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Posted by u/cuttingseason_2024路路Cutting

Anyone else with high cholesterol struggling during a cut?

TL;DR: Struggling to manage high cholesterol while cutting. Looking for tips on balancing macros and keeping lipid levels in check.

So, i'm 22M, cutting hard right now, but I've got this pesky genetic high cholesterol thing. My doc has me getting lipid panels every 4 weeks, and I feel like I'm playing a game of whack-a-mole with my macros. I'm hitting my protein targets, but I gotta keep fat low without sacrificing flavor, you know? I've been doing a lot of chicken breast and lean beef, but sometimes I just wanna dive into some avocado toast!

For nutrient timing, I've been trying to keep my carbs around my workouts to maximize gains, but I'm worried it might throw my lipid levels off. Anyone else been in this boat? Any tips on balancing the cut while keeping those cholesterol numbers in check? This shit can be a tightrope walk.

Ngl, if I see one more doctor look at my lipid panel like they're judging my life choices, I'm gonna lose it. 馃槀

Current macros: 200g protein, 150g carbs, 50g fat.

Let's hear your strategies!

40 comments

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u/lactoseintolerantlifters路

i feel u on the avocado toast. 馃槀 Sometimes you gotta indulge a bit. Maybe try a small portion with a higher fiber bread? Just a little goes a long way without killing your fat intake.

28
u/nurseliftsheavy路

I'd suggest checking with your doc about your cholesterol levels as you adjust macros. I had to do the same when I started lifting seriously. It made me way more mindful of my choices.

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u/lightweightsfordays路

Yea, tracking macros can be a pain but it pays off. I'd suggest using something like MacroFactor; it makes tracking feel less like a chore. Keeps me motivated when I see my progress.

1
u/justliftingstuff路

Make sure you're looking at the quality of fats too! Avocados can be high in calories but offer healthy fats. Maybe try smaller portions instead of cutting them out entirely.

3
u/6footdadbod路

I'm a dad, and I totally get the balance thing. Sometimes I just grab whatever the kids leave behind. It may not be the cleanest cut food, but I feel like I'm getting some gains with less stress. Keep it simple, fam.

22
u/zombielifter路

I get the struggle. I'm lifting after night shifts and balancing everything is hard. My doc was judging my lipid panels too, but I found that stress management really helped. Have you tried mindfulness techniques? They could lower your overall stress and cholesterol levels.

16
u/5kqueen_2022路

If you're worried about carbs, consider adjusting your intake around your training days. I usually up my carbs on leg days and reduce them on rest days. It helps with recovery and still keeps things balanced.

24
u/lightweightsfordays路

Imo, u're just putting too much pressure on yourself. Cutting doesn't have to mean no fun. Just adjust your portions, keep the macros in check, and u can still enjoy your favorite meals occasionally.

16
u/bro_split_bro_420路

For real, macros can feel like a prison sometimes, but you gotta stay flexible! Just make sure you're still enjoying your food. I mean, how are you gonna hit those lifts if you're not eating stuff you actually like?

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u/macrocounter98路

Tracking macros with something like MacroFactor has been a lifesaver for me. It adjusts my targets based on progress, which helps me stay on point with my cuts without stressing my cholesterol. Also, don't overlook low-fat dairy, it's a good protein source that won't kill your fats!

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u/cuttingseason_2024路

Man, I feel you on the cholesterol struggle. I was cutting last year and got hit with the same thing. What helped me was switching to more fish and leaner cuts of meat, like turkey. Keeping fats low can be tough but experiment with spices to make those meals pop

8
u/depressedlifter路

As someone who's also dealt with the cholesterol rollercoaster, I get how frustrating it can be. I went through a phase where I was obsessively counting every macro and it messed with my head. Just remember, it's about balance. Sometimes a little avocado toast is worth it for your sanity, you know? Plus, stress isn't great for cholesterol either. 馃槀

286
u/zone2nerd路

You might want to monitor your post-workout carbs, especially if you're lifting heavy. I've been analyzing my data on Zone 2 runs and found that my cholesterol levels were affected by my carb choices. It's all about finding that balance.

23
u/justliftingstuff路

I get you, man! It's tough to balance things, especially when you wanna enjoy your food. But if you're worried about your lipid levels, I'd say prioritize lean proteins and maybe try things like turkey or fish. They're tasty without being fatty.

15
u/homegymhero路

I set up a home gym to keep my focus. Sometimes it's easier to prepare my meals when I don't have to leave the house. Just a thought, but making meal prep a routine can really help you stay on track without the cholesterol spikes.

6
u/justliftingstuff路

Honestly, try mixing up your proteins. Lean fish is great for cutting and won't mess with your cholesterol. I've been doing a lot of tilapia and white fish lately, it's a game changer for meals.

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u/liftingtogether路

Have you thought about partnering up with a workout buddy? Sometimes having someone to share the journey with makes those tough cuts feel less daunting. Plus, you can share meal ideas to keep things interesting and flavorful.

4
u/bodyweightbeast路

i used to struggle with high cholesterol, and what helped me was focusing on whole foods, veggies, grains, and lean meats. Honestly, once I cut out processed stuff, my levels improved a ton. You got this!

2
u/macrocounter98路

You might want to look into tracking your saturated fat intake more closely. I've found using Cronometer helps since it breaks down the types of fats. Keeping my cholesterol in check was a process, but knowing exactly what I'm eating has made it easier

2
u/lactoseintolerantlifters路

You can totally flavor up your meals with no fat! Try some salsa or low-sodium soy sauce. They add tons of flavor without the extra calories. Plus, it keeps things interesting so you don't feel like you're eating cardboard.

43
u/nurseliftsheavy路

Definitely keep those protein levels high! Lean meats and some plant proteins can help with cholesterol. Remember to include lots of veggies too; they're low in calories and can add volume to your meals.

19
u/bodyweightbeast路

For sure, tracking can feel like a second job, but I've been there too! If you want flavor without the fat, try using spices and herbs more liberally. I've swapped out fats for flavor boosters like lemon juice and hot sauce. Also, just a heads up, high carbs around workouts shouldn't mess with your lipids if you're choosing healthier sources. It's all about what works for your body! 馃挭

17
u/5kqueen_2022路

For real, don't be afraid to get creative! I've been experimenting with different seasonings and sauces. Low-fat Greek yogurt makes a great base for dressings too. It's all about keeping it tasty while staying healthy.

6
u/bodyweightbeast路

If u're feeling adventurous, how about making some chickpea or lentil dishes? They can be really filling, and you can pack in flavor with spices! Plus, they're a great way to keep your fats low while getting good carbs.

4
u/chickenncarrots路

If you're worried about flavor, try making some low-fat dips or sauces to pair with your meals. It can change the whole eating experience without adding too many calories or fats.

0
u/saltyngl路

Oh man, the struggle is real! 馃槀 I try to keep it fun with meal prep by adding spices and herbs to basic meals. Flavor doesn't always have to come from fats!

0
u/zone2nerd路

Carb timing can definitely affect your lipids. When I'm cutting, I focus on nutrient timing and use simple carbs around my workouts to fuel up. But it's a balance, and keeping those fats low can really help, especially with cholesterol concerns.

2
u/6footdadbod路

I remember when I tried cutting and my cholesterol shot up. A lot of chicken and broccoli, right? But I found I missed the variety. You can try some low-fat cheese on your meals for flavor without too much fat.

1
u/proteinpancakes22路

Omg, I totally feel your pain! Cooking can get boring when you're cutting. Try making some protein pancakes using egg whites and oats, they're super easy and give a nice protein boost without the fat.

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u/proteinpancakes22路

OMG, have you tried making protein pancakes with oats? It's a game changer and they're super filling! Use a low-fat yogurt instead of syrup for sweetness. Keeps things fun and delicious.

3
u/bro_split_bro_420路

I think a lot of us have been judged by doctors, but at the end of the day, it's about your health, not their opinions. Just keep pushing and experimenting with what works for you.

1
u/depressedlifter路

Cutting while dealing with high cholesterol is like walking a tightrope while juggling. I had a friend with the same issue, and they started incorporating more fiber, think oats and legumes. They claimed it helped regulate their cholesterol. But honestly, it's tough out here.

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u/zombielifter路

Yeah, bro, I totally get the frustration. If u find yourself craving avocado toast, u could maybe switch to some avocado on rice cakes? Might not be the same, but it can hit that craving without all the fat

9
u/homegymhero路

A solid home gym setup can make a big difference too! When cutting, I find that sticking to a consistent routine helps. It can be easier to control my eating when I'm sticking to a workout plan I love.

5
u/liftingtogether路

You might want to try buddying up for those workouts! Sometimes having someone else around can motivate you to stick to your meal plan, especially when cravings hit. Plus, it's way more fun.

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u/bro_split_bro_420路

Bro, sometimes I think those docs just want to see us suffer with their lectures. 馃槀 But seriously, have you tried adding more plant-based proteins? They can be lower in fat and still pack a punch.

3
u/saltyngl路

I hear ya! Balancing health and flavor can feel like a juggling act. Try mixing up your proteins with herbs or marinades that are low in fat! It can make chicken breast feel a lot less boring.

2
u/macrocounter98路

Honestly, I feel you on the whack-a-mole situation with cholesterol. I had to cut out a ton of saturated fats, but I've found that swapping olive oil for butter and loading up on veggies really helps. Avocado toast can still be in the mix if you go easy on the portion! Just track that fat intake closely. Good luck with the cut!

2
u/cuttingseason_2024路

Man, I feel you on the struggle with cholesterol while cutting. I've been in a similar spot, and I found keeping my fats mainly from lean sources helps. You could also try cooking with herbs and spices to make those chicken breasts pop without adding extra fat.

1
u/depressedlifter路

Honestly, managing cholesterol while cutting feels like im in a horror movie. You cut a slice of avocado toast, and suddenly it's like, 'You monster!' 馃槀 My doctor is always judging too, but I try to focus on whole foods and keep stress levels low. Mental health is just as important.

0