How long is too long to remain in a caloric deficit?

Savyna

This is my final week with SL 5x5. My squat is now (since last session) 182.5lbs, ohp 67lbs ("unfortunately" wasn't able to make as much progress here as I'd have liked to but it was better than before so it's something . Deadlift at 200lbs, bench press at 102.5lbs, barbell row 107.5lbs. Currently I weight about 165lbs, so I've only went up about 3ish pounds from 12 weeks ago. It was nice trying something different as well as proving to myself that I could maintain what weight I have lost without going off the deep end unrestricted.

ETA: My dips went from 3x4 to 3x7. My pull up is still a little shaky, but I can now do 1 nearly all the way up and 2-3 negatives holding for 10 count at the top before lowering down. Woot.

InkAndApples

I took a diet break after 7 months in deficit, happily it coincided with friends in from out of town and a spa weekend.

I actually really didn't want to take a break - well I wanted to have the extra calories and more relaxed attitude but I didn't want to "lose my progress" and I actually found it really hard for the first few days.

Coming out the other side, OMG did I need that break, I have more energy going back in, I'm sleeping better and all the little lazy habits that were sneaking in to my logging are gone.

InkAndApples

D'oh, wrong thread. Nothing to see here.

WilmaValley

Very interesting discussion here, thanks!