some days I look good, other days I look like a fat slob

[Brahesthetics]

well not exactly a super fat slob, but i used to be 24% bodyfat, and now im around 15 or 16 maybe... and um.. some days my pecs and stomache look amazing and defined and other days whats left of my man tittes and spare tire emerge. the whole reason i hit the gym and eat at a deficit is because i want to be more aesthetically pleasing, but this is really phucking with my progress and my mind.

does anyone know what im talking about or can explain to me?


i'll take pics if i really have to

[MSU_Accounting]

Your body is probably holding different amounts of water at these times.

[Brahesthetics]

Your body is probably holding different amounts of water at these times.

probably, does that have to deal with sodium intake?

[cyco85]

I look really good in the morning (well as good as you can look at 26% BF) where my pecs are raised and look solid and my stomach doesn't stick out much, but right about now in the evening time everything is not so great. I have to blame it on water but I am not so sure. Maybe the same for you?

[MSU_Accounting]

probably, does that have to deal with sodium intake?

That could be a contributing factor. Sodium can cause you to retain water.

[Brahesthetics]

so what bodyfat percent do i have to get to to stop looking like a fat ******* at night time

[k-mac]

so what bodyfat percent do i have to get to to stop looking like a fat ******* at night time

Idk, with hospital calipers I was measured most recently at 7.7% (about 10-12% in avi), and to be honest the more cut I got the more the mental effect of bloating had on me. It is wayyy more noticable because your definition will fade in and out, day by day, meal by meal.

[cyco85]

so what bodyfat percent do i have to get to to stop looking like a fat ******* at night time

Well cutting can only get rid of the fat part, man. You can't burn off *******

Seriously though, it's probably a lot more in your head than anything, I'm sure you look fine. You're coming from 24% (nearly obese) so 15 or 16% sounds low but it's not ripped yet. Keep cutting down until 12% and these little things should stop bugging you.

I have a lot further to go than you (I just started) but I've told myself that I am not going to worry about any of this crap until I am < 14% BF just based on what I've read on the forum here. Notice it, sure.... but care? Not yet.

[PirateFace]

For most people, the leanest you're going to look all day is right after waking up and using the facilities (since you're probably borderline dehydrated and have a completely empty stomach). Not exactly conditions that you want to replicate all day long.

To look better at the end of the day, you have to be leaner to start, which just means more fat loss. I think that quoting a number is pointless, it's different for everyone and most measurement techniques aren't that accurate anyway.