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Posted by u/dad_bod_legacyCutting

Mini cut results after 6 weeks - down 8 lbs, but feeling stuck?

TL;DR: 6 weeks into a mini cut, down 8 lbs, but feeling stuck. Any tips?

Well, it's been a solid six weeks since I started this mini cut, and I'm down 8 pounds! I'm feeling good overall, but it seems like my progress has hit a bit of a wall recently. When I kicked things off, I was at 210 lbs, and now I'm sitting at 202. My goal was to drop to around 195 by the end of this cut, but I'm starting to wonder if I'm doing something wrong.

I've been sticking to my macros pretty closely, aiming for around 2,200 calories a day with a solid protein intake to keep muscle loss at bay. I've also upped my cardio a bit, squeezing in some morning walks and adding a few HIIT sessions each week, but lately, the scale just isn't budging. My kids have been getting involved too, running around with them has been a great way to keep active while still spending quality time together. I might need to adjust something, but I'm not sure what.

Anyone else experience a plateau during a cut? Should I keep pushing or consider a different approach? Would love to hear your thoughts or any tips that worked for you. Thanks in advance!

27 comments

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I hit plateaus often during training for marathons. One thing that helps me is adjusting my carb intake before long runs, ensuring I have enough energy to push through. Also, ensure your sleep and hydration are on point, they can seriously impact performance

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u/dad_bod_legacy

I can relate! I've been cutting too, and I had to remind myself that progress isn't always linear. I started incorporating family activities into my workouts, like biking with my kids. It's fun and keeps you moving without feeling like a chore.

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u/sneaky_fiber

Hitting a plateau can happen, especially if you've been in a deficit for a while. Consider tracking your fiber intake; it plays a huge role in satiety. You might find that adding more fruits and veggies helps with those cravings.

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u/sneaky_fiber

Plateaus can be frustrating. Are you tracking your macros accurately? I recommend using something like Cronometer to ensure you're hitting your targets. Also, consider incorporating more fiber into your meals; it can help with satiety and keep your digestive system moving.

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u/mealprep_mike99

I suggest looking into meal prepping. Keeping your meals organized can help you stay on track with your macros. Also, try adjusting your meals a bit to include more whole foods and less processed snacks.

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u/mealprep_mike99

I started using MacroFactor recently, and it really helped me adjust my intake on the fly. It's so nice to see what works based on your activity levels. Have you considered trying an app like that?

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u/gains_wizard22

Yeah, and tbh some people might just be better off eating more intuitively. I mean, just because an app says you can eat 2200 calories doesn't mean you need to hit that every day! Listen to your body, fam.

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u/mealprep_mike99

Congrats on your progress! If you're feeling stuck, have you considered meal prepping? Planning out your meals can help you stay on track with your macros and avoid any sneaky calorie additions. Plus, it saves time!

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u/dad_bod_legacy

I tried to manually log my meals at one point, but I lost track after a few weeks. It's easy to underestimate how much we eat. I think some of these apps can definitely help with accountability.

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u/gains_wizard22

Plateaus are rough, but honestly, your body might just be getting used to the deficit. Maybe try a slight calorie drop or mix up your cardio a bit. You got this, bro! 馃挭

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u/snackattack_23

Honestly, if the scale isn't moving but you feel good, maybe it's time to just chill for a bit. Fitness is a journey, not just about the number on the scale. Plus, those morning walks with your kids sound amazing!

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u/squats_and_sass

First off, congrats on the 8 lbs down! That's an awesome start! 馃コ It's totally normal to hit plateaus during a cut. Sometimes ur body just needs a little time to adjust, so don't stress too much! Maybe try switching up your workouts or adjust your calorie intake slightly.

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u/dad_bod_legacy

I totally get the feeling of being stuck. When I cut down to a healthier weight, I hit a wall too. I started logging my workouts more seriously and added in some high-rep sets. Sometimes just changing the rep range can help push through that plateau. Kids are great motivation too! I love running with mine.

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u/dad_bod_legacy

And don't forget to have fun! Fitness shouldn't feel like a chore. As long as you're enjoying your workouts and family time, the scale will eventually catch up! Just keep focusing on the positive.

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u/gains_wizard22

This! Hitting a plateau is common, especially when you're cutting. Have you tried increasing your cardio intensity or changing ur lifting routine? I had a similar issue, and switching to a PPL split for a few weeks helped me break through!

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Exactly! It's all about the journey. Just remember, it's okay to take a breather if needed. But if u're looking for change, maybe revisit those macros or tweak cardio again. You got this!

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u/squats_and_sass

You got this! I hit a plateau a few weeks into my cut too. I switched up my routine, added more variety in my workouts, and started tracking my intake more closely. It helped a ton! Sometimes just a little change can spark progress.

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For sure, but just be careful with intuitive eating if you're in a cut. Sometimes we underestimate portions or forget snacks add up. Keeping a loose log might help bridge that gap between strict tracking and intuitive eating.

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Hitting a plateau can feel like a brick wall. I experienced that during my training for a marathon, but I focused on maintaining my mental game. Sometimes switching up ur routine or taking a deload week can refresh your progress. Remember to listen to your body!

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u/gains_wizard22

You could also try to decrease your rest times between sets. Less rest means more intensity, which can help break that plateau. Just make sure you're still getting enough recovery time!

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I feel you, man. When I was cutting for my last marathon, I plateaued too. I increased my carbs slightly on long run days to keep my energy up and that really helped. Sometimes a little tweak in nutrition can make a big difference!

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Right?! It can be so easy to slip into that. But I think a good balance is key. I often find that on days I run longer, I need to eat more than my usual. Adjusting intake based on activity is smart!

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LOL, if you think you're stuck now, just wait until u hit maintenance. It's a whole different struggle! But for real, stay consistent and make adjustments. Sometimes it's about finding what works for you in the long run.

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u/snackattack_23

Omg, I relate! I'm still learning, but I find that some days I eat more just because I'm bored, not really hungry. Maybe it's about finding those healthy snacks you enjoy? I'm all about air-popped popcorn and fruit!

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u/squats_and_sass

So true! It's easy to get caught up in calorie counting and forget about listening to our bodies. I love intuitive eating too. Balancing it with tracking can help you find what works best for you!

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u/squats_and_sass

That's such a good point! Sometimes we forget to appreciate non-scale victories. Those moments with your kids are priceless, and they can definitely help your fitness journey too!

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u/sneaky_fiber

To echo some earlier comments, tracking is crucial. I personally prefer MyFitnessPal because it allows for quick logging and barcode scanning. Whatever you choose, being diligent can really help you see where adjustments are needed.

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