Is cycling while on calorie restricted diet a waste of $ ?

[split endz]

Thinking of hitting a test/var cycle this summer, but I am diligently restricting my caloric intake to stay cut during summer. Can substantial gains be made while drastically restricting calories?

 

[littleb]

substantial gains- no, the point is though you will hang on to muscle and lose bf ,, if you drastically reduce cals when clean you will lose bf and muscle mass as well..

 

[hurricane]

also depends on how much training history you have.Less experience you have, more improvements you will be capable of.Genetics play a big part also.

you will not gain as much in a cal defict, as you will eatting to gain.If that is your question.

 

[RickRock13]

You can still make gains in a defecit if you are on cycle, but they will obviously be much less than if you were in a surplus.

 

[dylangemelli]

the key to this is keeping your protein very high... you can do this while keeping calories low... it allows for exactly what you are aiming for... obviously, taking the right kinds of aas and chems is important as well... your going to need the leanest muscle builders that provide nice lean muscle but help to melt fat as well... dht's and sarms are what you are going to want to use for that... primo would be great for this type of cycle... what is your cycle history?

 

[silent_revolver]

Thinking of hitting a test/var cycle this summer, but I am diligently restricting my caloric intake to stay cut during summer. Can substantial gains be made while drastically restricting calories?

Ok we have to first establish whether you are cutting during this cycle or staying cut. Quite different approaches.

If you are cut enough try this:'

Let's say you are a 200 pound dude at 10-12% bf

Lets say your basal metabolic rate is 2200, assuming mid-high activity levels on the Harriet-Bennet equation, your daily calorie intake should be 2200x1.6= 3520 Kcal a day.

For the first 3 weeks you keep your Kcals at 3000 a day, get over 300 grams of protein and stick to a High protein, mid fat, low carbs diet. Can even do carb cycling, whichever you prefer

For weeks 3-7, you do a refeed 2 week mini bulk. Kcals at 4000 a day, over 300 grams of protein, introduce more carbs during peri-workout period. If you are on Test E and vars, week 3 you start to peak and things start getting real interesting. So lift heavy and intense.

For weeks 8-12 Maintain your Kcal at 3520Kcal as calculated from when you begun the cycle. You would now have substantially increased lbm with minimal fat gain. Here, you are actually on a slight Kcal deficit as you have more lean muscle and that requires more Kcal. You will lean out quite a bit more without sacrificing strength and hardness gains.

USE an AI, it will help with oestrogen sides that comes with Test and you will ge bloated like a water ballon. Also watch your sodium and drink over 1 Gallon of water a day

 

[split endz]

Thanks guys; some good info there. I'm 49yo & been lifting for 25+ yrs; you would say I'm in very good shape, but not bodybuilder. Cycle history is very basic low dose test (<300), and var.. usualy twice a year.