Am I doing everything right? (cutting to very low bodyfat, maintaining muscle)

[BigAndJuicy]

Am I doing everything right for my goals?

I'm a 25 y/o into bodybuilding with an above average amount of muscle mass, 5'10", 170 lbs, and looking to cut down to an extremely low bodyfat percentage (8 or 9%).

I'm currently eating 2000 cals a day trying to lose about 3 lbs a month until I meet my goal (~3-4 months). I'm trying to maintain as much muscle as possible


Within an hour of waking, I eat about 150 calories of nuts or other sources of carbs and/or fats

I slowly eat a half a lb of cooked boneless skinless chicken breast between 2 and 6 hours after waking. No sauce or oil or anything on the chicken

10 hours after waking I eat 900-950 calories of pasta with parmesan cheese and a touch of butter. (670 cals of pasta, 230ish of cheese, and a touch of butter)

12-15 hours after waking I gradually eat another half lb of boneless skinless chicken breast and a very small amount of green beans

15 hours after waking/before bed I eat 200 calories of completely plain airpopped popcorn.

I have a multivitamin before bed

I have a food scale and am very precise with all the above. I only drink water

[AdamWW]

I have to wonder why you'd want to cut when at least by your avi photo, you're at a very good BF% to simply lean bulk and avoid cutting down to a skinny frame...

What is your reason for wanting to be 8-9% bodyfat?

[BigAndJuicy]

I have to wonder why you'd want to cut when at least by your avi photo, you're at a very good BF% to simply lean bulk and avoid cutting down to a skinny frame...

What is your reason for wanting to be 8-9% bodyfat?

I'm at like 13% percent right now

Idk I just gained an appreciation for a very lean physique, like the look, and want to see what what I can do and maybe lean bulk from there. I don't want to cut down to contest level conditioning but want to try to push it pretty far still

I've never done a cut before

[kingHanley]

Good luck with your test goals of 2020

[AdamWW]

I'm at like 13% percent right now

Idk I just gained an appreciation for a very lean physique, like the look, and want to see what what I can do and maybe lean bulk from there. I don't want to cut down to contest level conditioning but want to try to push it pretty far still

I've never done a cut before

Well, 2000 calories to lose 1lb a week would mean your maintenance is 2500. Is that what it is?

Bottom-line, you need to figure out your calorie needs and just do the math... and eat enough protein and fats, etc.

[Tommy W.]

There's no reason to cut to even 10% if you plan on adding mass after dieting down you're just wasting your time with something that will be undone in a month or so.

[Mrpb]

Ideally you want to have sufficient protein in about 4 meals.

Slowly eating your chicken over several hours is not optimal for MPS.

[905letters]

Ideally you want to have sufficient protein in about 4 meals.

Slowly eating your chicken over several hours is not optimal for MPS.

What's the best way? Eating it in one go?

[AdamWW]

What's the best way? Eating it in one go?

He literally just said to space it out....


Also, you need more fruit/vegetables... a 'very small amount' of green beans is not ideal, at all.

Try to eat 3-5 meals/snacks per day all containing protein. Distribute the protein as evenly as you can.

[Mrpb]

What's the best way? Eating it in one go?

Probably 4-5 protein servings spaced ~4 hours apart.

Just eat your food normally and chew well.