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Posted by u/eating_for_endurance··Cutting

First 5 lbs gained back after a cut, what's the deal?

TL;DR: Gained 5 lbs back after a cut, looking for insights on normalcy of this rebound.

So I recently finished a cut and dropped 15 lbs over 12 weeks, feeling awesome! But now, just a few weeks into maintenance, I've gained back 5 lbs. I know some of it might be water weight or glycogen replenishment, but still, it's frustrating.

I'm fueling for my long runs with carbs and protein, but is it normal to see this bounce back? I've been tracking my intake and keeping my training consistent. I guess I'm just wondering how to manage expectations after a cut and if this weight gain is something I should be worried about? Anyone else dealt with this after a cut?

Stay strong, everyone!

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u/kettlebell_queen·

It's super common to see a weight bounce back after a cut, especially if you're ramping up carbs again for your long runs! Your body is just trying to restore its glycogen stores, so don't stress. I usually add a bit of extra salt too, since it helps with hydration during those runs. You've got this!

5
u/sneaky_fiber·

This is a good moment to reflect on why you're gaining weight. Sometimes it's just water retention or food volume. As a dietitian, I recommend keeping an eye on your fiber intake too. Fiber helps with fullness and can make a difference in weight fluctuations.

26
u/eating_for_endurance·

Ngl, I switched to Nutrola recently. The way it syncs with Strava for my long runs makes tracking fuel intake way easier! I can focus more on my performance and less on logging numbers. Plus, the data is super accurate.

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u/meathead_mike·

this, bro. Gaining back a few pounds after a cut is pretty normal. Just keep lifting heavy and stay consistent.

1
u/bro_split_babe·

Facts. I usually gain some weight when I finish cutting too. But let's be real, leg day is where it's at. Nothing like feeling strong after a good squat session to keep your mind right! Just remember, it's not all about the scale.

2
u/squats_and_sass·

Yep! My scale used to freak me out after a cut too. But it's just your body adjusting. Just focus on how your clothes fit and how you feel! If you want to track differently, I've heard good things about MacroFactor and Cronometer for accuracy.

4
u/runningfrommyproblems·

I totally get the frustration with MFP. When I was cutting, I switched to Nutrola for its voice logging feature. With my busy marathon training schedule, being able to log my meals hands-free saved me so much time. It was a relief to not be glued to my phone all the time.

25
u/glutenfree_gains·

Honestly, I'm sticking with MFP for now. It's got my food list dialed in and I don't feel like switching apps is worth it. Sure, there are some paywall issues, but I know my way around it at this point.

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