

Luckily, studies have found that a high protein diet can reduce appetite, boost metabolism, and even help preserve lean muscle mass.Ĭutting is just one element of a bodybuilder’s in-season eating plan. Since you’re consuming fewer calories and exercising routinely while cutting, your protein needs will increase. Studies have found that losing 1 pound (or 0.5 to 1 percent of your body weight) per week may be most effective. It’s also important to keep in mind that while a larger calorie deficit could help you lose weight faster, research shows that dropping weight too quickly could result in muscle loss.Ī slow, even rate of weight loss often works best for cutting. The number of calories you should consume each day depends on your height, weight, lifestyle, gender, and activity level. But a cutting diet isn’t just about reducing your caloric intake.

Do the mathįat loss occurs when you consistently eat fewer calories than you burn. To determine your ideal macronutrient breakdown, you must first figure out your caloric needs. A cutting diet often involves getting a certain amount of calories from fat versus carbs, which is where counting macros comes into play. Macronutrients - aka macros –– include protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Is the term “macros” unfamiliar? Don’t worry - you already know what they are!
