daily macros vs sleep

[hrdgain81]

I've been thinking about this a lot lately for some reason, and I dont think we have discussed it here really. A lot of people ask about how to eat around thier work shifts, and things of that nature. But I think this is a little different.

Normally I have a very set schedule, eat every 2.5 hours, and get in my required "daily" macros. But what exactly constitues "daily", If I'm awake for less hours durring the day (say on vacation, or weekends) doesnt it make sense that I would need less cals on days when I sleep an extra 5hrs?

How do you guys handle these types of situations, do you try to cram in all your "daily" macros no matter how long your awake, or do you curb them on days like these. I have just been trying to eat every 2.5hrs while awake, but I'm not sure if thats the best approach.

[Kane]

Here's the way I look at it. Daily requirements are daily requirements regardless of how long your day is. Longer days means eating more comfortably, shorter days means a couple larger meals maybe.

I always eat based on my macro goals and sometimes that means a meal every 2 hours or 3 hours or lots of snacking. Whatever it takes basically, and 99% of the time I manage to meet my goals.

[hrdgain81]

See I'm just wondering if doing that, on days that your not awake for as long, is going to lead to more fat gain. Not such a big deal while bulking, but if your goal is fat loss, it could be a much different story.

[Kane]

That's possible. The larger meals may increase your fat storage. In that case I would try and manage the carbs and fat throughout the waking day (eating every 2.5 hrs as you said)...on a fat loss setup they should be lower and easier to get in. You've got carbs and fat regulated in smaller meals and you should be able to hit your macro for protein even if you have to add in an extra shake or something.

I think I'm on the right track but don't take my word for it...I'm always bulking

[TALO]

Mine stay the same if Im sleeping for 10,8 or 5. Sometimes on Night shift I only get 5hrs during the day. My macros (right now) are different only on training vs non training days. If I don't get a full 8hrs sleep I just get less meals in , and I won't train if I only got 5hrs sleep.

[hrdgain81]

Interesting stuff, thanks for the input guys.