20 weeks 240ish to 220 doable?

[M8Bro]

Hey guys!

So after a long and well needed bulk I am deciding I would like to lean up a bit.
Not too much, just drop the excess fat so I can re-evaluate my physique and see my strengths and weaknesses without the layer of blubber.

I am currently around 20% and have been doing IF for the last month or so at maintenance (3000-3500 cals)
Dropping a few cm on my waist.
Morning weight fluctuates between 235-240.

Ideally, I would like to drop 1lb per week till I reach my goal, then see where I am and take action from there.
I would like to take it very slow as I am worried I will lose hard earned muscle mass.
Keeping muscle mass is my main priority, I could cut for TWICE the length with the same goal and still be happy, I am in no rush.

I calculated my maintenance to be 2900 calories or there abouts.
I work out 5-6 days in the gym with little to no cardio, but I would like to add in some HIIT in the mornings.

Think of starting on 2750 calories for the next week?
Would that be too much of a drop?

Any guidance given on the subject would be GREATLY appreciated.

Again, I am in no rush, and if needs be I can extend my time frame to preserve muscle.

[bbsapphireee]

It's quite rare to see people on this forum chasing after REALISTIC goals these days, everyone's always in a rush and ****.

If you'll be adding in those HIIT sessions often, 2750 seems fine for slow and steady fat loss. Otherwise I would drop it even more to like 2500 and you'll still be safe. Muscle loss on a cut is inevitable but it's often exaggerated and can be minimized with adequate protein consumption, proper rest, and heavy intense lifting (which I'm sure you got on point)

good luck sir, and repped for actually have a realistic goal

[starstrukked]

Definitely doable. A pound a week is one of the more safer, and suggested, ways to lose weight. As long as your nutrition and training regimen is spot on, your muscle losses will be at a minimum. And yes, you can always seek to lose weight at a slower rate to prevent muscle loss from occurring but I think a pound a week is fine. Good luck!

[M8Bro]

Thanks for the help!

Slow and steady!
The foundation of patience I build now will allow me to progress far further than if I built it on impatience and an "i want it now" attitude.

Glad I have some space with calories then, was worried it'd be to drastic, but it seems my estimation was atleast in the ball park.