6 Common Problems That Happen During Cutting Season
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It’s Time To Drop The Fat
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a newbie, there’s certain side effects of contest prep that most will experience. If you fall into either category, it’s important to have a better understanding of the process. Click on through to find out more about your journey through cutting season.
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You’ll Be Hungrier
When you cut your calories and macronutrients (proteins, carbs and fats) you’re going to feel hungrier. This is one reason why competitors carry their food with them in cooler bags and eat every 2-3 hours.TIP: Never leave home without all the meals you’ll need while you’re out. Those nutrients are extremely important to your overall well-being, and always keep protein powder and water on hand should you get caught unexpectedly.
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You’ll Be More Tired
You won’t only be hungrier but more tired as well. Simple things like getting in and out the car, climbing the stairs in your house or just getting up to use the restroom will exhaust you.TIP: Try to get at least eight hours of restful sleep at night.
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There Will Be Muscle Cramps
It’s common for electrolyte balances (water, sodium, and potassium) to get disrupted during contest prep, leading to muscle cramps, which can be quite painful and annoying.TIP: If you’re not in your last few days before your show, keep your water your high. Also, use sea salt on your food in moderation and add in a magnesium supplement with sodium and potassium. This should help alleviate cramping almost immediately.
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You’ll Be Moody
When you’re eating less food, not sleeping well, doing more cardio, and balancing everything else in your life, your mood can be affected. Rest assured, you’re completely normal even though you feel far from it. TIP: Never leave home without all your meals, rest whenever you can or grab a few minutes of quiet time alone. Do as much prep when you feel energetic so at those times of zero energy a lot of the work has been done.
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You’ll Have Digestive Issues
Cutting carbs and fats during a leaning out program can cause constipation. Protein levels may also be higher to account for the lower carbs and this can either cause gas and bloating or constipation. Also, eating rice cakes and brown or white rice are common practices, but they can block your bathroom habits.TIP: One way to alleviate constipation is to keep your fiber and water intake high, so add a teaspoon of psyllium husk to your protein shakes. Adding in stool softeners at night before bed can also help.
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There Will Be Lack Of Support
It’s common for friends and family to have no idea why you’re starving yourself and spending countless hours in the gym doing cardio and weight training. They will ask you several questions about what you’re doing and may go as far as trying to get you to stop. What they don’t understand is that diet and training prep is a mindset. Maybe a bite of cheesecake won’t hurt you physically but mentally it will. Once you’re dialed into your routine any deviation will mess with your head.TIP: Be patient and be prepared to answer many questions, the same ones too. Draw positive energy from those that are your support team.
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a newbie, there’s certain side effects of contest prep that most will experience. If you fall into either category, it’s important to have a better understanding of the process. Click on through to find out more about your journey through cutting season.
You'll Be Hungrier
When you cut your calories and macronutrients (proteins, carbs and fats) you’re going to feel hungrier. This is one reason why competitors carry their food with them in cooler bags and eat every 2-3 hours.
TIP: Never leave home without all the meals you’ll need while you’re out. Those nutrients are extremely important to your overall well-being, and always keep protein powder and water on hand should you get caught unexpectedly.
You'll Be More Tired
You won’t only be hungrier but more tired as well. Simple things like getting in and out the car, climbing the stairs in your house or just getting up to use the restroom will exhaust you.
TIP: Try to get at least eight hours of restful sleep at night.
There Will Be Muscle Cramps
It’s common for electrolyte balances (water, sodium, and potassium) to get disrupted during contest prep, leading to muscle cramps, which can be quite painful and annoying.
TIP: If you’re not in your last few days before your show, keep your water your high. Also, use sea salt on your food in moderation and add in a magnesium supplement with sodium and potassium. This should help alleviate cramping almost immediately.
You'll Be Moody
When you’re eating less food, not sleeping well, doing more cardio, and balancing everything else in your life, your mood can be affected. Rest assured, you’re completely normal even though you feel far from it.
TIP: Never leave home without all your meals, rest whenever you can or grab a few minutes of quiet time alone. Do as much prep when you feel energetic so at those times of zero energy a lot of the work has been done.
You'll Have Digestive Issues
Cutting carbs and fats during a leaning out program can cause constipation. Protein levels may also be higher to account for the lower carbs and this can either cause gas and bloating or constipation. Also, eating rice cakes and brown or white rice are common practices, but they can block your bathroom habits.
TIP: One way to alleviate constipation is to keep your fiber and water intake high, so add a teaspoon of psyllium husk to your protein shakes. Adding in stool softeners at night before bed can also help.
There Will Be Lack Of Support
It’s common for friends and family to have no idea why you’re starving yourself and spending countless hours in the gym doing cardio and weight training. They will ask you several questions about what you’re doing and may go as far as trying to get you to stop. What they don’t understand is that diet and training prep is a mindset. Maybe a bite of cheesecake won’t hurt you physically but mentally it will. Once you’re dialed into your routine any deviation will mess with your head.
TIP: Be patient and be prepared to answer many questions, the same ones too. Draw positive energy from those that are your support team.
