Reply
Results 1 to 22 of 22
  1. #1
    Registered User mackmartin1000's Avatar
    Join Date: Dec 2019
    Age: 54
    Posts: 13
    Rep Power: 0
    mackmartin1000 is on a distinguished road. (+10)
    mackmartin1000 is offline

    Is my method inefficient?

    Background: I'm 22, 6 feet tall, and (now) 170 lbs (was 185 a month ago)
    I started a strict diet/exercise routine four or five weeks ago with the goal of losing fat. Since I've lost a good amount of fat in the last month, I've shifted my focus to filling out my almost non existent muscles. I don't necessarily want to be big, just more cut. I've been consistently eating 1200-1700 calories per day with a relatively high protein intake (0.8-1.0g per lb) At this moment I definitely have a bit more fat to lose, my BMI is 23.5. For the last two weeks I've been going to the gym about five days a week, where I run about two miles (burn 200-300 cals) and lift a different muscle group for 30-45 minutes. I know it's ineffective to lift on such a big calorie deficit so I've been keeping up the high protein intake. Generally I'll try to keep my net calories at a minimum of 1200 (usually 1300-1400) - So if I burn 200 cals running I'll make sure I eat at the very least 1400 cals. Is it unhealthy to do this much cardio on my diet? I like doing it but I'm worried it's not good for me or possibly detracting from my progress.
    Reply With Quote

  2. #2
    team ketchup AdamWW's Avatar
    Join Date: Mar 2006
    Location: Seattle, Washington, United States
    Posts: 26,949
    Rep Power: 137130
    AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000)
    AdamWW is offline
    It sounds like you’re in something like a 1000-1200 deficit at least... that is not sustainable especially when you’re not even overweight.
    "When I die, I hope it's early in the morning so I don't have to go to work that day for no reason"
    Reply With Quote

  3. #3
    Registered User mackmartin1000's Avatar
    Join Date: Dec 2019
    Age: 54
    Posts: 13
    Rep Power: 0
    mackmartin1000 is on a distinguished road. (+10)
    mackmartin1000 is offline
    Originally Posted by AdamWW View Post
    It sounds like you’re in something like a 1000-1200 deficit at least... that is not sustainable especially when you’re not even overweight.
    Define sustainable. I should have mentioned I'm only gonna keep up this deficit for another month at the absolute most, then transitioning to something like 1900-2200
    Reply With Quote

  4. #4
    Registered Lifter boo99's Avatar
    Join Date: Dec 2008
    Location: Los Angeles, CA United States
    Posts: 14,054
    Rep Power: 144174
    boo99 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) boo99 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) boo99 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) boo99 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) boo99 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) boo99 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) boo99 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) boo99 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) boo99 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) boo99 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) boo99 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000)
    boo99 is offline
    But why another month of a deficit at 170 lbs?

    Abs?
    NASM CPT

    IG: jeff.galanzzi

    -----------------------------
    RIP my friend D4K
    Reply With Quote

  5. #5
    Registered User mackmartin1000's Avatar
    Join Date: Dec 2019
    Age: 54
    Posts: 13
    Rep Power: 0
    mackmartin1000 is on a distinguished road. (+10)
    mackmartin1000 is offline
    Originally Posted by boo99 View Post
    But why another month of a deficit at 170 lbs?

    Abs?
    I have another few lbs of fat to lose, just wanna get it over with then start bulking up. It's not hard or uncomfortable for me to sustain
    Reply With Quote

  6. #6
    team ketchup AdamWW's Avatar
    Join Date: Mar 2006
    Location: Seattle, Washington, United States
    Posts: 26,949
    Rep Power: 137130
    AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000)
    AdamWW is offline
    Originally Posted by mackmartin1000 View Post
    Define sustainable. I should have mentioned I'm only gonna keep up this deficit for another month at the absolute most, then transitioning to something like 1900-2200
    Uh, that’s still a deficit... are you planning to just wither away to nothing until you’re in a hospital bed?

    If you cut to say, 165, your tdee is still going to be well above 2200 calories... if you want to bulk, you’re going to need much more. Hell, I’m 6 foot and not even 140lb and I’m trying to gain eating 3000+ And I’m 34 years old...
    "When I die, I hope it's early in the morning so I don't have to go to work that day for no reason"
    Reply With Quote

  7. #7
    Registered User mackmartin1000's Avatar
    Join Date: Dec 2019
    Age: 54
    Posts: 13
    Rep Power: 0
    mackmartin1000 is on a distinguished road. (+10)
    mackmartin1000 is offline
    Originally Posted by AdamWW View Post
    Uh, that’s still a deficit... are you planning to just wither away to nothing until you’re in a hospital bed?

    If you cut to say, 165, your tdee is still going to be well above 2200 calories... if you want to bulk, you’re going to need much more. Hell, I’m 6 foot and not even 140lb and I’m trying to gain eating 3000+ And I’m 34 years old...
    My only goal is to cut down my body fat. The only way I can do that is by being in a caloric deficit. If I’m easily able to get by on ~1500cal per day plus exercise, why not just do it ya know? I’d rather do it all at once than drag it out for six months
    Reply With Quote

  8. #8
    team ketchup AdamWW's Avatar
    Join Date: Mar 2006
    Location: Seattle, Washington, United States
    Posts: 26,949
    Rep Power: 137130
    AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000)
    AdamWW is offline
    Originally Posted by mackmartin1000 View Post
    My only goal is to cut down my body fat. The only way I can do that is by being in a caloric deficit. If I’m easily able to get by on ~1500cal per day plus exercise, why not just do it ya know? I’d rather do it all at once than drag it out for six months
    If your only goal is to lose fat, then why are you lifting weights and why are you on a bodybuilding forum?

    Also, you flat out said you want to bulk after you’re done... so, which is it?

    I’m telling you that if your plan is to cut, then bulk eating only 1900-2200 calories, that won’t work because your TDEE is more than that.
    Last edited by AdamWW; 01-20-2020 at 09:59 PM.
    "When I die, I hope it's early in the morning so I don't have to go to work that day for no reason"
    Reply With Quote

  9. #9
    Registered User mackmartin1000's Avatar
    Join Date: Dec 2019
    Age: 54
    Posts: 13
    Rep Power: 0
    mackmartin1000 is on a distinguished road. (+10)
    mackmartin1000 is offline
    Originally Posted by AdamWW View Post
    If your only goal is to lose fat, then why are you lifting weights and why are you on a bodybuilding forum?

    Also, you flat out said you want to bulk after you’re done... so, which is it?

    I’m telling you that if your plan is to cut, then bulk eating only 1900-2200 calories, that won’t work because your TDEE is more than that.
    I’ve explained this very poorly, that’s on me. Bulking is not the right word. I want to transition into continuing to burn body fat while maintaining or slowly building new muscle. Even on my current extreme deficit I’ve been able to build muscle because of my protein surplus.
    Reply With Quote

  10. #10
    Moderator SuffolkPunch's Avatar
    Join Date: Jan 2007
    Location: Suffolk, United Kingdom (Great Britain)
    Posts: 54,513
    Rep Power: 1338184
    SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz
    SuffolkPunch is offline
    Originally Posted by mackmartin1000 View Post
    Even on my current extreme deficit I’ve been able to build muscle because of my protein surplus.
    How do you know?

    Body composition tests are mostly useless. Strength can increase without muscle gain at least in the short-medium term.

    I don't generally recommend trying to recomp, it's never the silver bullet everyone hopes it will be.
    Reply With Quote

  11. #11
    Registered User mackmartin1000's Avatar
    Join Date: Dec 2019
    Age: 54
    Posts: 13
    Rep Power: 0
    mackmartin1000 is on a distinguished road. (+10)
    mackmartin1000 is offline
    Originally Posted by SuffolkPunch View Post
    How do you know?

    Body composition tests are mostly useless. Strength can increase without muscle gain at least in the short-medium term.

    I don't generally recommend trying to recomp, it's never the silver bullet everyone hopes it will be.
    I can see it
    Reply With Quote

  12. #12
    Moderator SuffolkPunch's Avatar
    Join Date: Jan 2007
    Location: Suffolk, United Kingdom (Great Britain)
    Posts: 54,513
    Rep Power: 1338184
    SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz
    SuffolkPunch is offline
    Originally Posted by mackmartin1000 View Post
    I can see it
    Can be glycogen uptake and inflammation. Also, loss of bodyfat makes muscles appear larger even if they are not.

    Long story short: too many confounding factors, we've been through this loop with people many times.
    Reply With Quote

  13. #13
    team ketchup AdamWW's Avatar
    Join Date: Mar 2006
    Location: Seattle, Washington, United States
    Posts: 26,949
    Rep Power: 137130
    AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000)
    AdamWW is offline
    Originally Posted by mackmartin1000 View Post
    I’ve explained this very poorly, that’s on me. Bulking is not the right word. I want to transition into continuing to burn body fat while maintaining or slowly building new muscle. Even on my current extreme deficit I’ve been able to build muscle because of my protein surplus.
    It isn’t going to work dude... you need to AT LEAST eat at maintenance in this situation and 1900-2200 isn’t going to even get you there... and since calorie/macros measuring isn’t 100% accurate, trying for a small surplus at least guarantees you’ll actually gain...

    You’re going to just end up staying exactly the same
    "When I die, I hope it's early in the morning so I don't have to go to work that day for no reason"
    Reply With Quote

  14. #14
    Registered User mackmartin1000's Avatar
    Join Date: Dec 2019
    Age: 54
    Posts: 13
    Rep Power: 0
    mackmartin1000 is on a distinguished road. (+10)
    mackmartin1000 is offline
    Originally Posted by AdamWW View Post
    It isn’t going to work dude... you need to AT LEAST eat at maintenance in this situation and 1900-2200 isn’t going to even get you there... and since calorie/macros measuring isn’t 100% accurate, trying for a small surplus at least guarantees you’ll actually gain...

    You’re going to just end up staying exactly the same
    Well then at the very least I’ll continue to burn fat and the high protein/lifting will prevent excess muscle loss
    Reply With Quote

  15. #15
    team ketchup AdamWW's Avatar
    Join Date: Mar 2006
    Location: Seattle, Washington, United States
    Posts: 26,949
    Rep Power: 137130
    AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000)
    AdamWW is offline
    Originally Posted by mackmartin1000 View Post
    Well then at the very least I’ll continue to burn fat and the high protein/lifting will prevent excess muscle loss
    No, you won't, because if you're in a deficit and you're already lean, you'll end up burning muscle... you cannot just sustain a deficit indefinitely... it doesn't work that way.

    Why are you so set on doing things the wrong way?
    "When I die, I hope it's early in the morning so I don't have to go to work that day for no reason"
    Reply With Quote

  16. #16
    The OG 1MANU's Avatar
    Join Date: Jun 2019
    Posts: 944
    Rep Power: 16201
    1MANU is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) 1MANU is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) 1MANU is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) 1MANU is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) 1MANU is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) 1MANU is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) 1MANU is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) 1MANU is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) 1MANU is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) 1MANU is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) 1MANU is a splendid one to behold. (+10000)
    1MANU is offline
    Originally Posted by AdamWW View Post
    It isn’t going to work dude... you need to AT LEAST eat at maintenance in this situation and 1900-2200 isn’t going to even get you there... and since calorie/macros measuring isn’t 100% accurate, trying for a small surplus at least guarantees you’ll actually gain...

    You’re going to just end up staying exactly the same
    This. 100%.
    Curing Disease.

    Strong mind+Strong body = UNSTOPPABLE.
    Reply With Quote

  17. #17
    Registered User mackmartin1000's Avatar
    Join Date: Dec 2019
    Age: 54
    Posts: 13
    Rep Power: 0
    mackmartin1000 is on a distinguished road. (+10)
    mackmartin1000 is offline
    Originally Posted by AdamWW View Post
    No, you won't, because if you're in a deficit and you're already lean, you'll end up burning muscle... you cannot just sustain a deficit indefinitely... it doesn't work that way.

    Why are you so set on doing things the wrong way?
    I never said I’m already lean. I’m still trying to get rid of belly fat, chest fat, and love handles. How am I supposed to get rid of that fat in a surplus?
    Reply With Quote

  18. #18
    Moderator SuffolkPunch's Avatar
    Join Date: Jan 2007
    Location: Suffolk, United Kingdom (Great Britain)
    Posts: 54,513
    Rep Power: 1338184
    SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz SuffolkPunch has the mod powerz
    SuffolkPunch is offline
    Originally Posted by mackmartin1000 View Post
    I never said I’m already lean. I’m still trying to get rid of belly fat, chest fat, and love handles. How am I supposed to get rid of that fat in a surplus?
    You won't, you need a phased approach. This is from years of experience. You can keep asking the question but the answer will stay the same.
    Reply With Quote

  19. #19
    team ketchup AdamWW's Avatar
    Join Date: Mar 2006
    Location: Seattle, Washington, United States
    Posts: 26,949
    Rep Power: 137130
    AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000)
    AdamWW is offline
    Originally Posted by mackmartin1000 View Post
    I never said I’m already lean. I’m still trying to get rid of belly fat, chest fat, and love handles. How am I supposed to get rid of that fat in a surplus?
    But once you're done 'cutting', you WILL be lean, and you won't be able to do it consistently over time.

    Why are you fighting back against all the advice you're getting? I'm starting to think you just don't want help at all.
    "When I die, I hope it's early in the morning so I don't have to go to work that day for no reason"
    Reply With Quote

  20. #20
    Registered User mackmartin1000's Avatar
    Join Date: Dec 2019
    Age: 54
    Posts: 13
    Rep Power: 0
    mackmartin1000 is on a distinguished road. (+10)
    mackmartin1000 is offline
    Originally Posted by AdamWW View Post
    But once you're done 'cutting', you WILL be lean, and you won't be able to do it consistently over time.

    Why are you fighting back against all the advice you're getting? I'm starting to think you just don't want help at all.
    Lol I’m sorry I’m not trying to be combative. I appreciate all the free advice. I think there’s some miscommunication. I guess when it really comes down to it my only concern is if this type of diet and exercise is unhealthy at least for the next two weeks
    Reply With Quote

  21. #21
    Registered User mackmartin1000's Avatar
    Join Date: Dec 2019
    Age: 54
    Posts: 13
    Rep Power: 0
    mackmartin1000 is on a distinguished road. (+10)
    mackmartin1000 is offline
    Originally Posted by AdamWW View Post
    But once you're done 'cutting', you WILL be lean, and you won't be able to do it consistently over time.

    Why are you fighting back against all the advice you're getting? I'm starting to think you just don't want help at all.
    Ya know what, I understand what I was saying wrong. As soon as I feel like I’m at an appropriate level of fat, I’ll start building muscle at a higher surplus like 2500. Thank you.
    Reply With Quote

  22. #22
    team ketchup AdamWW's Avatar
    Join Date: Mar 2006
    Location: Seattle, Washington, United States
    Posts: 26,949
    Rep Power: 137130
    AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) AdamWW has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000)
    AdamWW is offline
    Originally Posted by mackmartin1000 View Post
    Ya know what, I understand what I was saying wrong. As soon as I feel like I’m at an appropriate level of fat, I’ll start building muscle at a higher surplus like 2500. Thank you.
    Do what you want man... im done here...
    "When I die, I hope it's early in the morning so I don't have to go to work that day for no reason"
    Reply With Quote

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts