SOS: question 4 the nutrition knowledgable

[msbone]

I keep a daily food diary, tracking calories, fatg, fiberg and water (only way to ensure I drink enough!), and I have a target of 1500 calories/day, 25%fat, & my fiber still needs work but I'm improving!(smile)
My question is: 1500 calories/day = 10,500 calories/week,
so, would i come out the same if I started every Monday with 10,500 at the top of my log, deducted the calories for each meal as usual day after day, but not worry about hitting exactly 1500 each day, so long as I do not go over the 10,500 for the week?
Some days I may only take in 1300 calories, while others I may take in 1600, and the 1600 calorie days I'm just brow-beating myself to death over because I feel as if I've committed some major sin that will forever be upon my hips! And I know it's a mental thing, but if I'm not disciplined to a certain degree, I'll fall apart (eating wise), so would it all balance out is my question? Does it make a difference if I strictly adhere to 1500 calories/day, or is it the same or different than adhering to what it equals each week, which is 10,500?
I'd love to hear all responses, you guys are really educating me on healthy eating and wise weight loss, and I really appreciate it! Thanks, Anne

 

[flyd]

just bumping this one up~ I'd like to hear the answer to this one too!

 

[LoriS]

I don't know the exact answer to your question but keep in mind that nutritional needs can vary on a daily basis. Days you work out will require more fuel (food) so you might increase your caloric intake to 1600, for example, while on a rest day you may only need 1400. You have to look at the big picture. Weight loss is a gradual thing, and in my experience, having a piece of cake one day is not going to ruin your results.

Another thing: This is not from my knowledge base but I found about this from Weight Watchers and most people say it works. The theory is to vary your caloric intake throughout the week. For instance, (and this is just an example since WW uses the point system)
M- 1500 cals
T - 1200 cals
W- 1600 cals
TH - 1200 cals
F - 1300 cals
S - 1900 cals
S - 1500 cals

In theory, this is supposed to trick your body away from entering starvation mode, keeping your metabolism working at a high level, and therefore maximizing weight loss.

 

[msbone]

Ya know, this kinda makes sense! We have to "trick" our muscles by changing up our exercise routines, why not have to "trick" our body in regards food as well?
Thank you for your reply, it is appreciated! Anne