A cyclical dietary approach involves manipulating daily caloric intake in a wave-like pattern, alternating between higher and lower calorie days. For example, an individual might consume 1,800 calories one day, 1,500 the next, and then return to 1,800. This differs from consistently consuming the same number of calories daily.
This method may offer several advantages. Proponents suggest it can prevent metabolic adaptation, a potential plateau in weight loss when the body adjusts to a consistent calorie deficit. Furthermore, it offers more flexibility in food choices, allowing for higher-calorie meals on designated days. While not a new concept, this practice has gained popularity in recent years alongside various online tools and resources that facilitate tracking and planning these dietary fluctuations.