198. Are You *Actually* in a Calorie Deficit? Stop Guessing - Start Tracking

I was recently asked the question “Should I refeed once a week if I’m in a calorie deficit?”

I love this question (I always love when you send me your questions btw!), but honestly…it depends.

Like most things in the health and fitness world, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer.

Before you start talking about refeed days, carb cycling, or any other advanced strategies, you’ve got to ask yourself an important question: “Am I even in a consistent deficit to begin with?”

The reality is, most people aren’t. Even if you’re “eating clean,” hitting your macros Monday through Friday, but you’re winging it on the weekends, you’re not *truly* in a calorie deficit! 

If you’re not tracking your intake honestly AND consistently, your coach (whether that’s me or someone else) can’t help you. Tools like refeed days won’t either.

If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated with your progress, you don’t need fancier nutrition hacks or more cardio. You need to get your foundation dialed in FIRST, and give yourself time in a true calorie deficit!

Episode Recap:

• Why you need to be sure you're in a true calorie deficit before trying tools like refeed days
• What a calorie deficit actually means + why honest tracking matters
• Common signs you’re not in a real deficit
• How to get into a consistent calorie deficit the RIGHT way

Links/Resources Mentioned:

• Ep. 193 | Unf*ck the Middle: Why You’re Not “Stuck” - You’re in Maintenance
• Ep. 178 | Maintenance Calories 101: Building Strength, Hormonal Health & Food Freedom
• Grab your FREE Body Recomp Meal Prep and get the UFYF Newsletter
• Listen to the Girls with Opinions Podcast
• Join FIT CLUB, my monthly membership with workouts you can do at home or the gym
• PRIVATE COACHING is my 1:1 program (choose 3 or 6 month option)
• Connect with me on Instagram @kristycastillofit and @unfuckyourfitnesspodcast so we can keep this conversation going-be sure to tag me in your posts and stories!
• Join my FREE Facebook group, Unf*ck Your Fitness
• Click HERE for my favorite fitness & life things!

More about the Unf*ck Your Fitness Podcast:

If you've tried all the fad diets and are sick and tired of not achieving your health and fitness goals long-term, you've come to the right place! Welcome to the Unf*ck Your Fitness Podcast with me, Kristy Castillo. I'm here to help you break the annoying diet cycle, gain confidence, and reach your health and fitness goals. 

This podcast will show you how to be proud of the body you have, build the body you want, and enjoy the process along the way. I'll cover topics like how to get the most from your workouts, the importance of feeding your body what it needs, and key mindset shifts that will empower you. I've broken through the BS surrounding diet culture and built my dream body, all while being a busy wife, Mom and business owner, and I know you can too!

Connect with me on Instagram at @kristycastillofit

Learn more about working together by visiting my website: https://www.kristycastillo.com/