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Posted by u/depressedlifter··Cutting

How the hell do I balance dieting for figure competition while still lifting heavy?

TL;DR: Struggling to balance dieting for figure comp with maintaining strength; need advice from RDs.

28M here, been lifting for 6 years but I'm feeling like I'm hitting a wall. I want to compete in figure but every time I try to dial in my diet, my lifts tank. Is there any way to stay strong while cutting, or am I just doomed to eat like a rabbit and lose my gains? RD + sports dietitian experiences, AMA.

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u/chickenncarrots·

Balancing heavy lifting with cutting is definitely a challenge, especially when you have a busy schedule. I suggest you track your macros and aim for a slight caloric deficit, rather than going too low. You can still lift heavy while prepping, just keep those protein levels high!

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u/running_on_empty·

as a college student juggling classes and the gym, i get how tough it is to balance everything. meal prepping on weekends really helps me stay on track. consider planning your meals ahead so you can focus on lifting when you're at the gym.

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u/depressedlifter·

100% agree with this. it's like the universe is saying, 'you can't have both!' but i've learned that you can adjust your rep ranges and even incorporate some deload weeks while cutting. don't be afraid to try something new.

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u/bro_split_bro_420·

dude, you can't just go full rabbit mode. i'm all about that heavy lifting and eating big, but when i cut for summer, i tried a powerlifting program with higher volume and lower intensity. made a big difference without tanking my gains. give it a shot!

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u/runningfromcardio·

i lowkey don't lift super heavy yet, but when i cut for my runs, my strength took a hit too. just make sure you're not overdoing it with cardio while lifting heavy, it can really mess with your recovery!

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u/veganpowerlift99·

cutting doesn't have to suck! i'm vegan, and i've found some killer recipes that help keep my strength up while shedding fat. try lentils, quinoa, and chickpeas for protein. it's all about balancing those macros and not just starving yourself!

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u/depressedlifter·

man, i feel you on that. every time i try to cut, it feels like my strength just disappears. dieting for figure is brutal, but i guess if you want to compete, sacrifices gotta be made. just don't forget about your sanity while you're at it.

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u/spoonie_lifter·

i understand where you're coming from, but remember that you can still make progress while cutting! listen to your body and don't push too hard if you're feeling drained. light workouts or even adjusting your lifting schedule might help maintain your strength levels.

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u/chickenncarrots·

totally! cutting doesn't mean you have to give up your gains. just adjust your training to avoid burnout. if you find your lifts dropping, maybe look into a program like 5/3/1 that focuses on progression without needing to constantly lift max weights.

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u/endurancejunkie99·

hey, just remember that strength doesn't disappear overnight. you might lose a bit of your top-end strength while cutting, but you can still keep your lifts solid with smart programming. i've seen folks drop weight and still crush their PRs if they adjust right

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