It can be tough to know exactly when to stop a weight loss phase, but there are some warning signs to look out for that can help.
If you’re experiencing any of the following, you should consider switching to a reverse diet:
You’ve hit a weight loss plateau, despite hitting your macros consistently for several weeks.
You’re constantly hungry and fighting the urge to overeat/binge.
You’re cycling between over-restricting and overeating, making no progress and suffering for it.
The Avatar system won’t let you drop to unsafe calorie levels, but “safe” macros can be useful for some and detrimental to others. Switching to a reverse diet sooner rather than later could save you pain in the short-term, and buy you more progress in the long-term.
Keep in mind that, while it’s always tempting to keep pushing for more progress, you should only stay in a fat loss phase as long as you’re making good progress. That means: progress is happening and not at the cost of your metabolism, mentality, and social life.
For more info, check out this FAQ- How Long Should I Be on a Weight Loss Diet?