How effective is the zig-zag method?

[mbcrump]

I'm thinking about eating 1000 more calories today and saturday just to mix things up a bit. I've been eating very clean and was thinking of tossing some chinese food into the mix tonight (takeout). I normally eat 2000 calories a day (6'2, 175lbs). I'm trying to build some muscle but don't want it to turn to fat. I exercise 6 days a week. What do you guys/gals think?

 

[Lifterforlife]

I have always kind of liked the zigzag method. Using a common sense approach is effective I believe.

I have been a proponent for eating for your "needs" for a long time. Same with your pwo shake.

 

[alex2678]

That was one of "Dr. Squat" Fred Hatfield's suggestions on dieting. A few high calorie days to gain some muscle and fat then a few lower calorie days to burn off the fat that was gained. I've always just stuck to X amount of calories for a certain amount of time, but you could give it a try if you like.

 

[MASSIVEMONSTER]

if your 6`2 at 175 youll need more than 2000 cals to `build muscle` my friend. shoot for 3500 a day...

 

[*Bunny*]

1000 cals seem to low for someone your size. That would put you at ~ 6 X your bodyweight, maybe start around ~8 X at least?

Not TOO familiar with this term zig-zag (yet) but I understand the premise, reminds me of a carb rotation I've done in the past (since everyone seems to have a different opinion on the correct way to 'rotate' )

... but I googled & came across this calulator & thought I'd share
http://www.naturalphysiques.com/tools.php?itemid=64

 

[mbcrump]

I know I need to eat more, Whats funny is that I eat more now than I did when I was overweight. I'm constantly full. Several people at work see me eating and say, Are you eating AGAIN?!? I think I'm going to have to look for some ways to get more calories in.

 

[JKurz1]

Christ!!!!!!!!!!!! EAT..............you got about 40 lbs to put on before you need to worry....quit buring the candle at both ends.....eat, eat, eat.....then you can cut later....forget the zig zag....just ZIG!

 

[cyrex]

great link bunny

 

[KBEKQT]

I do 2 high days per week...high protein, whole wheat pancakes with blueberries, bananas and walnuts, 8 oz filet, white potato, shake and cantaloup...you get the idea...works well to put good on size

 

[Lifterforlife]

I like the idea because over the years of dealing with lots of clients, I find that a more flexible dieting plan seems to work better for most. The mental aspect of a strict regimine gets some feeling deprived, etc., making it hard to stick to.

On the other side of the coin, give a person enough rope, and they will hang themselves.

So, it really comes down to what type personality you are as to how regimented your dieting scheme. This is something you will have to figure out for yourself as you go.