Glossary

Refeed Day

Updated February 28, 2026

A refeed day temporarily raises calories (often via carbs) during fat loss to support training and adherence.

Structure

ItemGuide
Frequency1–2 days as needed based on adherence and training
SizeRaise to maintenance or slightly above
FocusCarbs first to refill glycogen; keep protein steady
CheckWatch 7–14 day trend, not next‑day scale weight

Use-cases and contraindications

CaseAppropriate use
Moderate training load with low performanceplanned refeed supports recovery
Long training block with fatiguemoderate refeed can stabilize output
Poor adherence drift without progressrefeed may raise consistency

Templates

TemplateDay pattern
Moderate blockadd carbs in pre and post training slots
Heavy blocklift to near maintenance and keep meal quality high

Monitoring signals

SignalInterpretation
Rebound gain over short windowreturn to baseline quickly and resume deficit
Adherence erosion after refeedpause frequency and simplify meal structure
Performance unchanged with refeed driftavoid repeat and reassess readiness baseline

Use if performance or adherence is slipping, not as a reward system.

Related

Calorie Deficit

A Calorie Deficit occurs when intake is lower than daily expenditure, producing weight loss over time.

Adaptive Calorie Goals

Adaptive Calorie Goals adjust daily intake targets from a rolling evidence loop

Carb Cycling

Carb Cycling places carbohydrate load around demands while preserving weekly energy alignment.