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How big of a cut should I make?

mariku_king
Posts: 88
I'm trying to reduce my weight and body fat. I'm aiming to lose about 15 - 20 pounds so I know I probably won't lose more than 0.5 pounds a week which is fine. I've had some people tell me to eat at a 15% cut from my TDEE and others say 20 - 25% so I'm not sure what is right. I want to effectively lose fat so if eating at a 15% cut so it's slower and more likely to stay off or whatever is the better option, I'll do it. Eating at a 20% cut puts me at about 1650 calories.
I eat a lot of lean protein, I lift weights 2 - 3x a week for 30 minutes, I have a job that keeps me very active, and I drink a lot of water. Any advice would be appreciated.
In case it's needed, my stats are 143 pounds, 5'3" - 5'4" and my body fat is 29%.
I eat a lot of lean protein, I lift weights 2 - 3x a week for 30 minutes, I have a job that keeps me very active, and I drink a lot of water. Any advice would be appreciated.
In case it's needed, my stats are 143 pounds, 5'3" - 5'4" and my body fat is 29%.
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Replies
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Bump0
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Anyone? :S0
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Maybe start w/20 - see how it goes for a month and then adjust as needed?0
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I go with -20%..but regardless of whether it is -15 or -20..you are still eating under so you'll be fine. Go with what works for you. Try it at -20% and if you are struggling, go to -15% and see if that helps.0
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the smaller the deficit, the more muscle mass maintained.0
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If you want, check out this link by MFPer Heliotsdan - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12
It'll give you a detailed walkthrough (with pictures even) on finding your TDEE and calculating what you should be eating.
Or for a different version to figure out your TDEE, as well as some great advice...check out:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/833500-what-do-i-do-common-sense-cliff-notes
For more information about fitness and nutrition, I highly suggest checking out and joining this group:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress
Read all the stickies. It's great information to know.0 -
For the amount of activity you do and how much you have to lose I'd only take 15% off.0
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the smaller the deficit, the more muscle mass maintained.
Oh this is true. I never thought of it that way...hmmm. Thank you.0
This discussion has been closed.
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