Having trouble maintaining strength while cutting

[Tbg299]

Hey everyone, this is my first post on these forums. I am a 23 year old male who is just getting back to training full time at the gym in over 5 years. With a combination of hard weight training and the ketogenic diet I have been on, I have lost about 30 pounds in the past 3-4 months. My caloric intake is restricted to about 1800 calories a day, with no more than 30g of carbs. My workout routine is pretty standard. On lifting days I start with a deadlift squat or bench press for 5x5, then do 3 or 4 sets of accessory exercises for 8-12 reps. On the days in between I do cardio and bodyweight exercises.I only have 1 rest day each week.
My strength gains in the beginning were great. I increased my squat, bench, and deadlift by almost 25 lbs. each in the first 1-2 months, but I have been stuck in a plateau for the past couple of weeks. Is it possible that my calories are too low and preventing muscle growth? I would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

[alobri3]

Don't worry about it. Despite what 9 out of 10 people on BB will tell, strength loss is inevitable and will happen - unless you "supplement".

Also, if you are cutting - do not expect muscle growth. These are separate goals. Once you go through your Noob phase, where you are able to do both (build muscle and lose fat) - it will be more productive to pick one goal at a time. Looks like you reached that point. So either cut further and accept some strength loss, or increase your calorie count and gain weight and strength. Not knowing what you look like like and your stats - it is hard to recommend what to do.

[jwtiger69]

Umm you are in a cut.... Did you not think you would loose some strength and some muscle? It happens. That is why most people bulk/cut throughout the year. Finish your cut and then add calories back in.

[mike33511]

If I read your post correctly, your strength was going up and now you're in a plateau, so your strength is staying the same. This means you are maintaining your strength. That is about the best you can hope for in a cut sometimes, especially at 1800 calories a day.