Refeed

Definition

A refeed is a planned period of increased caloric intake during a diet or weight loss program with the goal of boosting metabolism, preventing metabolic slowdown, and providing psychological relief from the rigors of a restrictive diet.

Examples

For example, if someone is on a long-term diet and has consistently restricted their calories, they may implement a refeed by increasing their caloric intake for a short period of time, usually a day or two, before returning to their lower-calorie diet. This can help prevent the body from adapting to the lower calorie intake and plateauing in weight loss progress.

Synonyms

• Refuel day
• Diet break
• High calorie day

Related Terms

• Metabolic rate
• Caloric intake
• plateau">Weight loss plateau
• Flexible dieting

Note: Refeeds should only be implemented in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian to ensure safety and effectiveness.