VLCD and increasing calories gradually..

Hi everyone, just a quick question..

If I were to follow a VLCD of 800 or less per day, which is what I've done in the past to lose weight, then how would I go about slowly adding calories in order to gradually build up to the healthy 1200 a day?

Would I VLCD for a little while to lose the bulk of the weight, and then maybe add 50 calories at a time week by week? I don't want to gain though!

laurenmay said:

Hi everyone, just a quick question..

If I were to follow a VLCD of 800 or less per day, which is what I've done in the past to lose weight, then how would I go about slowly adding calories in order to gradually build up to the healthy 1200 a day?

Would I VLCD for a little while to lose the bulk of the weight, and then maybe add 50 calories at a time week by week? I don't want to gain though!

Click to expand...

There are proper refeed plans in place, which ever VLCD you follow will have its own

I'm following my own VLCD which is why I was wondering about refeed.. Not so much the foods but wondering how often to increase calories and by how much at a time.

laurenmay said:

I'm following my own VLCD which is why I was wondering about refeed.. Not so much the foods but wondering how often to increase calories and by how much at a time.

Click to expand...

Ah right! Unfortunately you're not allowed to discuss 'homemade' VLCDs on here as they only allowed official ones. All the refeed info would be irrelevant if you're not using packs etc
Also it can be dangerous to make up your own, as official VLCDs are all nutrionally balanced etc

Weasey has a good refeed thread - well worth looking at her plan.

Yes, WT is right. The refeed info for the marketed, nutritionally balanced VLCDs involves a careful step up of calories and carbs, with a view to easing your body into a normal calorie level without gaining weight. It also gradually reduces the number of packs you have until you are on a balanced, pack free diet. I've been on a VLCD for some time but have started to step up my calories as I am within my last stone. I will try to lose the remaining weight on an 800 (weekday) / 1000 (weekend) version of the diet but I still include mealpacks to ensure adequate nutrition. Your best bet is probably to use My Fitness Pal to increase your calories, and check the nutritional levels. When I step up again I will be doing at least a week on each step and if I gain any weight during that step I will stay on that step until I get back to my original weight, then step up again until my calorie level is holding my weight steady.