Anonymous #2 2w

i’ve been in a deficit for months. i do have somewhat low body fat i think, but i still am not happy with my body, especially my stomach. i’ve been tracking for a while tho and usually get around 120g protein and 1300 cal

4

Anonymous OP 2w

Without knowing details, 1300cals sounds dangerously low and unsustainable.

5

Anonymous #2 2w

Also, it’s a patience game. It’s okay to still be unhappy with where you’re at. As long as your weight is trending down, the deficit is working. You just need to wait.

1

Anonymous #2 2w

yeah it doesn’t feel sustainable but i’m not sure what else to do. i guess i’ll just try to be patient tho

1

Anonymous OP 2w

Has the scale moved? Clothes fit better. Use caloriecalculator.net to guess a 500kcal deficit. I’d use that number and see how it works for a month and adjust accordingly

1

Anonymous #2 2w

okay, that says 2400 to maintain which i think is what i want? i want to keep gaining muscle but i'm just not happy with my stomach so idk whether to be in a deficit or not. i gained a lot of muscle in my legs within the past couple months and don't fit in my old pants in the best way, so that's some progress i guess

1

Anonymous OP 2w

Maintain = stay the same weight Maintaining isn’t losing weight. You wanna be in a deficit. If it says 2400, eat 1900 calories & 1g protein per pound you weigh. You’ll maintain (or even gain) muscle, while losing fat. Just stay consistent. You want to be in a deficit if you want your stomach to be smaller. You can bulk and gain muscle once you get lean. Maintaining leanness is so much easier than achieving it at the start.

1

Anonymous #2 2w

okay but you think i should be eating more than i am rn? i get close to 1g protein per pound but i think i need more calories? im just hesitant to increase that

1

Anonymous OP 2w

1300 calories sounds dangerously low tbh. I’m not a nutritionist, but I minored in dietetics for a few years, and that seems VERY low. Furthermore, I’ve lost 100lbs and ate 2,000 calories a day. Granted height, weight, sex, and age play a role. I got that 2000 number because my maintenance calories were estimated at 2500. It’s recommended you don’t exceed a 500kcal deficit for health reasons, but aesthetically to aggressive of a cut also can lead to lose skin.

1

Anonymous #2 2w

Loose *

1

Anonymous #2 2w

okay, i’m not like overweight so i’m not worried about loose skin, but i do feel just exhausted all the time recently and it might be due to not eating enough. i’ve also struggled with an ed and am worried about getting back into that mindset…

1