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Posted by u/meathead_mike··Cutting

280 to 220 in 6 months, but this cut feels so slow. Anyone else struggle with progress like this?

TL;DR: Lost 60 lbs but progress feels slow, need tips for cutting faster.

Been grinding hard, dropped 60 lbs but feels like I'm crawling. Any tips for speeding up the last few pounds without losing muscle? All about that lean gainz, bro.

35 comments

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u/grandma_gains·

Sometimes we just need to step back and appreciate the journey. I remember when I first started lifting, and the changes seemed slow. It took me a while to get used to my new habits. But the consistency pays off in unexpected ways.

109
u/yoga_flex·

It's so easy to focus on the scale, but remember to celebrate non-scale victories too. Like, how do your clothes fit? Are you feeling stronger? Sometimes, progress isn't just about numbers.

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u/sneaky_fiber·

I'd also suggest checking your fiber intake. It can help with satiety during a cut. Incorporating foods like beans, lentils, and whole grains might help you feel fuller while you lose weight.

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u/bro_split_babe·

This cut might feel slow, but slow progress is still progress. Just don't forget to hit those leg days! Trust me, they'll help you keep that muscle while you shred.

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u/dad_bod_legacy·

I remember when I cut down from 250 to 200 lbs, and it felt like forever. What really helped was tracking everything I ate and staying consistent with my lifts. Focus on maintaining strength; muscle loss can happen if you're not careful.

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u/dad_bod_legacy·

I get it, man. Losing weight can feel like a never-ending journey. I lost some weight last year and hit a plateau too. What worked for me was mixing up my workouts and focusing on strength training to maintain muscle. It's a grind, but every pound counts.

12

Tracking isn't for everyone, but i've found success with MFP. Helps keep my portions in check. I can see what works for me, so I don't just guess. Try tracking for a week and see if that changes anything.

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u/meathead_mike·

Facts! Sleep is underrated. Gotta get that rest, or you'll end up with a broken bro. Recovery is part of the grind.

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u/mealprep_mike99·

First off, congrats on the progress! For those last few pounds, consider tracking your macros more closely. I find that using an app like MacroFactor helps to dial in those numbers. And don't forget about meal prep, it keeps me on track and prevents impulse eating.

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u/mom_of_muscle·

I've been cutting too, and I've learned that sometimes less is more. If you feel like progress is crawling, maybe consider a mini-recomp instead of aggressive cutting. It can give your body a chance to adjust without losing muscle.

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You might want to consider adjusting your diet too. Some people don't realize how small changes can make a difference. Like, you can try cycling carbs or doing a mini-cut. Those tweaks can help break plateaus without sacrificing muscle.

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u/gym_noob·

What's a carb cycle? Like, do you eat less carbs some days and more on others? That sounds kinda cool. I just started my journey, and im still figuring out all these terms

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Lowkey, it sounds like you might need a mental reset. Maybe a week of maintenance calories could help clear your head. Getting that mental boost might just reignite your motivation.

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u/mom_of_muscle·

When I was cutting, I made sure to focus on high-volume workouts. It's hard with kids, but I tried to sneak in some bodyweight exercises during playtime. Just keep pushing yourself, even if it feels slow. It'll pay off, I promise.

6

I think the obsession with speed can backfire. I prefer to log my meals manually; it makes me more aware of what I eat. Maybe try keeping a food journal for a week. It can be eye-opening.

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u/sugarfree_susie·

And don't forget the importance of sleep! Recovery is crucial, especially while cutting. If you're not sleeping enough, your progress will stall, no matter what else you do.

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u/dad_bod_legacy·

I've been there too, and it's frustrating. Sometimes, you need to change up your routine entirely, even if it feels daunting. New workouts can help reignite that fire and break through those plateaus.

0
u/meathead_mike·

Facts, bro! If you're feeling stuck, maybe switch up your routine or increase your intensity. Heavy weights or more volume can help you break through plateaus.

5

I'd recommend some caffeine pre-workout. A little boost can help you push through those last sets. Just don't overdo it; we don't need any jittery sessions! Coffee is my best friend.

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u/grandma_gains·

I've seen a lot of people struggle with the last few pounds. It's like your body just holds on tight at that point. Remember to be kind to yourself; it's not just about the numbers on the scale. Focus on how you feel instead.

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u/fit_with_kids·

I hear you, cutting can feel slow! I found that doing family workouts with my kids keeps me motivated. We'll go biking or do a fun circuit together. It turns it into a bonding time, and I stay active without feeling like it's a chore.

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u/lifting_granny·

A lot of people think cutting means starving yourself, but it's all about nutrient timing. i found that timing my carbs around my workouts really helped. Stay hydrated and focus on whole foods. That's how I've kept my energy up!

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u/meathead_mike·

Bro, hitting a plateau is common. You can try increasing your volume or intensity in the gym. Maybe drop the rest time a bit too. You gotta shock your muscles sometimes, ya know?

3

You might be overthinking your cut. Sometimes, a simple tweak in your calorie intake or adding in a bit more cardio can help. Focus on keeping your protein high and don't let the scale mess with your head.

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u/sugarfree_susie·

When cutting, remember to prioritize protein intake to preserve muscle mass. Aim for around 1.6 to 2.2 grams per kg of body weight. Adding in resistance training with some form of progressive overload can help too. Also, be patient; the last few pounds often take the longest.

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u/bro_split_babe·

Leg day is where I feel the most progress! But, like, seriously, don't skip those squats. I think changing up your routine to include more compound lifts can really help. Hit those squats and deadlifts, you'll feel it, trust me.

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u/grandma_gains·

And remember, all the hard work you put in now will pay off down the line. Aging gracefully means we keep lifting and living life fully. Keep going, you've got this

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u/fit_with_kids·

As a busy mom, I find family workouts keep us all moving. Have you tried bringing your kids into the mix? It can be fun and also boost your calorie burn. Plus, it keeps the motivation high!

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u/meathead_mike·

This! Lifting heavy, eating right, that's the combo. But I think cardio can also help, just don't overdo it. Nobody wants to lose muscle, but a little extra burn never hurts.

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u/grandma_gains·

Weight loss isn't linear. Just because it feels slow doesn't mean you're not making progress. Consider taking progress photos or measurements. Those can be super motivating!

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u/mealprep_mike99·

Meal prep is clutch for staying on track, especially with fat loss. Consider tracking your macros with something like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer. Getting precise can really help you understand what's slowing you down.

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u/yoga_flex·

Mindfulness can also play a role in how you approach your goals. When you're feeling anxious about progress, take a moment to breathe and reconnect with your why. It helps keep things in perspective.

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u/sugarfree_susie·

I totally understand the frustration. When I was cutting, I found that incorporating more fiber helped me feel full without adding too many calories. Try swapping out some carbs for veggies. It keeps the hunger at bay.

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u/lifting_granny·

As a retired nurse, I say don't rush it! It's crucial to prioritize your health over speed. Maybe try lightening your workouts or incorporating more recovery time; that can actually help with muscle retention during a cut.

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u/gym_noob·

What are macros? I'm still figuring out this gym thing. I just started lifting and honestly, I'm just trying to eat enough protein. Is that all I need?

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