How Low Calorie is TOO low?

[akiracarter]

Currently eating around 1500kcal (bodyweight 145lb, 12% bf, 17 years old)
My strength levels have dropped quite significantly in higher rep ranges (lowered glycogen storage, i'm guessing), and very low power ranges, but not so much in the 6-8 rep range. I workout 4 times a week, and 4X45minutes cardio throughout the week. that leaves me with around a net caloric intake of 1000 - Is this too low?

(ATG Back Squat 10 reps down from 220lb to 185lb, Bench 10 reps from 185 to 160, and most significantly - Power Cleans triples from 200lb to 165)

Ive been cutting for four weeks, have dropped 12lbs. I don't buy the whole 'muscle wasting' on a permanent level directly from lack of calories - anyone with any knowledge in human physiology should know that already syntehsized proteins are NOT going to be broken down - only temporarily 'deflated'.

But having said that, prolonged lack of strength = lessened muscle stimulation = possibilty of permnant losses. I'm 7 weeks out from my contest - thoughts?

[JasonWojo]

Currently eating around 1500kcal (bodyweight 145lb, 12% bf, 17 years old)
My strength levels have dropped quite significantly in higher rep ranges (lowered glycogen storage, i'm guessing), and very low power ranges, but not so much in the 6-8 rep range. I workout 4 times a week, and 4X45minutes cardio throughout the week. that leaves me with around a net caloric intake of 1000 - Is this too low?

(ATG Back Squat 10 reps down from 220lb to 185lb, Bench 10 reps from 185 to 160, and most significantly - Power Cleans triples from 200lb to 165)

Ive been cutting for four weeks, have dropped 12lbs. I don't buy the whole 'muscle wasting' on a permanent level directly from lack of calories - anyone with any knowledge in human physiology should know that already syntehsized proteins are NOT going to be broken down - only temporarily 'deflated'.

But having said that, prolonged lack of strength = lessened muscle stimulation = possibilty of permnant losses. I'm 7 weeks out from my contest - thoughts?

So you're saying you don't believe in muscle catabolism through reduced caloric intake? Please define "deflated" proteins.

[MarkVI]

You're 145lbs. why are you cutting?