The FastDay Forum

Hi, I am new to this and started the 5.2 fast last week. I lost 5lb and was shocked at how reasonably easy this is to follow.

My question is 'can I use exercise calories to increase my 500 a day allowance'. I walk 3 miles per day and I was wondering if I could use some of those calories towards increasing my food allowance on fast days.

I would appreciate any advice that you all think would help me along.

Thanks

Hi Annabella and welcome!

Your total calorie allowance is based on your TDEE - total daily energy expenditure - and any exercise os included in the calculation. See the FAQs for links to TDEE calculators.

Once you have your TDEE, your fasting calorie allowance is 25% of that figure. For 'average' women, their TDEE is 2000, with 500 being 25% of 2000.

Unfortunately, you can't use any calories burned through exercising to raise your 25% allowance as your exercise level was already included in the TDEE figure.

Sorry!

Thanks Jemima for clarifying that.

I have just calculated my TDEE and 25% of my weight/height/age/exercise = 625 calories on my fast day. This is above the recommended 500. I walk at least 5 days per week x 3 miles per day. Is there anyone else using this amount of calories for their 2 day fast and still losing weight?