Need advice
xvikings
Posts: 6 Member
I went on my first cut/bulk across November 2021-April 2022 and was happy with my results. I started my cut at 153lbs, ended at 139 in February 202, and then bulked to about 153 by April. I had some body fat, but was happy with my muscle gains. Like my arms were big. I am 5'6", early 20s
Fast forward to September 2023, and I did something stupid. I began to lose weight, thinking I was "fat." I would cut calories by about 1000 per day during the week and indulge on weekends. I ended up losing weight down to about 130lbs, where I am today.
The problem is I have lost a ton of muscle. I basically have the same amount of fat that I did at 150, except none of the muscle. So I guess I'm skinny fat .
I want to get back to looking good. One issue is, I am so used to being in a huge deficit of 1000 cal per day Monday-Thursday, and then eating in surplus of 1000 each day from Friday-Sunday. This is awful for building muscle because a deficit of 1k each day during the week is to sharp to gain muscle, and a surplus of 1k each day on weekends is too much for muscle. However, it is nice to have treats on the weekend.
I do not want to rush into the process without a plan and proper guidance. So, that is why I am reaching out to all of you. I have some questions, but please feel free to add anything additional!
1. How much of a calorie surplus should I achieve, if one is necessary every day? Could I do something like a deficit of 200-300 during the weekdays, and surplus of like 700 during weekend days?
2. How many grams of protein per day?
3. How many days a week I should be lifting?
4. How does the fact that I have lifted in the past affect my circumstances, even though I have not really lifted much (if at all) since September 2023 and have lost muscle?
Fast forward to September 2023, and I did something stupid. I began to lose weight, thinking I was "fat." I would cut calories by about 1000 per day during the week and indulge on weekends. I ended up losing weight down to about 130lbs, where I am today.
The problem is I have lost a ton of muscle. I basically have the same amount of fat that I did at 150, except none of the muscle. So I guess I'm skinny fat .
I want to get back to looking good. One issue is, I am so used to being in a huge deficit of 1000 cal per day Monday-Thursday, and then eating in surplus of 1000 each day from Friday-Sunday. This is awful for building muscle because a deficit of 1k each day during the week is to sharp to gain muscle, and a surplus of 1k each day on weekends is too much for muscle. However, it is nice to have treats on the weekend.
I do not want to rush into the process without a plan and proper guidance. So, that is why I am reaching out to all of you. I have some questions, but please feel free to add anything additional!
1. How much of a calorie surplus should I achieve, if one is necessary every day? Could I do something like a deficit of 200-300 during the weekdays, and surplus of like 700 during weekend days?
2. How many grams of protein per day?
3. How many days a week I should be lifting?
4. How does the fact that I have lifted in the past affect my circumstances, even though I have not really lifted much (if at all) since September 2023 and have lost muscle?
0
Replies
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I assume you weren't lifting when you went from 150 to 130.
How long have you lifted in the past? The reason I ask is to figure whether you've already had the beginner gains or not. If you haven't, you can do a larger surplus without gaining as much fat.
Generally, you'd be better off eating at maintenance during the week and get your weekly calorie surplus in on the weekend. Also on the weekend, can't you step up your activity, e.g. literally steps?
Protein 0.7g-1g per pound is good.
How many days to lift? Well, a structured program would help you a lot. Ideally, 3x-6x. There are many split options for body parts. The best split for you is the one that fits your schedule and your recovery.
Progressive overload is key.
You might regain some former muscle faster than it originally took to build it.0
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