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Posted by u/proteinpancakes22路路Cutting

Feeling stuck after 24 weeks of cutting? Help!

TL;DR: Struggling after 24 weeks of cutting with body comp data stagnation. Looking for advice on macros, refeeds, or meal prep ideas!

So, I've been on this extended cut for 24 weeks now (yikes, right?) and I'm starting to feel a bit overwhelmed. I thought I'd see more progress by now, but my weekly body comp data isn't moving much. I've been keeping up with my macros, hitting around 150g of protein daily, and using some nutrient timing strategies to optimize my meals. My workouts are still pretty solid with consistent strength training, but I feel like I'm hitting a wall!

I've tried a few different strategies like adjusting my calorie intake and incorporating more refeeds, but I'm honestly not sure what else to do at this point. Should I be changing my macros? Maybe try a different approach altogether? I'd love to hear how you guys have navigated through long cuts like this. Any tips or advice would be sooo appreciated! 馃

Also, if anyone has suggestions for meal prep ideas that keep things interesting, I'm all ears! Cooking is my jam, and I want to keep my meals fresh and fun while staying on track. Let's chat!

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u/bro_split_bro_420路

Bro, u're on a long cut, and your body is like 'chill, fam.' You might need to switch up your training or take a deload week. You gotta confuse those muscles sometimes. Maybe even try some new lifts or a different workout style. Just switch it up!

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u/depressedlifter路

Dude, if you're feeling overwhelmed, maybe consider a mental health break. Cutting for so long can take a toll, and it's okay to step back. Focus on enjoying your workouts, and don't stress too much about numbers.

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u/calisthenics_only路

Cutting can be rough, but it's also a great time to focus on bodyweight work. Have you tried adding in some calisthenics? They can help maintain strength while you cut. Plus, it keeps workouts fun and interesting!

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u/gains_4_days路

I gotta disagree with some folks saying it's all about the macros. It's also about your mindset, man. If you're feeling burnt out, taking a step back can work wonders. Just try to keep it fun!

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u/whey_addict路

It sounds like you're in a classic plateau situation. Have you thought about increasing your overall calorie intake a bit and then reducing it again after a week? Sometimes a little reset can shock the body back into losing

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u/depressedlifter路

Man, cutting for that long can be rough. I did a 20-week cut last year and hit a similar plateau. I started incorporating higher carb days just to switch things up, and it helped me break through. Mental aspect plays a big role too, so don't be too hard on yourself if you're feeling overwhelmed.

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u/powerliftingpaul路

A solid cut requires precision. Make sure you're tracking everything accurately. I use MyFitnessPal but also have been experimenting with MacroFactor for its flexibility and ease. Both work great if you put in the effort to log consistently. Just don't skip the details!

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u/lightweightsfordays路

This is why I like to keep things easy, fam. I just lift and eat what I feel. But if u want variety, try swapping some rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice. Super easy switch and adds some nutrients!

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u/runninglateagain路

You're in a tough spot, but I feel like some people take cutting too seriously. You might be overthinking it. What helped me was not obsessing over every single macro and just focusing on enjoying the process. Lowkey, have you tried running instead of lifting for a week?

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u/whey_addict路

If you're hitting a wall after 24 weeks, might be time to take a look at your overall intake. Sometimes it's just about adjusting those macros a bit more. Don't be afraid to play around with your calorie targets, especially if you've been on a deficit for so long.

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u/gains_4_days路

Yup, 24 weeks is a long time! I'd suggest you switch up ur training routine, maybe try supersets or circuit training for a change. Keeps the intensity up, and might just kickstart that progress again.

7
u/zone2nerd路

Consider analyzing your macro ratios. Are you too low on fats or carbs? This can sometimes lead to a stall. I've seen people thrive on higher fat, lower carb during cuts, so it might be worth a try to experiment a bit.

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u/depressedlifter路

Honestly, I think the longer cuts just mess with your head. I've been there too, felt super low and all. You might benefit from a mental break, take a week to enjoy some foods you love without tracking. Sometimes your brain just needs a breather.

6
u/bro_split_bro_420路

LOL, maybe the real issue is you're not eating enough pizza. Or maybe your body is just too comfy being fit. Time for a shake-up, get it? A little reset could kickstart that metabolism again.

1
u/squat_to_pizza路

Pizza is life, but you gotta balance it! Try making a healthy pizza with a cauliflower crust or zucchini as a base. You can keep it low cal while still indulging your cravings. Just remember, moderation is key.

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u/whey_addict路

Honestly, switching to Cronometer for a bit could give you deeper insights into your nutrient intake. I found it really helpful for seeing micronutrients too. Just saying, a different perspective might help.

1
u/creatine_supremacy路

You might need to consider a mini bulk if you're not seeing results. Reassess your training intensity too, try hitting some new PRs. Seriously, i've done that before and it helped me come back stronger. Don't be afraid to change things up!

5
u/marathonmaniac99路

Man, I remember cutting for 20+ weeks and hitting a plateau. What I found helpful was increasing my cardio, like adding an extra 15-20 minutes of HIIT a few times a week. Also, don't forget to focus on your mental state, keeping it positive is crucial!

4
u/lightweightsfordays路

This is a skill issue, my dude. I get that you're on a long cut, but sometimes ur body just needs a break. How about taking a mini-reverse diet for a few weeks, then jump back into cutting? You might be surprised how much better you feel and how your body responds after a short break. Plus, u can still lift heavy and enjoy life a little!

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u/brokeandbulking路

Yo, I get it. This cut is dragging like a bad movie. What you need is to switch things up. Try new recipes, like a stuffed bell pepper with lean ground turkey. At least your meals will be more exciting while you navigate this plateau.

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u/proteinpancakes22路

OMG, I totally get the struggle! After my first cut, I hit a wall too! What worked for me was switching up my meal prep. I started making a weekly taco bar with different proteins and toppings. It kept things fun and let me play with macros without getting bored.

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u/macrocounter98路

If you're hitting a plateau, it might also be a good time to reassess your goals. Are you on point with your calorie tracking? I suggest manually logging every few days to catch any discrepancies with apps that could skew your data.

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u/proteinpancakes22路

100% facts! I love meal prepping too, and sometimes I switch it up with fun spices or try new recipes to keep it interesting. Have you ever tried making protein-packed stuffed bell peppers? Just mix lean ground turkey, quinoa, and your fave veggies, top with some cheese, and pop them in the oven. Super tasty and filling!

24
u/zombielifter路

Bro, after 24 weeks, I'd be losing my mind. But it's all about progress, not perfection. Just focus on the small wins, like lifting more or doing more reps. Have you thought about incorporating some fun fitness challenges?

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