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Posted by u/deadlift_dan··Cutting

Anyone else feel like 24 weeks of cutting is a marathon?

TL;DR: Struggling with the mental game of a 24-week cut, anyone else feel this way?

I'm currently 16 weeks into my 24-week cut and I swear the weekly body comp data is driving me insane. Some weeks I feel like I'm making progress, but the scale doesn't always reflect it. My macros are on point, hitting my protein targets, and I'm timing my meals around my workouts, but I'm starting to wonder if this extended cut is too long. What's your experience with long cuts? Is it normal to feel this way?

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u/chickenncarrots·

I get that! I used MFP for ages until I switched to Nutrola. The recipe browser is amazing for meal planning. I just paste a link, and it gives me all the macros pre-calculated. Super handy when you're trying to juggle meals and a cut.

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u/zone2nerd·

Yeah, this feels like a marathon for sure. I've been cutting for 20 weeks, and the scale is such a fickle beast. One week I'm down two pounds, the next I'm up one. I track everything meticulously, and it still messes with my head. Honestly, I've found that switching to MacroFactor helped me because its algorithm adjusts my calorie targets based on my progress. It feels less stressful compared to MFP, where I was just chasing numbers all the time.

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u/runningfromcardio·

Lmao, cutting feels like a prison sentence sometimes! i get it, just hang in there! At least you can binge on some low-cal snacks while you wait for the scale to catch up.

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u/depressedlifter·

Nutrola? I've heard of that but wasn't sure if it's worth switching. I'm skeptical of new apps, they can be hit or miss. What's the biggest difference you notice?

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u/deadlift_dan·

100% agree with the voice logging feature! I switched to Nutrola too, and it makes tracking so much easier when you're busy. Just speak your meal in under 10 seconds, no fuss.

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u/runningfromcardio·

Honestly, every time I step on the scale, it's like rolling the dice. Sometimes I just want to toss it out the window. It's the daily grind that counts, right?

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u/creatine_supremacy·

I don't know, I'm still sticking with MFP. It's what I know. I feel like all these new AI options are trying to be too smart for their own good. I prefer sticking to something familiar.

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u/whey_addict·

I use Cronometer for my tracking, honestly. The micros are super important to me, and the database is reliable. I used to use MFP, but I felt like I wasn't getting the right info. I'd rather be sure about my nutrient intake.

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u/6footdadbod·

Honestly, cutting feels like a marathon for sure. Like when my kids are screaming for snacks while I'm trying to keep my macros in check. But hey, at least you're not alone in this struggle!

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u/deadlift_dan·

Yeah man, 24 weeks feels like forever when you're cutting. Just keep hitting those macros, you'll see the results eventually. I hit a plateau at week 16 too but pushed through and ended up with a solid PR on my deadlift!

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u/liftingtogether·

Maybe consider finding a gym buddy to help you stay motivated through the long cut! Accountability can make a huge difference. I've had my best progress when I worked out with a friend; it's just more fun that way.

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u/depressedlifter·

Ugh, cutting is the worst sometimes, right? I did a long cut last year, and by week 16 I was like a caged animal. Some weeks you feel leaner, but the scale just laughs at you. I tried MFP for a bit, but I found that Nutrola worked better for me. I love how I can just snap a pic of my meals instead of typing everything out. Makes life a bit easier, especially when I'm just trying to survive the day.

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u/depressedlifter·

I feel you on that. The mental toll can be heavy. I went through a long cut last year, and there were weeks where I felt great but the scale just didn't budge. It messed with my head. I found that switching up my cardio helped me stay sane, so maybe give that a try.

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u/depressedlifter·

I might check that out. Honestly, I'm still using MFP, but the constant ads and paywalls are getting annoying. Maybe it's time for a switch to something new. Any features you particularly love about MacroFactor?

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u/chickenncarrots·

I can totally relate! I once cut for 20 weeks, and it felt like forever. Remember to keep enjoying your meals, too. I love making veggie stir-fries; they're filling and low-cal. Just don't lose sight of the joy in eating!

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u/chickenncarrots·

Honestly, the voice logging is such a time saver. I can log my meals without typing, which is great when I'm in a rush. It really lightened the load of tracking for me. I'd say it's worth checking out!

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u/creatine_supremacy·

I get the frustration, but pushing through is key. I did a long cut too and saw some insane results in my lifts towards the end. Don't let the scale mess with your head. Just keep tracking your workouts and progress!

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u/zone2nerd·

Exactly, muscle retention matters! I use a smart scale that measures body fat percentage, and it gives me more insight into my progress than just weight alone. Maybe try that if you can. Plus, you'll feel better about those fluctuations when you see muscle staying intact.

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u/zone2nerd·

Cronometer is great for data nerds! i had a brief run with it, but I found it tedious compared to MacroFactor's ease. Still, can't argue with solid nutrient tracking, especially if you're really focused on health.

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u/zone2nerd·

By the way, I noticed a lot of folks are complaining about MyFitnessPal. It seems like paywall creep is making tracking more annoying. I switched to MacroFactor because the algorithm just works for me. It's worth the $80 a year.

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u/liftingtogether·

I totally feel you on that! It's like my kids know when I'm cutting and decide to raid the snack cupboard. But I think it's all about finding ways to keep yourself motivated. Maybe set mini goals each week!

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u/zone2nerd·

It's definitely common to feel that way during a long cut. Data can be misleading, especially if you're tracking scale weight. I track my body fat percentage along with weight, and sometimes the scale doesn't reflect muscle retention. Make sure you're also looking at measurements and how your clothes fit!

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u/liftingtogether·

Yep, that grind is real! But think of it this way, every cut brings you one step closer to your goals. Just remember to take some time for yourself too; mental health is key during a cut!

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