and keep your metabolism reved up. its good to do low calories for 5 days and then 2 days a week increase your calorie intake by like 500 and then decrease it on your other days, so never let your metabolism adjust! This is a secret athletes use all the time!
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I do this with carb intake. I have eaten low carb with unlimited carbs 1-2 days a week for 5 years and successfully kept of 65 pounds!!
PAIGEHOUGHTON6/28/2010 10:57:00 PM
This is a great way to feel positive about over-eating. I no longer feel like I failed today, but rather tricked my body into keeping my metabolism active! Tomorrow I can start fresh, without guilt!
SBATES634/21/2010 6:07:00 PM
This has always worked for me. I just try and make sure it averages out at my limit for the week.
CHANELLESMOM11/29/2012 10:41:00 AM
Interesting and it makes sense. We need to mix up our exercises because our bodies get use to what we do. So, why wouldn't it work for eating and calorie intake as well. I just got over a plateau that lasted two weeks. Wish I would have known this. But I will try it next time I hit a plateau again. Thanks!
DEE5009/3/2012 12:11:00 AM
Thanks for the advice. I needed to hear this because I frequently fall off the wagon on Saturday or Sunday. I do much better during the week.
MCMIESTIE5/30/2010 11:34:00 PM
WOW! How helpful, what a great idea!
It's odd to think that "not letting our bodies adjust" when we exercise is such common knowledge, but it's always taken for granted that our caloric intake needs to stay at a certain level! This is totally going to be a new strategy I work into my routine!
Awesome!!!
DENISEHIDALGO4/29/2010 2:02:00 PM
Also called "calorie cycling" this is recommended by Jillian Michaels of The Biggest Loser and Susan Sly of Isagenix, based on studies by top athletic nutrition specialists.
KIRSTINMAE4/24/2010 11:19:00 PM
This really does work. Years ago when I was on WW many of the lifetime members used this. They called it the WENDY plan. It helps get you over the hump.
TXSANDY12/15/2013 11:02:00 AM
Excellent idea, so happy to hear this great tip, Will definitely try.
MACLEOD7712/12/2013 3:30:00 PM
I love this! I'm doing the 5:2 diet and it's working for me :)
JOYOUS19171/30/2013 8:44:00 PM
I have heard of this. I was wondering if we could go below the 'recommended' calorie alotment a few days...a posting following this answered that question as a "yes". Thank for the reminder!
EBETHET1/22/2013 10:37:00 PM
Thanks for the idea. I heard of eating extra calories when you hit a plateau but I didn't realize you could use this as a diet strategy.
AMYABELL1/8/2013 10:50:00 PM
It makes sense.
CUINPARADISE1/4/2013 6:59:00 PM
This REALLY works! . . . I do the same thing with my workouts to keep my body "guessing" and to avoid boredom.
NICGAM1/1/2013 9:10:00 AM
On your days were you consume extra calories it is important to keep the big picture in mind. I have tried this in the past and I tell myself, "Oh, it's ok to eat four cupcakes it's a free day." I think setting the calorie mark and continuing to track everything might me key.
RUMBLEAVE10/21/2012 8:24:00 PM
I have heard of this method before and when I read your tip it really got me motivated to try it. It gives me something different to focus on this week. Thanks!
TRICHARDS199/14/2012 5:57:00 AM
I had never heard this before! I'm going to look into it. Thank you.
SPINTEXAS8/25/2012 11:31:00 AM
This trick has worked for several people I know who have lost weight and kept it off. Thanks for the reminder!
SDLEE5148/20/2012 3:14:00 PM
I'm skeptical about this...but on the other hand, it seems like a great excuse to feel less guilty about indulging some on weekends
EXPATBABYMAMA18/16/2012 8:24:00 AM
Cool idea. Thanks for sharing!
LAURAKOHORST8/11/2012 12:56:00 AM
I'm going to give this a try. thanks
NELLIE_RAMONA8/10/2012 1:33:00 PM
Makes sense. Thanks!
BJPENNY708/9/2012 10:28:00 PM
This is a great idea. I am trying it.
GABIBEAR8/9/2012 3:58:00 PM
I've heard this before and it seemed to work for people trying this. I may try it too!
JUDYAMK8/7/2012 10:24:00 PM
Thanks I never knew about it but will sure try it when I get to a plateau
JOEL917/10/2012 4:52:00 AM
Wow, I have been doing this unintentionally for the 6 weeks and strangely enought the last 2 weeks i haven't been able to lose any weight. It seems this works best for my body.
K_MAUREEN_C7/14/2011 8:22:00 AM
Sounds good to me :)
MAKEESHA24/24/2011 10:09:00 PM
I've read that some pros recommend 3 days low end of the "weight loss calories" then 3 days at "maintenance loss". Or sometimes 3 days low then 1 day maintenance. Either way, I think there's great evidence that this is a great idea for plateaus
ZOEYBLU4/3/2011 12:04:00 PM
I have been curious about this.... Thankyou
DRPOOH6310/20/2010 11:07:00 AM
This is great! I have been doing this -not as formal - and it has been working great!
DBURSIKOVA4/23/2010 1:19:00 AM
I'm glad to hear this. That means I'm safe this week, since I have stayed on program everyday except today. I had forgotten this advice and it was good for me to hear it again.
HUNGARIANMAMA4/22/2010 3:17:00 PM
Been doing the spark program for 2 months. I found myself 2 1/2 pounds more today, really needed some encouragement or ideas and this fit the bill. Thanks!!
BBGOOGIN4/22/2010 12:15:00 PM
Good advice--I'll take it! :-)
GRAMMAP14/21/2010 7:57:00 PM
I never heard that advice before. I am going to try it. Thanks
LADYJ69424/21/2010 10:43:00 AM
Nice idea, may need to give this a try.
Related Secrets
Cycle Your Calories
Figure out about how many calories you need to eat per day in order to lose weight then multiply that by 7. For example: 1300 X 7= 9100. Then zig zag the calories from day allowing yourself to eat more some days and less others. Your body won't know you're dieting if you eat 2,000 calories one day and 1,000 the next. Eating the same amount of calories daily causes plateaus, is stressful & boring. Learn to enjoy food and also be responsible to yourself.
MORE INFORMATION:
Even healthy home made pizza can send your calorie count really high, So when I make a pizza I also make a quick healthy soup with stock and lots of veggies and eat a bowlful before the pizza. That way I end up eating less pizza, and keep my calories under control. 4
