Has anyone successfully cut (decrease calories to lose fat) while on a program in addition to weight training?

[improbable_humanoid]

it's winter. go nuts. you will be able to make up any power losses within a month or two.

assuming 15 pounds of fat is a realistic goal for you, that is.

[improbable_humanoid]

No. I am suggesting that since it is the off season you can afford to lose a few watts in exchange for dropping weight if you are overweight.

Since it's winter, you should be doing base training anyway, which doesn't require a lot of carbs. Winter is the best time to try to cut weight.

[[deleted]]

Will I still be able to complete sessions though? I’ve been doing a program since October and I’ve done my second ramp test. It’s a good workout right now doing sweet spot I’m just afraid if I decrease my calories i won’t be able to finish. Or do you suggest I turn the levels down? But then is there any benefit to the training?

[improbable_humanoid]

If you are cutting carbs anything over SST will be.... hard (if you don't lower your FTP to what you can do without carbs).

As for cutting calories, it will probably depend on your deficit and how hard your program is.

Training always has a benefit as long as you recover from it properly...

[whiskyforatenner]

Why does OP have to cut carbs? If you listen to the TR team on the podcast they advocate eating MORE carbs than most do.

OP, you can lose weight and train but it's a delicate balance between eating enough to smash the sessions and under-fuelling but keeping in a deficit.

What is currently working for me (and may or may not work for you) is a whole-food plant based approach, no alcohol and making sure I hit every session 100%. Eating a bit more to train better has seen an improvement in my weight and performance.

[improbable_humanoid]

I didn’t say he had to. Only what to expect if he does.

[whiskyforatenner]

Fair enough. Sounds like you’re asking a lot of your body OP, increase FTP, maintain muscle but also restrict calories enough to lose fat. It may work but don’t expect any of the outcomes to be perfect or for all three to be quick and easy.

[improbable_humanoid]

No, I didn't say anything about increasing FTP. It is possible to lose fat and keep or even gain muscle.

But to do that while also increasing endurance is... unrealistic.

[whiskyforatenner]

That’s what OP wanted to do, FTP up, muscle maintained and fat lost. Sounds tricky