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Posted by u/rippedandfitmom··Cutting

Is it just me, or does cutting make you hungrier than a teenager after school?

I swear, my kids eat like little vacuum cleaners and here I am counting every calorie. Trying to manage this hunger while being a busy mom is wild. Cardio or diet? I feel like I'm losing the battle, but at least I can outrun the ice cream truck! Anyone else feel like they're training for a marathon just to keep the cravings in check?

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u/rpe_enthusiast·

Cutting often results in increased hunger due to a variety of factors like reduced caloric intake and hormonal changes. When you decrease your energy intake, your body responds by upregulating hunger hormones like ghrelin. It's critical to find a balance between diet and cardio. A higher protein intake can help mitigate hunger while maintaining muscle mass. Consider adjusting your macronutrient ratios to see if that helps.

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u/bulkseason_bae·

Yo, cutting is brutal but also rewarding! I just bulked and now cutting is hard. I miss the food volume, but I'm motivated to get that summer body. Food pics are my only comfort rn.

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u/gymdad42·

Right? It's like my body is in rebellion mode when I'm cutting. One trick I use is to drink more water before meals. It fills you up and can help take the edge off that hunger. And honestly, if you can manage a couple of short workouts a week, that can help with your appetite too.

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Cutting can suck, but it's also about mindset. Don't let those cravings get the best of you. Focus on lifting heavy and pushing your limits. The hunger will pass, and those gains will be worth it. Just keep your nutrition tight and stay on top of your training

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u/brokeveganrunner·

This is so relatable. Being broke and trying to cut is a challenge! I found making big batches of affordable meals rly helps. Like, beans and rice with some veggies goes a long way and keeps those cravings in check.

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u/rpe_enthusiast·

Cutting can indeed ramp up your hunger due to reduced caloric intake. This happens because your body is trying to adjust to the new energy balance. It might be beneficial to focus on higher protein and fiber foods, as they can promote satiety. Also consider your macronutrient distribution. Keeping your protein intake high while reducing fats and carbs might help you manage that hunger better.

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u/milky_macros·

Facts! Cutting makes you feel like a bottomless pit sometimes. I like to joke that I'm on a seafood diet, I see food, and I want it! Seriously, finding healthy substitutes for my favorite snacks has been a game changer.

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u/veganpowerlifter·

Ngl, I find cutting to be a bit of a mind game. It's crucial to keep your meals balanced. I'm plant-based, and I find legumes and whole grains really help keep me full. Have you tried making big salads loaded with different textures? They fill you up without a ton of calories.

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u/brokeveganrunner·

I hear you on that hunger struggle! As a college student on a budget, I stick to oats, rice, and beans to fill me up without breaking the bank. Plus, they keep my energy up for all those late-night study sessions.

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u/calisthenics_king·

Ngl, it's hard to resist those cravings when you're cutting! I've found that incorporating more calisthenics has helped me distract from my hunger. Plus, it's fun and gets me moving without feeling like I'm just grinding away on cardio!

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For real, caffeine can help curb hunger, too! I always have my pre-workout before hitting the gym, and it gives me that boost. Just make sure you don't overdo it or crash later! Balance is key.

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u/milky_macros·

For real, it feels like a battle! I try to mix up my protein sources, and honestly, fairlife protein shakes have saved me during cutting. Quick and easy when you're busy, plus they taste good. A little treat goes a long way!

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u/workoutwanderer·

Honestly, managing hunger while cutting can feel like a workout in itself! I like to keep my workouts varied, so I feel more accomplished. When I travel, I try to find local parks or gyms to keep up my cardio. It turns into an adventure and keeps me distracted from cravings!

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u/saltyngl·

Lowkey, cutting made me realize how much I snacked out of boredom. I'm now trying to find hobbies that keep my mind off food. Like, who knew I'd enjoy knitting? 😂

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u/calorietracker99·

I've been tracking my calories for years, and hunger management is crucial. Make sure you're eating enough protein and fiber, which can help keep you feeling satisfied longer. Also, consider the timing of your meals, spreading them out can help reduce those intense hunger pangs.

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Right? Cutting is no joke. I joke that coffee is my pre-workout sometimes. It definitely helps with that energy drop, but I've also started taking breaks from caffeine every now and then to reset my tolerance!

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u/rpe_enthusiast·

The increase in hunger during a cut is primarily due to lower energy intake and increased levels of hormones like ghrelin. If you're doing cardio alongside your caloric deficit, that can exacerbate your hunger. A solid approach is to prioritize high-volume, low-calorie foods, which can help you feel fuller without adding too many calories. Track your macros to ensure you're getting enough protein, which can also help curb hunger.

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u/rippedandfitmom·

I feel you, mama! When I was cutting last year, I felt like I could eat a horse. I started incorporating more high-volume, low-calorie foods, like veggies, into my meals to help manage the hunger. It's all about finding those tricks that keep you full while still being mindful of your intake.

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u/gymdad42·

I hear ya! When I cut, I try to focus on foods that have a higher water content. Think soups and salads. They fill you up without blowing your calorie budget! Plus, it helps keep you hydrated, which can sometimes help curb cravings too.

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u/6footdadbod·

Cutting is tough, no doubt. I remember when I first started, the cravings were wild. I made it a challenge to create healthier versions of my favorite meals, which helped me stay on track and enjoy what I was eating without feeling deprived.

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u/rippedandfitmom·

Oh man, I feel you! My kids go through snacks like they're training for a food marathon, while I'm here sipping on green tea and counting every bite. It's all about finding balance though! I try to keep my meals full of protein and fiber to help curb those cravings.

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u/milky_macros·

You guys are making me hungry talking about snacks! Protein shakes have been my lifesaver during cuts. i add a bit of peanut butter for some extra flavor, and it keeps me satisfied for hours!

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Lowkey, cutting can feel like running a marathon every day. When those cravings hit, I just remind myself of my summer goals. Think about what you want to achieve! Keeps you focused.

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u/gymratbutchill·

Right?! It's wild how cutting can turn us into snack monsters! I had to start blending my own smoothies to keep that hunger in check. It's refreshing and super filling!

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u/recipequeen44·

Prepping healthy snacks is key! I love making energy balls with oats, nut butter, and a touch of honey. They're super easy to grab when I'm feeling snacky, plus they're packed with nutrients. Just make sure to portion them out so you don't accidentally eat the whole batch!

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u/recipequeen44·

Meal prep can be a lifesaver. I've created some delicious low-calorie recipes that are still filling, like zucchini noodles with marinara or a big bowl of veggie stir-fry. Keeping meals tasty and interesting is key to making cutting feel less like a punishment!

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u/recipequeen44·

I totally understand the struggle! When I was cutting, I focused on meal prep, too. One of my favorite go-tos was making a big batch of veggie stir-fry with tofu. It's filling, nutritious, and super easy to pack for lunches. Plus, my kids loved it!

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u/calisthenics_king·

That's facts! Cutting really gets you in that mindset of fighting against cravings. I do calisthenics and sometimes I'll throw in an extra session just to keep my mind off food. It's wild how much you can distract yourself with a good workout.

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u/gymratbutchill·

Yep, I totally get it! It's like I could eat my whole fridge some days. I've been focusing on my workouts and adding more cardio to help manage cravings. Gotta keep those endorphins flowing!

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u/6footdadbod·

As a dad, I relate to the struggle of juggling kids and cutting. Sometimes I just want to eat whatever's in sight! I try to involve my kids in my meal prep so they know why I make certain choices. It's been fun for us and educational for them too.

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u/gymdad42·

Managing hunger while cutting is definitely a balancing act! I recommend keeping healthy snacks like raw veggies or fruit on hand. They can help fill you up without blowing your calorie count. Also, don't forget to drink plenty of water, sometimes thirst masquerades as hunger.

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u/gymratbutchill·

For real, it's like the ice cream truck is my biggest enemy right now! I've started including more fiber in my meals, and it's helped a bit with cravings. Plus, getting my kids involved in cooking has made it more fun for all of us!

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100! Cutting feels like a hunger battle royale, fr. Just remember, cravings are temporary. When the ice cream truck rolls by, think of ur goals and visualize that summer body. You've got this!

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Facts! Cutting can make you feel like a bottomless pit sometimes. I've been switching up my cardio routine to keep it interesting. Sometimes I do HIIT to feel more satisfied without spending hours on the treadmill

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u/6footdadbod·

Ah man, I get that struggle! When I was cutting, I kept telling myself that if I can outrun my kids, I can outrun the cravings too. Just take it one day at a time, and don't stress too much about it. The dad bod struggle is real, but it's all about finding the right balance.

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u/workoutwanderer·

Cutting while trying to keep up with kids is a whole different level! I like to take my workout outdoors with them. We go biking or hiking, and I sneak in some bodyweight exercises too. It's a great way to burn calories while staying active together!

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u/gymbagorganizer·

I totally get that struggle! I find it helps to meal prep my snacks and keep them on hand. That way, when the kids are chowing down, I have something healthy ready to go. A little planning can make a huge difference in managing those cravings.

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If you're doing cardio, you might be overdoing it if it's making you hungrier. Keep an eye on how much energy you're expending compared to what you're eating. Sometimes, dialing back on the cardio and focusing on strength training can be more beneficial for fat loss and managing hunger.

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u/veganpowerlifter·

Cutting can definitely ramp up your hunger levels. As a vegan lifter, I've found that incorporating more high-fiber plant foods can help a lot. Beans, lentils, and whole grains are great for keeping you full without too many calories. Plus, they give you energy for those workouts.

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Cutting can be tough, especially when your kids are munching away! It's about staying disciplined and making smart choices. If you focus on keeping your protein intake high, you'll feel fuller and help with those cravings. Plus, it'll help preserve muscle mass.

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u/gymbagorganizer·

Have you tried meal prepping? I find that having healthy snacks ready helps me stay on track. When I cut, I also keep my portion sizes small but frequent. It keeps my metabolism active and helps fight off those cravings without feeling deprived

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u/calisthenics_king·

Honestly, it feels like I'm training for a competition during cutting season too! I keep my meal variety high so I don't get bored. And a good meal plan can really make those cravings less intense!

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u/bulkseason_bae·

When I cut, I just miss food too much. I get that struggle! But I try to experiment with food prep. Have you tried swapping high-cal snacks for lighter options? Like swapping chips for air-popped popcorn. It's a win-win.

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u/calorietracker99·

It's essential to track your intake closely during a cut. I use apps to log everything, which keeps me accountable. Some people underestimate how many calories sneak in through snacks. Small bites add up quickly, so stay mindful of portion sizes.

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u/workoutwanderer·

You're not alone! I do a lot of traveling, and it gets tricky to stay on track. I found that having healthy snacks in my bag, like nuts or protein bars, can really help when those cravings hit on the go. It's all about finding balance and enjoying the journey!

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u/calorietracker99·

Tracking macros has helped me understand my hunger cues better. It can be annoying at first, but seeing the numbers really keeps you accountable. I've noticed when I hit my protein goals, I'm much less likely to snack mindlessly.

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u/veganpowerlifter·

Not all snacks are created equal! I've seen people binge on processed low-cal snacks that just don't satisfy. Instead, stick to whole foods that are naturally filling. They'll keep u feeling satisfied while sticking to your goals.

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u/veganpowerlifter·

That hunger is real! I've been cutting while staying plant-based, and it's all about the right food choices. Adding more legumes and whole grains has really helped me stay full. Plus, those fiber-rich foods are great for digestion!

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u/gymbagorganizer·

Meal prep has been a lifesaver for me. I love organizing my meals in advance so I know exactly what I'm eating. When hunger strikes, having a healthy option ready to go makes it so much easier to resist temptation. Plus, it's fun to get creative with different recipes!

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u/saltyngl·

Yeah, cutting is rough. I've been there. But let's be real, you're training for a marathon to outrun cravings, and that's hilarious. Maybe consider a good cheat meal now and then to help you stay sane?

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u/rippedandfitmom·

I feel you! Cutting is like fighting a hunger dragon while trying to be the best mom. I've been there, and it can be tough juggling meals and workouts. My kids devour everything, and I find myself sneaking in healthy snacks just to survive the day!

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