How low do you get your calories to get stage Lean

[Gunsmith]

I've seen some guys in the light heavyweight to heavyweight open class have there calories range from 2500 to 1200 a day the last couple weeks.

I've heard guys say that they don't want to drop there calories any lower than 2500 to prevent any muscle loss BUT , then they are taking 100mcg T3 and 160mcg clen 2+ hr cardio to keep fat loss moving , which I would think is a pretty catabolic state. They we hear about guys like John Meadows getting down in the 1200 calories range with minimal T3/clen and excessive cardio.
Bumstead has talked about getting down to 1600 calories the final few weeks.

Personally I prefer a little less calories than having to run high dose diet drugs and hrs of cardio.

What's your preference on getting peeled.??

 

[pesty4077]

At 50 years old, I got down to 5% bf never going below 2500.

Not near that lean now, but still fairly lean and eating between 3200 to 3600 calories.

 

[qbkilla]

At 50 years old, I got down to 5% bf never going below 2500.

Not near that lean now, but still fairly lean and eating between 3200 to 3600 calories.

That's impressive, what were your macros? Psmf, low carb?

 

[Pheedno]

My hardest push was back in 2008 for the John Sherman(that became the Texas State the following year) around mid low 230's to LHW. A large portion of the diet was "keto" and I think I got down around 1800-1900 cals towards the end. I might still have the printout somewhere around here.
I was really happy with the look but honestly, I could have dropped another 2lbs and probably would have won. I also needed a more water intake but I was playing around with stuff at the end. I got 3rd. I've posted the pic here at some point.

 

[luki7788]

when i was competing and going down to ultra low body fat i never ate less than 4500 calories a day

 

[pesty4077]

That's impressive, what were your macros? Psmf, low carb?

Best combo for me is 40 40 20. I always keep protein the same and just lower carbs and fats until I get desired results.

 

[AllOkJumpmaster]

I have been under a thousand for some short stints near stage. Never had a great metabolism. I get fat on 3k. That said. While not genetically blessed with a high BMR I was genetically blessed in my ability low function on low food. Yay me.

 

[mytreefiddy]

Was just looking at my spreads for 2017 Masters Nats , 2 weeks out was at 1400.

 

[Fleezy]

I have been under a thousand for some short stints near stage. Never had a great metabolism. I get fat on 3k. That said. While not genetically blessed with a high BMR I was genetically blessed in my ability low function on low food. Yay me.

saves money

 

[beastmode121]

1600 and and very low carb to get the glutes in shape