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ZackFair
ZackFair g Osmin de la Paz
2 Post(s)
2 Post(s) Gender: Male Goal: Gain Muscle Date Joined: August 8, 2017
Posted

Hey guys im 5 foot 7, 160 pounds and about 18.5 % bodyfat. Ive been cutting for around 5 months (i was 190 pounds at 26% bodyfat, so ive lost around 30 pounds) and i'm really looking to gain some muscle again. I've actually gained quite a bit of strength over the course of my cut but i feel ive finally hit the point where it might no longer be worth it to keep cutting at the rate that i am. My metabolism has slowed down conciderably and even though my strength gains havnt plateaud completely yet i feel like if i drop my daily calorie intake any lower than the 1800 calories a day i'm currently eating, i will start losing alot of my muscle mass and seize to make strength gains entirely. (I don't think my body can take being in a lower caloric defecit that i already am)
My macros on average are 32.5% carbs 35% fats 32.5% protein, so around 145G CARB, 70G Fat, 145G protein. I eat a bit more fat because i find it is more satiating than carbs and helps with my diet adhearance. ON TO THE QUESTION:

 

I recently came up with the idea to try eating a 250-500 calorie surplus on my exercise days and eat a 250-500 calorie deficit on rest days.

My workout schedule is 2 days on and 1 day rest (an upper/lower split) So i was thinking that eating a 250 calorie surplus on workout days and then a 500 calorie defecit on rest days would be a great idea since on average i would be on a weekly caloric maintenance. Do you think this would help me build muscle and lose fat at the same time? or just impede my progress in both? I would love to hear your opinions!

Scott_Herman
Scott_Herman a Scott Herman
7.1K Post(s)
7.1K Post(s) Gender: Male Goal: Bodybuilding Date Joined: August 8, 2008
Posted
Posted By: ZackFair

Hey guys im 5 foot 7, 160 pounds and about 18.5 % bodyfat. Ive been cutting for around 5 months (i was 190 pounds at 26% bodyfat, so ive lost around 30 pounds) and i'm really looking to gain some muscle again. I've actually gained quite a bit of strength over the course of my cut but i feel ive finally hit the point where it might no longer be worth it to keep cutting at the rate that i am. My metabolism has slowed down conciderably and even though my strength gains havnt plateaud completely yet i feel like if i drop my daily calorie intake any lower than the 1800 calories a day i'm currently eating, i will start losing alot of my muscle mass and seize to make strength gains entirely. (I don't think my body can take being in a lower caloric defecit that i already am)
My macros on average are 32.5% carbs 35% fats 32.5% protein, so around 145G CARB, 70G Fat, 145G protein. I eat a bit more fat because i find it is more satiating than carbs and helps with my diet adhearance. ON TO THE QUESTION:

 

I recently came up with the idea to try eating a 250-500 calorie surplus on my exercise days and eat a 250-500 calorie deficit on rest days.

My workout schedule is 2 days on and 1 day rest (an upper/lower split) So i was thinking that eating a 250 calorie surplus on workout days and then a 500 calorie defecit on rest days would be a great idea since on average i would be on a weekly caloric maintenance. Do you think this would help me build muscle and lose fat at the same time? or just impede my progress in both? I would love to hear your opinions!

No, it probably wouldn't!

 

What matters most is the NET amount of calories you're consuming versus the NET amount of calories you're burning. Not daily though. Think about it as weekly or even monthly. It's not like today you're losing fat and tomorrow you're building muscle.

 

Plus, even if today is a rest day for you, the majority of your muscle building will occur today because you are recovering today. And if you are in a caloric deficit, you won't be building any muscle.

 

So the overall result of doing what you suggested, would be no weight loss and maybe a slight muscle gain. Choose one of the two goals and pursue that. I advise you to go to a 10-15% calorie surplus and start making lean gains. You are definitely around 15% BF right now so there's no need to be too careful.

 

 

Need 1 on 1 coaching? Send me a direct message to learn more!
ZackFair
ZackFair g Osmin de la Paz
2 Post(s)
2 Post(s) Gender: Male Goal: Gain Muscle Date Joined: August 8, 2017
Posted

Alright! Thanks so much Scott. It's an honour to get a reply from the man himself. I'll take your advice and go on a lean mass phase for a while, i think its about time i did lol

muscular strength
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