Have you been dieting hard for months? Super low calories, exercising 3-5 times a week, and not seeing the results you want? I guarantee you’re not eating enough.
Cutting your calories to an all-time low on a consistent day-to-day basis is NOT GOOD FOR YOU! Your metabolism needs fuel to fire up and burn the calories you want. When your calorie count is too low, consistently, your body will find a new homeostasis (stable point) and only burn what it can spare. Putting your body into starvation mode is not the answer.
I suggest working on a calorie cycle. This will force your body to constantly reevaluate it’s metabolic needs. Some days getting more calories, some less. Thereby learning to be more efficient, while making you strong! (Instead of the weak, malnourished feelings you have right now) This is an easy way to enjoy the foods you love, but in moderation, and only on allotted days. You will feel stronger, which will make your workouts more effective.
This calorie cycle, or carb cycle, will have different requirements for everyone. A 140 lb female will have different calorie ranges than a 220 lb male, and so on. I suggest you consult your dietitian or doctor for recommendations if you’re unsure where to begin.
Calorie Cycling / Carb Cycling
It works like this:
- DAY 1 & 2: Moderate calories. Don’t eat too much, or too little. Keep your carbs on an average level, staying away from sugary stuff (especially the artificial crap!)
- DAY 3: Low calories and carb intake. No sugars. Cut out carbs by the afternoon. You may feel a little off, but that’s normal. Your body is adjusting to the calorie and carbohydrate (energy) deficit. Drinks lots of water.
- DAY 4: Moderate-high calories, high carb intake. I wouldn’t call it a “cheat day” because you don’t want to over-indulge in fatty/greasy foods, but today is the day you eat that bagel or donut or pancakes or piece of cake you’ve been dreaming about all week. You might feel a little guilty, but stay the course. This is called a “cycle” for a reason. Results are not seen in one day.
- DAY 5: Another low day. You are probably super satisfied from yesterday, so be sure to be strict today. You will feel strong. Get a good workout in! Keep up the water intake.
- REPEAT CYCLE
This system works best for traditional dieters (not KETO) looking to maintain a high protein/moderate carb/low fat nutritional intake.
Obviously diet programs don’t work unless you move your body, and exercise programs don’t work unless you eat right — so don’t forget to do both!