The Complete Shredding Guide For Summer

THE COMPLETE SHREDDING GUIDE FOR SUMMER
(Get shredded in a fucking month)
q50sla.png
Table of contents:
0 – Introduction / Disclaimer
1 – Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
2 – Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
3 – Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
3.0 – Overview: Lipolysis & Beta‑Oxidation
3.1 – Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
3.2 – Maximizing Beta‑Oxidation (Fat Burning)
4 – Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
5 – Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6 – How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
7 – TL;DR
8 - Scientific Backup/ Sources:


Thread Music:



0 Introduction / Disclaimer
949w48.png

By no means is this medical advice. Even though the risks are relatively low, everyone is different and some people may respond to this differently than others (although as I said, the majority should be fine).​


This thread is mainly focused on PSMF, most of the other stuff isn't mandatory but still better to include. PSMF stands for protein sparing modified fast, It's a diet where you mainly eat protein, it allows cutting efficiently without losing almost any muscle mass during cutting.
My 3 Month PSMF transformation:
fyxzn2.png




1 Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
1.0 – Estimate your body fat %
You can estimate body fat by eyeballing (Which is probably the most accurate tbh) or using calipers, DEXA, or a decent impedance scale.
Once you have a body fat estimate, calculate your lean body mass (LBM):

Lean Body Mass = Bodyweight × (1 − Body Fat %)

Example: 180 lbs at 15% body fat → 180 × 0.85 = 153 lbs LBM.

rkfdco.png
1.1 – Set your daily protein target
Aim for roughly 1 g of protein per lb of lean bodyweight (about 2.2–2.5 g/kg LBM). Higher protein intakes during a deficit preserve more lean mass and strength vs lower protein diets. [1]

So at 180 lbs with 15% body fat (153 lbs LBM), target around 150–160 g of protein per day.

Body Weight (kg)​
Body Fat %​
Fat Mass (kg)​
Lean Body Mass (kg)​
Daily Protein Target (g)​
60 kg​
10%​
6 kg​
54 kg​
~119 g​
60 kg​
15%​
9 kg​
51 kg​
~112 g​
60 kg​
20%​
12 kg​
48 kg​
~106 g​
70 kg​
10%​
7 kg​
63 kg​
~139 g​
70 kg​
15%​
10.5 kg​
59.5 kg​
~131 g​
70 kg​
20%​
14 kg​
56 kg​
~123 g​
80 kg​
10%​
8 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
80 kg​
15%​
12 kg​
68 kg​
~150 g​
80 kg​
20%​
16 kg​
64 kg​
~141 g​
90 kg​
15%​
13.5 kg​
76.5 kg​
~169 g​
90 kg​
20%​
18 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
90 kg​
25%​
22.5 kg​
67.5 kg​
~149 g​
100 kg​
20%​
20 kg​
80 kg​
~176 g​
100 kg​
25%​
25 kg​
75 kg​
~165 g​
100 kg​
30%​
30 kg​
70 kg​
~154 g​

1.2 – Start tracking your caloric intake
Download MyFitnessPal (or any decent tracker), weigh food on a kitchen scale, and log everything that goes into your mouth.
Specify raw vs cooked and pick accurate entries, you can't run a precise PSMF if you're eyeballing calories.



2 Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
1779706924686
2.0 – Core diet rules
This is a PSMF, so:

Protein: set by LBM (usually 120–200 g/day for most).
Carbs: ~20 g/day or less (mostly from low‑cal veggies).
Fats: ~20 g/day or less (just what rides along with lean meats).
Total calories: generally 600–900 kcal/day in a classic PSMF setup

You're gonna be living on lean protein with trace fats/carbs. Everything else is flavor and damage control.


2.1 – Food choices
Food
Protein per 100g
Fat
Carbs
Chicken breast (raw)​
~23g​
~1g​
0g​
Turkey breast (raw)​
~22g​
~1g​
0g​
Cod/white fish​
~18g​
~0.5g​
0g​
Egg whites​
~11g​
0g​
~0.7g​
Low-fat cottage cheese​
~11g​
~1g​
~3g​
Whey isolate​
~90g​
~1g​
~1g​
A simple baseline day:
– 500 g chicken or turkey breast across the day.
– 1–2 scoops whey isolate to fill any protein gaps.
Solid meat is usually superior to shakes for satiety, but as long as you hit your protein target and keep fats/carbs low, you're doing it right.
Use:

– Zero‑cal seasonings, herbs, spices.
– Sugar‑free drinks, black coffee, tea.
– Low‑cal veggies (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli) in moderation

Because the calories are so low, official PSMF programs usually add a multivitamin and extra electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent deficiencies. [2] Target ranges (e.g., ~3–5 g sodium, ~2–3 g potassium, 300–400 mg magnesium per day).


3 Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
2xvu2d.png
j9j8og.png

3.0 Overview: Lipolysis & BetaOxidation
Fat loss happens in two major biochemical steps:

Lipolysis: breakdown of stored triglycerides in fat cells into free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol.
Beta‑oxidation: transport of FFAs into mitochondria and burning them for ATP.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/
You still need a calorie deficit, but how much of that deficit is filled by fat vs glycogen/glucose and muscle depends on how well you're mobilizing and oxidizing fat.

Keep in mind, we care about body composition and not just fat loss. [5]




3.1 Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
2xvu2d.png


Lipolysis is controlled mainly by hormone‑sensitive lipase and related enzymes in adipose tissue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

Key drivers:

Catecholamines (adrenaline & noradrenaline):
Bind β‑adrenergic receptors (β1/β2/β3) on fat cells → ↑cAMP → activate hormone‑sensitive lipase → more FFAs released into the blood.

Glucagon:
Works alongside catecholamines in the fasted state, especially when liver glycogen is low, to support fat breakdown. [7]

Low insulin:
Insulin directly suppresses lipolysis, lowering insulin via fasting, low‑carb/ketogenic diets, or deep calorie restriction removes that, hence why PSMF mogs.

Lifestyle factors that boost lipolysis:

– Hard lifting / HIIT → big catecholamine spikes and acute increases in lipolysis. [8]

– Fasted cardio → with low insulin, catecholamine signalling on fat cells is more effective (though daily fat loss still depends on the total deficit).
– Cold exposure → cold showers / ice baths activate the sympathetic nervous system and brown fat, giving a modest increase in lipolysis and energy expenditure aswell though the effects are negligible. [7]

Common lipolysis‑oriented drugs:

– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– GLP‑1 agonists (e.g. Semaglutide): mainly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control; by lowering energy intake and postprandial insulin they indirectly support fat loss. [9]

– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release [10]
wkacpt.png

Also I must mention that on PSMF, you already have low insulin and frequent catecholamine spikes (training + big deficit), so you're naturally in a high‑lipolysis environment even without these.



3.2 Maximizing BetaOxidation (Fat Burning)
j9j8og.png


Once FFAs are in the bloodstream, they must get into mitochondria to be burned.
Long‑chain fatty acids depend on the carnitine shuttle for entry into the mitochondrial matrix. [11]

Key drivers:

Carnitine & mitochondria:
Carnitine transports long‑chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane; deficiencies or transport defects impair fat oxidation and shift fuel use toward carbs. [12]

Endurance / Zone 2 training increases mitochondrial density and the ability of muscle to use fat as a primary fuel. [13]

Keto / fasting / PSMF upregulate enzymes involved in fat oxidation and ketone production.

Metabolic rate & AMPK:
Thyroid hormone (T3) increases metabolic rate and upregulates many genes involved in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. [9]
AMPK activation (via exercise, deficit, metformin/berberine) signals a low‑energy state and promotes fat oxidation while improving insulin sensitivity. [8]

Common beta‑oxidation‑oriented agents:

– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.




4 Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
1779707383890

4.0 – Appetite control & GLP‑1s
Retatrutide, Semaglutide, Cagrilintide, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), etc. are GLP‑1 / multi‑agonist drugs that strongly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control, making it easier to adhere to a long‑term calorie deficit. [9]

Makes PSMF 10 times easier to follow up.

4.1 – Stimulants
Caffeine, ephedrine, and prescription stimulants (Methylphenidate, Dextro, Vyvanse etc.) suppress appetite and increase catecholamines, which can raise energy expenditure but also heart rate, blood pressure.

I must say they are very mogger for energy on cut to keep up with daily life, I'm probably going to post a thread about stims soon aswell.

4.2 – "Fat‑loss enhancers"
– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– A-Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.
– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release;. [10]

4.3 – Metabolic aids & cortisol modulation
– MOTS‑c: mitochondrial‑derived peptide that mimics exercise‑/fasting‑like signals → ↑AMPK activity, insulin sensitivity, and fat oxidation; may help preserve muscle.

– Metyrapone: cortisol‑synthesis inhibitor (blocks 11‑β‑hydroxylase) → lowers cortisol; used clinically in adrenal‑excess / Cushing‑related workups and mild autonomous cortisol secretion to improve metabolic markers.

Bottom line: if you aren't already sticking to your diet, ancillaries are not the bottleneck.


5 Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6d2ijo.png
5.0 – Lifting to keep muscle
On a PSMF, high protein plus resistance training is what tells your body "keep this muscle" while you're in a big deficit. [16]

– Train each muscle group 2× per week atleast.
– Keep your main compounds in (bench, squat, deadlift, OHP, rows, pull‑ups), but don't chase PRs while aggressively dieting.
– Focus on maintaining strength and performance, not progressing; 2–4 hard sets per exercise is usually enough stimulus without murdering recovery.


5.1 – Cardio & steps
– Baseline: aim for around 10k steps per day to keep NEAT high.
– Avoid excessive added cardio at the start of a PSMF – it ramps hunger and fatigue and can speed up metabolic adaptation on very low calories.
– In the final days before a deadline, you can add more Zone 2 cardio (incline treadmill, cycling, etc.)


6 How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
– Don't say "I'm on a diet" to no. Just say you're not hungry or you already ate bro
– Learn to enjoy social events without eating; sip sugar‑free soda, water, tea, or black coffee and chill.
– No cheat meals, no "just one slice", no "I'll make up for it tomorrow".
– Remember that in normal day‑to‑day life, almost no situation actually forces you to eat junk – either stay fat or be shredded, make your choice.

Run this properly and, depending on your starting body fat, you can get noticeably lean in ~4–8 weeks,
which lines up with what clinical PSMF programs see under supervision. [17]


7 TL;DR & More material

TL;DR:
Track calories, Fats and Carbs < 20gr, Eat mainly protein, Supplement electrolytes, Eat Less than 1000calories, Train each muscle group 1-2 times a week, Keep your step count and daily activity high (<10.000 steps)

Trust the process.

Optionally:
Use GLP‑1 / multi‑agonists like Reta, Tirz or Cagr for apetite suppresion, Use Stimulants for energy and apetite suppresion, Use the "Fat Loss Enhancers" to maximise lipolysis and beta oxidation, Use Mots-c for metabolic markers, Use Metyrapone to inhibit cortisol, Introduce Zone 2 cardio after a while​




8 Scientific Backup/ Sources:
1. A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26817506/

2. Protein sparing modified fast diet program.
https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-library/health-resources/treatments-and-procedures/protein-sparing-modified-fast-diet-program

3. The biochemistry and physiology of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and its genetic disorders.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766985/

4. Fatty acid oxidation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/

5. Body recomposition: can trained individuals build muscle and lose fat at the same time?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5421125/

6. Lipolysis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis

7. The combined effects of exercise and food intake on adipose tissue and splanchnic metabolism.
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

8. AMP-activated protein kinase, a metabolic master switch: possible roles in type 2 diabetes.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276017301492

9. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10552824/

10. Effects of growth hormone on glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism in human subjects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6226059/

11. Carnitine transport and fatty acid oxidation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967041/

12. Carnitine and fatty acid transport.
https://www.lipidmaps.org/resources/lipidweb/lipidweb_html/lipids/simple/carnitin/index.htm

13. Adaptations of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise and their metabolic consequences.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23899751/

14. Carnitine in human muscle bioenergetics: can carnitine supplementation improve physical exercise?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8910660/#B46-ijms-23-02717

15. Efficacy and safety of berberine alone for several metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839379/

16. Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37724991/

17. Very-low-calorie diets and sustained weight loss.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4784653/



How WE are gonna look like this summer:




- A glycogen depleted Menas
 
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DNRP
 
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400 mg dnp 200 tren ace 6mg yohimbine 20 mg cardarine and starve yourself down 7 lbs in 7 days:p:p:p
 
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dnp?
 
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Depends on your current bf, how long you will do it for and your tanner stage I'd say

It's up to you but it would probably be better to eat maintenance and hit the gym since you're in a very anabolic state as a teenager anyway
Im like maybe 14-16% I don't really have a chart to go off of since they vary. Im not sure, until I see abs I guess. And im in stage 4 i'd say. I get that as a teen its relatively easier, but if I want abs and more definition within like 1-2 months would it work?
 
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THE COMPLETE SHREDDING GUIDE FOR SUMMER
(Get shredded in a fucking month)
q50sla.png
Table of contents:
0 – Introduction / Disclaimer
1 – Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
2 – Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
3 – Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
3.0 – Overview: Lipolysis & Beta‑Oxidation
3.1 – Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
3.2 – Maximizing Beta‑Oxidation (Fat Burning)
4 – Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
5 – Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6 – How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
7 – TL;DR
8 - Scientific Backup/ Sources:


Thread Music:



0 Introduction / Disclaimer
949w48.png

By no means is this medical advice. Even though the risks are relatively low, everyone is different and some people may respond to this differently than others (although as I said, the majority should be fine).​


This thread is mainly focused on PSMF, most of the other stuff isn't mandatory but still better to include. PSMF stands for protein sparing modified fast, It's a diet where you mainly eat protein, it allows cutting efficiently without losing almost any muscle mass during cutting.
My 3 Month PSMF transformation:
fyxzn2.png




1 Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
1.0 – Estimate your body fat %
You can estimate body fat by eyeballing (Which is probably the most accurate tbh) or using calipers, DEXA, or a decent impedance scale.
Once you have a body fat estimate, calculate your lean body mass (LBM):

Lean Body Mass = Bodyweight × (1 − Body Fat %)

Example: 180 lbs at 15% body fat → 180 × 0.85 = 153 lbs LBM.

rkfdco.png
1.1 – Set your daily protein target
Aim for roughly 1 g of protein per lb of lean bodyweight (about 2.2–2.5 g/kg LBM). Higher protein intakes during a deficit preserve more lean mass and strength vs lower protein diets. [1]

So at 180 lbs with 15% body fat (153 lbs LBM), target around 150–160 g of protein per day.

Body Weight (kg)​
Body Fat %​
Fat Mass (kg)​
Lean Body Mass (kg)​
Daily Protein Target (g)​
60 kg​
10%​
6 kg​
54 kg​
~119 g​
60 kg​
15%​
9 kg​
51 kg​
~112 g​
60 kg​
20%​
12 kg​
48 kg​
~106 g​
70 kg​
10%​
7 kg​
63 kg​
~139 g​
70 kg​
15%​
10.5 kg​
59.5 kg​
~131 g​
70 kg​
20%​
14 kg​
56 kg​
~123 g​
80 kg​
10%​
8 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
80 kg​
15%​
12 kg​
68 kg​
~150 g​
80 kg​
20%​
16 kg​
64 kg​
~141 g​
90 kg​
15%​
13.5 kg​
76.5 kg​
~169 g​
90 kg​
20%​
18 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
90 kg​
25%​
22.5 kg​
67.5 kg​
~149 g​
100 kg​
20%​
20 kg​
80 kg​
~176 g​
100 kg​
25%​
25 kg​
75 kg​
~165 g​
100 kg​
30%​
30 kg​
70 kg​
~154 g​

1.2 – Start tracking your caloric intake
Download MyFitnessPal (or any decent tracker), weigh food on a kitchen scale, and log everything that goes into your mouth.
Specify raw vs cooked and pick accurate entries, you can't run a precise PSMF if you're eyeballing calories.



2 Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
ss4wcj.png
2.0 – Core diet rules
This is a PSMF, so:

Protein: set by LBM (usually 120–200 g/day for most).
Carbs: ~20 g/day or less (mostly from low‑cal veggies).
Fats: ~20 g/day or less (just what rides along with lean meats).
Total calories: generally 600–900 kcal/day in a classic PSMF setup

You're gonna be living on lean protein with trace fats/carbs. Everything else is flavor and damage control.


2.1 – Food choices
Food
Protein per 100g
Fat
Carbs
Chicken breast (raw)​
~23g​
~1g​
0g​
Turkey breast (raw)​
~22g​
~1g​
0g​
Cod/white fish​
~18g​
~0.5g​
0g​
Egg whites​
~11g​
0g​
~0.7g​
Low-fat cottage cheese​
~11g​
~1g​
~3g​
Whey isolate​
~90g​
~1g​
~1g​
A simple baseline day:
– 500 g chicken or turkey breast across the day.
– 1–2 scoops whey isolate to fill any protein gaps.
Solid meat is usually superior to shakes for satiety, but as long as you hit your protein target and keep fats/carbs low, you're doing it right.
Use:

– Zero‑cal seasonings, herbs, spices.
– Sugar‑free drinks, black coffee, tea.
– Low‑cal veggies (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli) in moderation

Because the calories are so low, official PSMF programs usually add a multivitamin and extra electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent deficiencies. [2] Target ranges (e.g., ~3–5 g sodium, ~2–3 g potassium, 300–400 mg magnesium per day).


3 Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
2xvu2d.png
j9j8og.png

3.0 Overview: Lipolysis & BetaOxidation
Fat loss happens in two major biochemical steps:

Lipolysis: breakdown of stored triglycerides in fat cells into free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol.
Beta‑oxidation: transport of FFAs into mitochondria and burning them for ATP.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/
You still need a calorie deficit, but how much of that deficit is filled by fat vs glycogen/glucose and muscle depends on how well you're mobilizing and oxidizing fat.

Keep in mind, we care about body composition and not just fat loss. [5]




3.1 Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
2xvu2d.png

Lipolysis is controlled mainly by hormone‑sensitive lipase and related enzymes in adipose tissue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

Key drivers:

Catecholamines (adrenaline & noradrenaline):
Bind β‑adrenergic receptors (β1/β2/β3) on fat cells → ↑cAMP → activate hormone‑sensitive lipase → more FFAs released into the blood.

Glucagon:
Works alongside catecholamines in the fasted state, especially when liver glycogen is low, to support fat breakdown. [7]

Low insulin:
Insulin directly suppresses lipolysis, lowering insulin via fasting, low‑carb/ketogenic diets, or deep calorie restriction removes that, hence why PSMF mogs.

Lifestyle factors that boost lipolysis:

– Hard lifting / HIIT → big catecholamine spikes and acute increases in lipolysis. [8]

– Fasted cardio → with low insulin, catecholamine signalling on fat cells is more effective (though daily fat loss still depends on the total deficit).
– Cold exposure → cold showers / ice baths activate the sympathetic nervous system and brown fat, giving a modest increase in lipolysis and energy expenditure aswell though the effects are negligible. [7]

Common lipolysis‑oriented drugs:

– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– GLP‑1 agonists (e.g. Semaglutide): mainly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control; by lowering energy intake and postprandial insulin they indirectly support fat loss. [9]

– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release [10]
wkacpt.png

Also I must mention that on PSMF, you already have low insulin and frequent catecholamine spikes (training + big deficit), so you're naturally in a high‑lipolysis environment even without these.



3.2 Maximizing BetaOxidation (Fat Burning)
j9j8og.png

Once FFAs are in the bloodstream, they must get into mitochondria to be burned. Long‑chain fatty acids depend on the carnitine shuttle for entry into the mitochondrial matrix. [11]
Key drivers:

Carnitine & mitochondria:
Carnitine transports long‑chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane; deficiencies or transport defects impair fat oxidation and shift fuel use toward carbs. [12]

Endurance / Zone 2 training increases mitochondrial density and the ability of muscle to use fat as a primary fuel. [13]

Keto / fasting / PSMF upregulate enzymes involved in fat oxidation and ketone production.

Metabolic rate & AMPK:
Thyroid hormone (T3) increases metabolic rate and upregulates many genes involved in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. [9]
AMPK activation (via exercise, deficit, metformin/berberine) signals a low‑energy state and promotes fat oxidation while improving insulin sensitivity. [8]

Common beta‑oxidation‑oriented agents:

– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.




4 Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
57qjwk.png

4.0 – Appetite control & GLP‑1s
Retatrutide, Semaglutide, Cagrilintide, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), etc. are GLP‑1 / multi‑agonist drugs that strongly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control, making it easier to adhere to a long‑term calorie deficit. [9]

Makes PSMF 10 times easier to follow up.

4.1 – Stimulants
Caffeine, ephedrine, and prescription stimulants (Methylphenidate, Dextro, Vyvanse etc.) suppress appetite and increase catecholamines, which can raise energy expenditure but also heart rate, blood pressure.

I must say they are very mogger for energy on cut to keep up with daily life, I'm probably going to post a thread about stims soon aswell.

4.2 – "Fat‑loss enhancers"
– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– A-Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.
– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release;. [10]

4.3 – Metabolic aids & cortisol modulation
– MOTS‑c: mitochondrial‑derived peptide that mimics exercise‑/fasting‑like signals → ↑AMPK activity, insulin sensitivity, and fat oxidation; may help preserve muscle.

– Metyrapone: cortisol‑synthesis inhibitor (blocks 11‑β‑hydroxylase) → lowers cortisol; used clinically in adrenal‑excess / Cushing‑related workups and mild autonomous cortisol secretion to improve metabolic markers.

Bottom line: if you aren't already sticking to your diet, ancillaries are not the bottleneck.


5 Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6d2ijo.png
5.0 – Lifting to keep muscle
On a PSMF, high protein plus resistance training is what tells your body "keep this muscle" while you're in a big deficit. [16]

– Train each muscle group 1–2× per week.
– Keep your main compounds in (bench, squat, deadlift, OHP, rows, pull‑ups), but don't chase PRs while aggressively dieting.
– Focus on maintaining strength and performance, not progressing; 2–4 hard sets per exercise is usually enough stimulus without murdering recovery.


5.1 – Cardio & steps
– Baseline: aim for around 10k steps per day to keep NEAT high.
– Avoid excessive added cardio at the start of a PSMF – it ramps hunger and fatigue and can speed up metabolic adaptation on very low calories.
– In the final days before a deadline, you can add more Zone 2 cardio (incline treadmill, cycling, etc.)


6 How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
– Don't say "I'm on a diet" to no. Just say you're not hungry or you already ate bro
– Learn to enjoy social events without eating; sip sugar‑free soda, water, tea, or black coffee and chill.
– No cheat meals, no "just one slice", no "I'll make up for it tomorrow".
– Remember that in normal day‑to‑day life, almost no situation actually forces you to eat junk – either stay fat or be shredded, make your choice.

Run this properly and, depending on your starting body fat, you can get noticeably lean in ~4–8 weeks,
which lines up with what clinical PSMF programs see under supervision. [17]


7 TL;DR & More material

TL;DR:
Track calories, Fats and Carbs < 20gr, Eat mainly protein, Supplement electrolytes, Eat Less than 1000calories, Train each muscle group 1-2 times a week, Keep your step count and daily activity high (<10.000 steps)

Trust the process.

Optionally:
Use GLP‑1 / multi‑agonists like Reta, Tirz or Cagr for apetite suppresion, Use Stimulants for energy and apetite suppresion, Use the "Fat Loss Enhancers" to maximise lipolysis and beta oxidation, Use Mots-c for metabolic markers, Use Metyrapone to inhibit cortisol, Introduce Zone 2 cardio after a while​




8 Scientific Backup/ Sources:
1. A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26817506/

2. Protein sparing modified fast diet program.
https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-library/health-resources/treatments-and-procedures/protein-sparing-modified-fast-diet-program

3. The biochemistry and physiology of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and its genetic disorders.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766985/

4. Fatty acid oxidation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/

5. Body recomposition: can trained individuals build muscle and lose fat at the same time?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5421125/

6. Lipolysis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis

7. The combined effects of exercise and food intake on adipose tissue and splanchnic metabolism.
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

8. AMP-activated protein kinase, a metabolic master switch: possible roles in type 2 diabetes.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276017301492

9. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10552824/

10. Effects of growth hormone on glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism in human subjects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6226059/

11. Carnitine transport and fatty acid oxidation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967041/

12. Carnitine and fatty acid transport.
https://www.lipidmaps.org/resources/lipidweb/lipidweb_html/lipids/simple/carnitin/index.htm

13. Adaptations of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise and their metabolic consequences.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23899751/

14. Carnitine in human muscle bioenergetics: can carnitine supplementation improve physical exercise?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8910660/#B46-ijms-23-02717

15. Efficacy and safety of berberine alone for several metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839379/

16. Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37724991/

17. Very-low-calorie diets and sustained weight loss.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4784653/



How WE are gonna look like this summer:
View attachment 5105610




- A glycogen depleted Menas

If you can still edit this include mirabegron it's a beta 3 agonists which relaxes bladder muscles making you hold more piss but at high doses like 200mgs you can see an extra caloric burn of 200 without effecting heart rate like clen
 
Last edited:
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Im like maybe 14-16% I don't really have a chart to go off of since they vary. Im not sure, until I see abs I guess. And im in stage 4 i'd say. I get that as a teen its relatively easier, but if I want abs and more definition within like 1-2 months would it work?
you can run it for a month yeah, it's up to u
 
holy shit new BOTB :feelsautistic::feelsautistic::feelsautistic:
 
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THE COMPLETE SHREDDING GUIDE FOR SUMMER
(Get shredded in a fucking month)
q50sla.png
Table of contents:
0 – Introduction / Disclaimer
1 – Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
2 – Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
3 – Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
3.0 – Overview: Lipolysis & Beta‑Oxidation
3.1 – Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
3.2 – Maximizing Beta‑Oxidation (Fat Burning)
4 – Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
5 – Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6 – How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
7 – TL;DR
8 - Scientific Backup/ Sources:


Thread Music:



0 Introduction / Disclaimer
949w48.png

By no means is this medical advice. Even though the risks are relatively low, everyone is different and some people may respond to this differently than others (although as I said, the majority should be fine).​


This thread is mainly focused on PSMF, most of the other stuff isn't mandatory but still better to include. PSMF stands for protein sparing modified fast, It's a diet where you mainly eat protein, it allows cutting efficiently without losing almost any muscle mass during cutting.
My 3 Month PSMF transformation:
fyxzn2.png




1 Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
1.0 – Estimate your body fat %
You can estimate body fat by eyeballing (Which is probably the most accurate tbh) or using calipers, DEXA, or a decent impedance scale.
Once you have a body fat estimate, calculate your lean body mass (LBM):

Lean Body Mass = Bodyweight × (1 − Body Fat %)

Example: 180 lbs at 15% body fat → 180 × 0.85 = 153 lbs LBM.

rkfdco.png
1.1 – Set your daily protein target
Aim for roughly 1 g of protein per lb of lean bodyweight (about 2.2–2.5 g/kg LBM). Higher protein intakes during a deficit preserve more lean mass and strength vs lower protein diets. [1]

So at 180 lbs with 15% body fat (153 lbs LBM), target around 150–160 g of protein per day.

Body Weight (kg)​
Body Fat %​
Fat Mass (kg)​
Lean Body Mass (kg)​
Daily Protein Target (g)​
60 kg​
10%​
6 kg​
54 kg​
~119 g​
60 kg​
15%​
9 kg​
51 kg​
~112 g​
60 kg​
20%​
12 kg​
48 kg​
~106 g​
70 kg​
10%​
7 kg​
63 kg​
~139 g​
70 kg​
15%​
10.5 kg​
59.5 kg​
~131 g​
70 kg​
20%​
14 kg​
56 kg​
~123 g​
80 kg​
10%​
8 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
80 kg​
15%​
12 kg​
68 kg​
~150 g​
80 kg​
20%​
16 kg​
64 kg​
~141 g​
90 kg​
15%​
13.5 kg​
76.5 kg​
~169 g​
90 kg​
20%​
18 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
90 kg​
25%​
22.5 kg​
67.5 kg​
~149 g​
100 kg​
20%​
20 kg​
80 kg​
~176 g​
100 kg​
25%​
25 kg​
75 kg​
~165 g​
100 kg​
30%​
30 kg​
70 kg​
~154 g​

1.2 – Start tracking your caloric intake
Download MyFitnessPal (or any decent tracker), weigh food on a kitchen scale, and log everything that goes into your mouth.
Specify raw vs cooked and pick accurate entries, you can't run a precise PSMF if you're eyeballing calories.



2 Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
ss4wcj.png
2.0 – Core diet rules
This is a PSMF, so:

Protein: set by LBM (usually 120–200 g/day for most).
Carbs: ~20 g/day or less (mostly from low‑cal veggies).
Fats: ~20 g/day or less (just what rides along with lean meats).
Total calories: generally 600–900 kcal/day in a classic PSMF setup

You're gonna be living on lean protein with trace fats/carbs. Everything else is flavor and damage control.


2.1 – Food choices
Food
Protein per 100g
Fat
Carbs
Chicken breast (raw)​
~23g​
~1g​
0g​
Turkey breast (raw)​
~22g​
~1g​
0g​
Cod/white fish​
~18g​
~0.5g​
0g​
Egg whites​
~11g​
0g​
~0.7g​
Low-fat cottage cheese​
~11g​
~1g​
~3g​
Whey isolate​
~90g​
~1g​
~1g​
A simple baseline day:
– 500 g chicken or turkey breast across the day.
– 1–2 scoops whey isolate to fill any protein gaps.
Solid meat is usually superior to shakes for satiety, but as long as you hit your protein target and keep fats/carbs low, you're doing it right.
Use:

– Zero‑cal seasonings, herbs, spices.
– Sugar‑free drinks, black coffee, tea.
– Low‑cal veggies (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli) in moderation

Because the calories are so low, official PSMF programs usually add a multivitamin and extra electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent deficiencies. [2] Target ranges (e.g., ~3–5 g sodium, ~2–3 g potassium, 300–400 mg magnesium per day).


3 Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
2xvu2d.png
j9j8og.png

3.0 Overview: Lipolysis & BetaOxidation
Fat loss happens in two major biochemical steps:

Lipolysis: breakdown of stored triglycerides in fat cells into free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol.
Beta‑oxidation: transport of FFAs into mitochondria and burning them for ATP.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/
You still need a calorie deficit, but how much of that deficit is filled by fat vs glycogen/glucose and muscle depends on how well you're mobilizing and oxidizing fat.

Keep in mind, we care about body composition and not just fat loss. [5]




3.1 Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
2xvu2d.png

Lipolysis is controlled mainly by hormone‑sensitive lipase and related enzymes in adipose tissue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

Key drivers:

Catecholamines (adrenaline & noradrenaline):
Bind β‑adrenergic receptors (β1/β2/β3) on fat cells → ↑cAMP → activate hormone‑sensitive lipase → more FFAs released into the blood.

Glucagon:
Works alongside catecholamines in the fasted state, especially when liver glycogen is low, to support fat breakdown. [7]

Low insulin:
Insulin directly suppresses lipolysis, lowering insulin via fasting, low‑carb/ketogenic diets, or deep calorie restriction removes that, hence why PSMF mogs.

Lifestyle factors that boost lipolysis:

– Hard lifting / HIIT → big catecholamine spikes and acute increases in lipolysis. [8]

– Fasted cardio → with low insulin, catecholamine signalling on fat cells is more effective (though daily fat loss still depends on the total deficit).
– Cold exposure → cold showers / ice baths activate the sympathetic nervous system and brown fat, giving a modest increase in lipolysis and energy expenditure aswell though the effects are negligible. [7]

Common lipolysis‑oriented drugs:

– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– GLP‑1 agonists (e.g. Semaglutide): mainly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control; by lowering energy intake and postprandial insulin they indirectly support fat loss. [9]

– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release [10]
wkacpt.png

Also I must mention that on PSMF, you already have low insulin and frequent catecholamine spikes (training + big deficit), so you're naturally in a high‑lipolysis environment even without these.



3.2 Maximizing BetaOxidation (Fat Burning)
j9j8og.png

Once FFAs are in the bloodstream, they must get into mitochondria to be burned. Long‑chain fatty acids depend on the carnitine shuttle for entry into the mitochondrial matrix. [11]
Key drivers:

Carnitine & mitochondria:
Carnitine transports long‑chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane; deficiencies or transport defects impair fat oxidation and shift fuel use toward carbs. [12]

Endurance / Zone 2 training increases mitochondrial density and the ability of muscle to use fat as a primary fuel. [13]

Keto / fasting / PSMF upregulate enzymes involved in fat oxidation and ketone production.

Metabolic rate & AMPK:
Thyroid hormone (T3) increases metabolic rate and upregulates many genes involved in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. [9]
AMPK activation (via exercise, deficit, metformin/berberine) signals a low‑energy state and promotes fat oxidation while improving insulin sensitivity. [8]

Common beta‑oxidation‑oriented agents:

– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.




4 Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
57qjwk.png

4.0 – Appetite control & GLP‑1s
Retatrutide, Semaglutide, Cagrilintide, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), etc. are GLP‑1 / multi‑agonist drugs that strongly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control, making it easier to adhere to a long‑term calorie deficit. [9]

Makes PSMF 10 times easier to follow up.

4.1 – Stimulants
Caffeine, ephedrine, and prescription stimulants (Methylphenidate, Dextro, Vyvanse etc.) suppress appetite and increase catecholamines, which can raise energy expenditure but also heart rate, blood pressure.

I must say they are very mogger for energy on cut to keep up with daily life, I'm probably going to post a thread about stims soon aswell.

4.2 – "Fat‑loss enhancers"
– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– A-Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.
– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release;. [10]

4.3 – Metabolic aids & cortisol modulation
– MOTS‑c: mitochondrial‑derived peptide that mimics exercise‑/fasting‑like signals → ↑AMPK activity, insulin sensitivity, and fat oxidation; may help preserve muscle.

– Metyrapone: cortisol‑synthesis inhibitor (blocks 11‑β‑hydroxylase) → lowers cortisol; used clinically in adrenal‑excess / Cushing‑related workups and mild autonomous cortisol secretion to improve metabolic markers.

Bottom line: if you aren't already sticking to your diet, ancillaries are not the bottleneck.


5 Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6d2ijo.png
5.0 – Lifting to keep muscle
On a PSMF, high protein plus resistance training is what tells your body "keep this muscle" while you're in a big deficit. [16]

– Train each muscle group 1–2× per week.
– Keep your main compounds in (bench, squat, deadlift, OHP, rows, pull‑ups), but don't chase PRs while aggressively dieting.
– Focus on maintaining strength and performance, not progressing; 2–4 hard sets per exercise is usually enough stimulus without murdering recovery.


5.1 – Cardio & steps
– Baseline: aim for around 10k steps per day to keep NEAT high.
– Avoid excessive added cardio at the start of a PSMF – it ramps hunger and fatigue and can speed up metabolic adaptation on very low calories.
– In the final days before a deadline, you can add more Zone 2 cardio (incline treadmill, cycling, etc.)


6 How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
– Don't say "I'm on a diet" to no. Just say you're not hungry or you already ate bro
– Learn to enjoy social events without eating; sip sugar‑free soda, water, tea, or black coffee and chill.
– No cheat meals, no "just one slice", no "I'll make up for it tomorrow".
– Remember that in normal day‑to‑day life, almost no situation actually forces you to eat junk – either stay fat or be shredded, make your choice.

Run this properly and, depending on your starting body fat, you can get noticeably lean in ~4–8 weeks,
which lines up with what clinical PSMF programs see under supervision. [17]


7 TL;DR & More material

TL;DR:
Track calories, Fats and Carbs < 20gr, Eat mainly protein, Supplement electrolytes, Eat Less than 1000calories, Train each muscle group 1-2 times a week, Keep your step count and daily activity high (<10.000 steps)

Trust the process.

Optionally:
Use GLP‑1 / multi‑agonists like Reta, Tirz or Cagr for apetite suppresion, Use Stimulants for energy and apetite suppresion, Use the "Fat Loss Enhancers" to maximise lipolysis and beta oxidation, Use Mots-c for metabolic markers, Use Metyrapone to inhibit cortisol, Introduce Zone 2 cardio after a while​




8 Scientific Backup/ Sources:
1. A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26817506/

2. Protein sparing modified fast diet program.
https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-library/health-resources/treatments-and-procedures/protein-sparing-modified-fast-diet-program

3. The biochemistry and physiology of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and its genetic disorders.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766985/

4. Fatty acid oxidation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/

5. Body recomposition: can trained individuals build muscle and lose fat at the same time?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5421125/

6. Lipolysis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis

7. The combined effects of exercise and food intake on adipose tissue and splanchnic metabolism.
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

8. AMP-activated protein kinase, a metabolic master switch: possible roles in type 2 diabetes.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276017301492

9. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10552824/

10. Effects of growth hormone on glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism in human subjects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6226059/

11. Carnitine transport and fatty acid oxidation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967041/

12. Carnitine and fatty acid transport.
https://www.lipidmaps.org/resources/lipidweb/lipidweb_html/lipids/simple/carnitin/index.htm

13. Adaptations of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise and their metabolic consequences.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23899751/

14. Carnitine in human muscle bioenergetics: can carnitine supplementation improve physical exercise?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8910660/#B46-ijms-23-02717

15. Efficacy and safety of berberine alone for several metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839379/

16. Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37724991/

17. Very-low-calorie diets and sustained weight loss.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4784653/



How WE are gonna look like this summer:
View attachment 5105610




- A glycogen depleted Menas

Dnr seems like a good thread from
What I’ve skimmed
 
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Reactions: Menas and Askinov
wats the best lower chest workout old man
 
mirin effort
 
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Good Thread, thank you
 
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Reactions: Menas
THE COMPLETE SHREDDING GUIDE FOR SUMMER
(Get shredded in a fucking month)
q50sla.png
Table of contents:
0 – Introduction / Disclaimer
1 – Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
2 – Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
3 – Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
3.0 – Overview: Lipolysis & Beta‑Oxidation
3.1 – Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
3.2 – Maximizing Beta‑Oxidation (Fat Burning)
4 – Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
5 – Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6 – How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
7 – TL;DR
8 - Scientific Backup/ Sources:


Thread Music:



0 Introduction / Disclaimer
949w48.png

By no means is this medical advice. Even though the risks are relatively low, everyone is different and some people may respond to this differently than others (although as I said, the majority should be fine).​


This thread is mainly focused on PSMF, most of the other stuff isn't mandatory but still better to include. PSMF stands for protein sparing modified fast, It's a diet where you mainly eat protein, it allows cutting efficiently without losing almost any muscle mass during cutting.
My 3 Month PSMF transformation:
fyxzn2.png




1 Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
1.0 – Estimate your body fat %
You can estimate body fat by eyeballing (Which is probably the most accurate tbh) or using calipers, DEXA, or a decent impedance scale.
Once you have a body fat estimate, calculate your lean body mass (LBM):

Lean Body Mass = Bodyweight × (1 − Body Fat %)

Example: 180 lbs at 15% body fat → 180 × 0.85 = 153 lbs LBM.

rkfdco.png
1.1 – Set your daily protein target
Aim for roughly 1 g of protein per lb of lean bodyweight (about 2.2–2.5 g/kg LBM). Higher protein intakes during a deficit preserve more lean mass and strength vs lower protein diets. [1]

So at 180 lbs with 15% body fat (153 lbs LBM), target around 150–160 g of protein per day.

Body Weight (kg)​
Body Fat %​
Fat Mass (kg)​
Lean Body Mass (kg)​
Daily Protein Target (g)​
60 kg​
10%​
6 kg​
54 kg​
~119 g​
60 kg​
15%​
9 kg​
51 kg​
~112 g​
60 kg​
20%​
12 kg​
48 kg​
~106 g​
70 kg​
10%​
7 kg​
63 kg​
~139 g​
70 kg​
15%​
10.5 kg​
59.5 kg​
~131 g​
70 kg​
20%​
14 kg​
56 kg​
~123 g​
80 kg​
10%​
8 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
80 kg​
15%​
12 kg​
68 kg​
~150 g​
80 kg​
20%​
16 kg​
64 kg​
~141 g​
90 kg​
15%​
13.5 kg​
76.5 kg​
~169 g​
90 kg​
20%​
18 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
90 kg​
25%​
22.5 kg​
67.5 kg​
~149 g​
100 kg​
20%​
20 kg​
80 kg​
~176 g​
100 kg​
25%​
25 kg​
75 kg​
~165 g​
100 kg​
30%​
30 kg​
70 kg​
~154 g​

1.2 – Start tracking your caloric intake
Download MyFitnessPal (or any decent tracker), weigh food on a kitchen scale, and log everything that goes into your mouth.
Specify raw vs cooked and pick accurate entries, you can't run a precise PSMF if you're eyeballing calories.



2 Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
View attachment 5115972
2.0 – Core diet rules
This is a PSMF, so:

Protein: set by LBM (usually 120–200 g/day for most).
Carbs: ~20 g/day or less (mostly from low‑cal veggies).
Fats: ~20 g/day or less (just what rides along with lean meats).
Total calories: generally 600–900 kcal/day in a classic PSMF setup

You're gonna be living on lean protein with trace fats/carbs. Everything else is flavor and damage control.


2.1 – Food choices
Food
Protein per 100g
Fat
Carbs
Chicken breast (raw)​
~23g​
~1g​
0g​
Turkey breast (raw)​
~22g​
~1g​
0g​
Cod/white fish​
~18g​
~0.5g​
0g​
Egg whites​
~11g​
0g​
~0.7g​
Low-fat cottage cheese​
~11g​
~1g​
~3g​
Whey isolate​
~90g​
~1g​
~1g​
A simple baseline day:
– 500 g chicken or turkey breast across the day.
– 1–2 scoops whey isolate to fill any protein gaps.
Solid meat is usually superior to shakes for satiety, but as long as you hit your protein target and keep fats/carbs low, you're doing it right.
Use:

– Zero‑cal seasonings, herbs, spices.
– Sugar‑free drinks, black coffee, tea.
– Low‑cal veggies (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli) in moderation

Because the calories are so low, official PSMF programs usually add a multivitamin and extra electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent deficiencies. [2] Target ranges (e.g., ~3–5 g sodium, ~2–3 g potassium, 300–400 mg magnesium per day).


3 Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
2xvu2d.png
j9j8og.png

3.0 Overview: Lipolysis & BetaOxidation
Fat loss happens in two major biochemical steps:

Lipolysis: breakdown of stored triglycerides in fat cells into free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol.
Beta‑oxidation: transport of FFAs into mitochondria and burning them for ATP.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/
You still need a calorie deficit, but how much of that deficit is filled by fat vs glycogen/glucose and muscle depends on how well you're mobilizing and oxidizing fat.

Keep in mind, we care about body composition and not just fat loss. [5]




3.1 Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
2xvu2d.png

Lipolysis is controlled mainly by hormone‑sensitive lipase and related enzymes in adipose tissue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

Key drivers:

Catecholamines (adrenaline & noradrenaline):
Bind β‑adrenergic receptors (β1/β2/β3) on fat cells → ↑cAMP → activate hormone‑sensitive lipase → more FFAs released into the blood.

Glucagon:
Works alongside catecholamines in the fasted state, especially when liver glycogen is low, to support fat breakdown. [7]

Low insulin:
Insulin directly suppresses lipolysis, lowering insulin via fasting, low‑carb/ketogenic diets, or deep calorie restriction removes that, hence why PSMF mogs.

Lifestyle factors that boost lipolysis:

– Hard lifting / HIIT → big catecholamine spikes and acute increases in lipolysis. [8]

– Fasted cardio → with low insulin, catecholamine signalling on fat cells is more effective (though daily fat loss still depends on the total deficit).
– Cold exposure → cold showers / ice baths activate the sympathetic nervous system and brown fat, giving a modest increase in lipolysis and energy expenditure aswell though the effects are negligible. [7]

Common lipolysis‑oriented drugs:

– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– GLP‑1 agonists (e.g. Semaglutide): mainly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control; by lowering energy intake and postprandial insulin they indirectly support fat loss. [9]

– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release [10]
wkacpt.png

Also I must mention that on PSMF, you already have low insulin and frequent catecholamine spikes (training + big deficit), so you're naturally in a high‑lipolysis environment even without these.



3.2 Maximizing BetaOxidation (Fat Burning)
j9j8og.png

Once FFAs are in the bloodstream, they must get into mitochondria to be burned. Long‑chain fatty acids depend on the carnitine shuttle for entry into the mitochondrial matrix. [11]
Key drivers:

Carnitine & mitochondria:
Carnitine transports long‑chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane; deficiencies or transport defects impair fat oxidation and shift fuel use toward carbs. [12]

Endurance / Zone 2 training increases mitochondrial density and the ability of muscle to use fat as a primary fuel. [13]

Keto / fasting / PSMF upregulate enzymes involved in fat oxidation and ketone production.

Metabolic rate & AMPK:
Thyroid hormone (T3) increases metabolic rate and upregulates many genes involved in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. [9]
AMPK activation (via exercise, deficit, metformin/berberine) signals a low‑energy state and promotes fat oxidation while improving insulin sensitivity. [8]

Common beta‑oxidation‑oriented agents:

– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.




4 Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
View attachment 5115987

4.0 – Appetite control & GLP‑1s
Retatrutide, Semaglutide, Cagrilintide, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), etc. are GLP‑1 / multi‑agonist drugs that strongly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control, making it easier to adhere to a long‑term calorie deficit. [9]

Makes PSMF 10 times easier to follow up.

4.1 – Stimulants
Caffeine, ephedrine, and prescription stimulants (Methylphenidate, Dextro, Vyvanse etc.) suppress appetite and increase catecholamines, which can raise energy expenditure but also heart rate, blood pressure.

I must say they are very mogger for energy on cut to keep up with daily life, I'm probably going to post a thread about stims soon aswell.

4.2 – "Fat‑loss enhancers"
– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– A-Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.
– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release;. [10]

4.3 – Metabolic aids & cortisol modulation
– MOTS‑c: mitochondrial‑derived peptide that mimics exercise‑/fasting‑like signals → ↑AMPK activity, insulin sensitivity, and fat oxidation; may help preserve muscle.

– Metyrapone: cortisol‑synthesis inhibitor (blocks 11‑β‑hydroxylase) → lowers cortisol; used clinically in adrenal‑excess / Cushing‑related workups and mild autonomous cortisol secretion to improve metabolic markers.

Bottom line: if you aren't already sticking to your diet, ancillaries are not the bottleneck.


5 Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6d2ijo.png
5.0 – Lifting to keep muscle
On a PSMF, high protein plus resistance training is what tells your body "keep this muscle" while you're in a big deficit. [16]

– Train each muscle group 1–2× per week.
– Keep your main compounds in (bench, squat, deadlift, OHP, rows, pull‑ups), but don't chase PRs while aggressively dieting.
– Focus on maintaining strength and performance, not progressing; 2–4 hard sets per exercise is usually enough stimulus without murdering recovery.


5.1 – Cardio & steps
– Baseline: aim for around 10k steps per day to keep NEAT high.
– Avoid excessive added cardio at the start of a PSMF – it ramps hunger and fatigue and can speed up metabolic adaptation on very low calories.
– In the final days before a deadline, you can add more Zone 2 cardio (incline treadmill, cycling, etc.)


6 How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
– Don't say "I'm on a diet" to no. Just say you're not hungry or you already ate bro
– Learn to enjoy social events without eating; sip sugar‑free soda, water, tea, or black coffee and chill.
– No cheat meals, no "just one slice", no "I'll make up for it tomorrow".
– Remember that in normal day‑to‑day life, almost no situation actually forces you to eat junk – either stay fat or be shredded, make your choice.

Run this properly and, depending on your starting body fat, you can get noticeably lean in ~4–8 weeks,
which lines up with what clinical PSMF programs see under supervision. [17]


7 TL;DR & More material

TL;DR:
Track calories, Fats and Carbs < 20gr, Eat mainly protein, Supplement electrolytes, Eat Less than 1000calories, Train each muscle group 1-2 times a week, Keep your step count and daily activity high (<10.000 steps)

Trust the process.

Optionally:
Use GLP‑1 / multi‑agonists like Reta, Tirz or Cagr for apetite suppresion, Use Stimulants for energy and apetite suppresion, Use the "Fat Loss Enhancers" to maximise lipolysis and beta oxidation, Use Mots-c for metabolic markers, Use Metyrapone to inhibit cortisol, Introduce Zone 2 cardio after a while​




8 Scientific Backup/ Sources:
1. A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26817506/

2. Protein sparing modified fast diet program.
https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-library/health-resources/treatments-and-procedures/protein-sparing-modified-fast-diet-program

3. The biochemistry and physiology of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and its genetic disorders.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766985/

4. Fatty acid oxidation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/

5. Body recomposition: can trained individuals build muscle and lose fat at the same time?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5421125/

6. Lipolysis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis

7. The combined effects of exercise and food intake on adipose tissue and splanchnic metabolism.
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

8. AMP-activated protein kinase, a metabolic master switch: possible roles in type 2 diabetes.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276017301492

9. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10552824/

10. Effects of growth hormone on glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism in human subjects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6226059/

11. Carnitine transport and fatty acid oxidation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967041/

12. Carnitine and fatty acid transport.
https://www.lipidmaps.org/resources/lipidweb/lipidweb_html/lipids/simple/carnitin/index.htm

13. Adaptations of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise and their metabolic consequences.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23899751/

14. Carnitine in human muscle bioenergetics: can carnitine supplementation improve physical exercise?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8910660/#B46-ijms-23-02717

15. Efficacy and safety of berberine alone for several metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839379/

16. Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37724991/

17. Very-low-calorie diets and sustained weight loss.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4784653/



How WE are gonna look like this summer:
View attachment 5105610




- A glycogen depleted Menas

good thread, bodyfat estimates are a bit optimistic and the lifting part sucks
 
  • +1
Reactions: Menas
THE COMPLETE SHREDDING GUIDE FOR SUMMER
(Get shredded in a fucking month)
q50sla.png
Table of contents:
0 – Introduction / Disclaimer
1 – Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
2 – Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
3 – Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
3.0 – Overview: Lipolysis & Beta‑Oxidation
3.1 – Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
3.2 – Maximizing Beta‑Oxidation (Fat Burning)
4 – Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
5 – Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6 – How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
7 – TL;DR
8 - Scientific Backup/ Sources:


Thread Music:



0 Introduction / Disclaimer
949w48.png

By no means is this medical advice. Even though the risks are relatively low, everyone is different and some people may respond to this differently than others (although as I said, the majority should be fine).​


This thread is mainly focused on PSMF, most of the other stuff isn't mandatory but still better to include. PSMF stands for protein sparing modified fast, It's a diet where you mainly eat protein, it allows cutting efficiently without losing almost any muscle mass during cutting.
My 3 Month PSMF transformation:
fyxzn2.png




1 Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
1.0 – Estimate your body fat %
You can estimate body fat by eyeballing (Which is probably the most accurate tbh) or using calipers, DEXA, or a decent impedance scale.
Once you have a body fat estimate, calculate your lean body mass (LBM):

Lean Body Mass = Bodyweight × (1 − Body Fat %)

Example: 180 lbs at 15% body fat → 180 × 0.85 = 153 lbs LBM.

rkfdco.png
1.1 – Set your daily protein target
Aim for roughly 1 g of protein per lb of lean bodyweight (about 2.2–2.5 g/kg LBM). Higher protein intakes during a deficit preserve more lean mass and strength vs lower protein diets. [1]

So at 180 lbs with 15% body fat (153 lbs LBM), target around 150–160 g of protein per day.

Body Weight (kg)​
Body Fat %​
Fat Mass (kg)​
Lean Body Mass (kg)​
Daily Protein Target (g)​
60 kg​
10%​
6 kg​
54 kg​
~119 g​
60 kg​
15%​
9 kg​
51 kg​
~112 g​
60 kg​
20%​
12 kg​
48 kg​
~106 g​
70 kg​
10%​
7 kg​
63 kg​
~139 g​
70 kg​
15%​
10.5 kg​
59.5 kg​
~131 g​
70 kg​
20%​
14 kg​
56 kg​
~123 g​
80 kg​
10%​
8 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
80 kg​
15%​
12 kg​
68 kg​
~150 g​
80 kg​
20%​
16 kg​
64 kg​
~141 g​
90 kg​
15%​
13.5 kg​
76.5 kg​
~169 g​
90 kg​
20%​
18 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
90 kg​
25%​
22.5 kg​
67.5 kg​
~149 g​
100 kg​
20%​
20 kg​
80 kg​
~176 g​
100 kg​
25%​
25 kg​
75 kg​
~165 g​
100 kg​
30%​
30 kg​
70 kg​
~154 g​

1.2 – Start tracking your caloric intake
Download MyFitnessPal (or any decent tracker), weigh food on a kitchen scale, and log everything that goes into your mouth.
Specify raw vs cooked and pick accurate entries, you can't run a precise PSMF if you're eyeballing calories.



2 Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
View attachment 5115972
2.0 – Core diet rules
This is a PSMF, so:

Protein: set by LBM (usually 120–200 g/day for most).
Carbs: ~20 g/day or less (mostly from low‑cal veggies).
Fats: ~20 g/day or less (just what rides along with lean meats).
Total calories: generally 600–900 kcal/day in a classic PSMF setup

You're gonna be living on lean protein with trace fats/carbs. Everything else is flavor and damage control.


2.1 – Food choices
Food
Protein per 100g
Fat
Carbs
Chicken breast (raw)​
~23g​
~1g​
0g​
Turkey breast (raw)​
~22g​
~1g​
0g​
Cod/white fish​
~18g​
~0.5g​
0g​
Egg whites​
~11g​
0g​
~0.7g​
Low-fat cottage cheese​
~11g​
~1g​
~3g​
Whey isolate​
~90g​
~1g​
~1g​
A simple baseline day:
– 500 g chicken or turkey breast across the day.
– 1–2 scoops whey isolate to fill any protein gaps.
Solid meat is usually superior to shakes for satiety, but as long as you hit your protein target and keep fats/carbs low, you're doing it right.
Use:

– Zero‑cal seasonings, herbs, spices.
– Sugar‑free drinks, black coffee, tea.
– Low‑cal veggies (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli) in moderation

Because the calories are so low, official PSMF programs usually add a multivitamin and extra electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent deficiencies. [2] Target ranges (e.g., ~3–5 g sodium, ~2–3 g potassium, 300–400 mg magnesium per day).


3 Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
2xvu2d.png
j9j8og.png

3.0 Overview: Lipolysis & BetaOxidation
Fat loss happens in two major biochemical steps:

Lipolysis: breakdown of stored triglycerides in fat cells into free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol.
Beta‑oxidation: transport of FFAs into mitochondria and burning them for ATP.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/
You still need a calorie deficit, but how much of that deficit is filled by fat vs glycogen/glucose and muscle depends on how well you're mobilizing and oxidizing fat.

Keep in mind, we care about body composition and not just fat loss. [5]




3.1 Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
2xvu2d.png

Lipolysis is controlled mainly by hormone‑sensitive lipase and related enzymes in adipose tissue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

Key drivers:

Catecholamines (adrenaline & noradrenaline):
Bind β‑adrenergic receptors (β1/β2/β3) on fat cells → ↑cAMP → activate hormone‑sensitive lipase → more FFAs released into the blood.

Glucagon:
Works alongside catecholamines in the fasted state, especially when liver glycogen is low, to support fat breakdown. [7]

Low insulin:
Insulin directly suppresses lipolysis, lowering insulin via fasting, low‑carb/ketogenic diets, or deep calorie restriction removes that, hence why PSMF mogs.

Lifestyle factors that boost lipolysis:

– Hard lifting / HIIT → big catecholamine spikes and acute increases in lipolysis. [8]

– Fasted cardio → with low insulin, catecholamine signalling on fat cells is more effective (though daily fat loss still depends on the total deficit).
– Cold exposure → cold showers / ice baths activate the sympathetic nervous system and brown fat, giving a modest increase in lipolysis and energy expenditure aswell though the effects are negligible. [7]

Common lipolysis‑oriented drugs:

– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– GLP‑1 agonists (e.g. Semaglutide): mainly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control; by lowering energy intake and postprandial insulin they indirectly support fat loss. [9]

– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release [10]
wkacpt.png

Also I must mention that on PSMF, you already have low insulin and frequent catecholamine spikes (training + big deficit), so you're naturally in a high‑lipolysis environment even without these.



3.2 Maximizing BetaOxidation (Fat Burning)
j9j8og.png

Once FFAs are in the bloodstream, they must get into mitochondria to be burned. Long‑chain fatty acids depend on the carnitine shuttle for entry into the mitochondrial matrix. [11]
Key drivers:

Carnitine & mitochondria:
Carnitine transports long‑chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane; deficiencies or transport defects impair fat oxidation and shift fuel use toward carbs. [12]

Endurance / Zone 2 training increases mitochondrial density and the ability of muscle to use fat as a primary fuel. [13]

Keto / fasting / PSMF upregulate enzymes involved in fat oxidation and ketone production.

Metabolic rate & AMPK:
Thyroid hormone (T3) increases metabolic rate and upregulates many genes involved in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. [9]
AMPK activation (via exercise, deficit, metformin/berberine) signals a low‑energy state and promotes fat oxidation while improving insulin sensitivity. [8]

Common beta‑oxidation‑oriented agents:

– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.




4 Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
View attachment 5115987

4.0 – Appetite control & GLP‑1s
Retatrutide, Semaglutide, Cagrilintide, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), etc. are GLP‑1 / multi‑agonist drugs that strongly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control, making it easier to adhere to a long‑term calorie deficit. [9]

Makes PSMF 10 times easier to follow up.

4.1 – Stimulants
Caffeine, ephedrine, and prescription stimulants (Methylphenidate, Dextro, Vyvanse etc.) suppress appetite and increase catecholamines, which can raise energy expenditure but also heart rate, blood pressure.

I must say they are very mogger for energy on cut to keep up with daily life, I'm probably going to post a thread about stims soon aswell.

4.2 – "Fat‑loss enhancers"
– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– A-Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.
– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release;. [10]

4.3 – Metabolic aids & cortisol modulation
– MOTS‑c: mitochondrial‑derived peptide that mimics exercise‑/fasting‑like signals → ↑AMPK activity, insulin sensitivity, and fat oxidation; may help preserve muscle.

– Metyrapone: cortisol‑synthesis inhibitor (blocks 11‑β‑hydroxylase) → lowers cortisol; used clinically in adrenal‑excess / Cushing‑related workups and mild autonomous cortisol secretion to improve metabolic markers.

Bottom line: if you aren't already sticking to your diet, ancillaries are not the bottleneck.


5 Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6d2ijo.png
5.0 – Lifting to keep muscle
On a PSMF, high protein plus resistance training is what tells your body "keep this muscle" while you're in a big deficit. [16]

– Train each muscle group 1–2× per week.
– Keep your main compounds in (bench, squat, deadlift, OHP, rows, pull‑ups), but don't chase PRs while aggressively dieting.
– Focus on maintaining strength and performance, not progressing; 2–4 hard sets per exercise is usually enough stimulus without murdering recovery.


5.1 – Cardio & steps
– Baseline: aim for around 10k steps per day to keep NEAT high.
– Avoid excessive added cardio at the start of a PSMF – it ramps hunger and fatigue and can speed up metabolic adaptation on very low calories.
– In the final days before a deadline, you can add more Zone 2 cardio (incline treadmill, cycling, etc.)


6 How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
– Don't say "I'm on a diet" to no. Just say you're not hungry or you already ate bro
– Learn to enjoy social events without eating; sip sugar‑free soda, water, tea, or black coffee and chill.
– No cheat meals, no "just one slice", no "I'll make up for it tomorrow".
– Remember that in normal day‑to‑day life, almost no situation actually forces you to eat junk – either stay fat or be shredded, make your choice.

Run this properly and, depending on your starting body fat, you can get noticeably lean in ~4–8 weeks,
which lines up with what clinical PSMF programs see under supervision. [17]


7 TL;DR & More material

TL;DR:
Track calories, Fats and Carbs < 20gr, Eat mainly protein, Supplement electrolytes, Eat Less than 1000calories, Train each muscle group 1-2 times a week, Keep your step count and daily activity high (<10.000 steps)

Trust the process.

Optionally:
Use GLP‑1 / multi‑agonists like Reta, Tirz or Cagr for apetite suppresion, Use Stimulants for energy and apetite suppresion, Use the "Fat Loss Enhancers" to maximise lipolysis and beta oxidation, Use Mots-c for metabolic markers, Use Metyrapone to inhibit cortisol, Introduce Zone 2 cardio after a while​




8 Scientific Backup/ Sources:
1. A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26817506/

2. Protein sparing modified fast diet program.
https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-library/health-resources/treatments-and-procedures/protein-sparing-modified-fast-diet-program

3. The biochemistry and physiology of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and its genetic disorders.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766985/

4. Fatty acid oxidation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/

5. Body recomposition: can trained individuals build muscle and lose fat at the same time?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5421125/

6. Lipolysis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis

7. The combined effects of exercise and food intake on adipose tissue and splanchnic metabolism.
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

8. AMP-activated protein kinase, a metabolic master switch: possible roles in type 2 diabetes.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276017301492

9. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10552824/

10. Effects of growth hormone on glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism in human subjects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6226059/

11. Carnitine transport and fatty acid oxidation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967041/

12. Carnitine and fatty acid transport.
https://www.lipidmaps.org/resources/lipidweb/lipidweb_html/lipids/simple/carnitin/index.htm

13. Adaptations of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise and their metabolic consequences.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23899751/

14. Carnitine in human muscle bioenergetics: can carnitine supplementation improve physical exercise?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8910660/#B46-ijms-23-02717

15. Efficacy and safety of berberine alone for several metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839379/

16. Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37724991/

17. Very-low-calorie diets and sustained weight loss.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4784653/



How WE are gonna look like this summer:
View attachment 5105610




- A glycogen depleted Menas

holy bro thanks for the guide
 
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L-Carnitine injection is a piece of shit, can't find any decent high mg/ml ones. Injecting 1 ml intramuscular (can't do that much subcutaneous) every day, is extremely annoying.

Any advice?
 
nr seems like a good thread from
W

THE COMPLETE SHREDDING GUIDE FOR SUMMER
(Get shredded in a fucking month)
q50sla.png
Table of contents:
0 – Introduction / Disclaimer
1 – Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
2 – Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
3 – Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
3.0 – Overview: Lipolysis & Beta‑Oxidation
3.1 – Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
3.2 – Maximizing Beta‑Oxidation (Fat Burning)
4 – Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
5 – Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6 – How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
7 – TL;DR
8 - Scientific Backup/ Sources:


Thread Music:



0 Introduction / Disclaimer
949w48.png

By no means is this medical advice. Even though the risks are relatively low, everyone is different and some people may respond to this differently than others (although as I said, the majority should be fine).​


This thread is mainly focused on PSMF, most of the other stuff isn't mandatory but still better to include. PSMF stands for protein sparing modified fast, It's a diet where you mainly eat protein, it allows cutting efficiently without losing almost any muscle mass during cutting.
My 3 Month PSMF transformation:
fyxzn2.png




1 Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
1.0 – Estimate your body fat %
You can estimate body fat by eyeballing (Which is probably the most accurate tbh) or using calipers, DEXA, or a decent impedance scale.
Once you have a body fat estimate, calculate your lean body mass (LBM):

Lean Body Mass = Bodyweight × (1 − Body Fat %)

Example: 180 lbs at 15% body fat → 180 × 0.85 = 153 lbs LBM.

rkfdco.png
1.1 – Set your daily protein target
Aim for roughly 1 g of protein per lb of lean bodyweight (about 2.2–2.5 g/kg LBM). Higher protein intakes during a deficit preserve more lean mass and strength vs lower protein diets. [1]

So at 180 lbs with 15% body fat (153 lbs LBM), target around 150–160 g of protein per day.

Body Weight (kg)​
Body Fat %​
Fat Mass (kg)​
Lean Body Mass (kg)​
Daily Protein Target (g)​
60 kg​
10%​
6 kg​
54 kg​
~119 g​
60 kg​
15%​
9 kg​
51 kg​
~112 g​
60 kg​
20%​
12 kg​
48 kg​
~106 g​
70 kg​
10%​
7 kg​
63 kg​
~139 g​
70 kg​
15%​
10.5 kg​
59.5 kg​
~131 g​
70 kg​
20%​
14 kg​
56 kg​
~123 g​
80 kg​
10%​
8 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
80 kg​
15%​
12 kg​
68 kg​
~150 g​
80 kg​
20%​
16 kg​
64 kg​
~141 g​
90 kg​
15%​
13.5 kg​
76.5 kg​
~169 g​
90 kg​
20%​
18 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
90 kg​
25%​
22.5 kg​
67.5 kg​
~149 g​
100 kg​
20%​
20 kg​
80 kg​
~176 g​
100 kg​
25%​
25 kg​
75 kg​
~165 g​
100 kg​
30%​
30 kg​
70 kg​
~154 g​

1.2 – Start tracking your caloric intake
Download MyFitnessPal (or any decent tracker), weigh food on a kitchen scale, and log everything that goes into your mouth.
Specify raw vs cooked and pick accurate entries, you can't run a precise PSMF if you're eyeballing calories.



2 Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
View attachment 5115972
2.0 – Core diet rules
This is a PSMF, so:

Protein: set by LBM (usually 120–200 g/day for most).
Carbs: ~20 g/day or less (mostly from low‑cal veggies).
Fats: ~20 g/day or less (just what rides along with lean meats).
Total calories: generally 600–900 kcal/day in a classic PSMF setup

You're gonna be living on lean protein with trace fats/carbs. Everything else is flavor and damage control.


2.1 – Food choices
Food
Protein per 100g
Fat
Carbs
Chicken breast (raw)​
~23g​
~1g​
0g​
Turkey breast (raw)​
~22g​
~1g​
0g​
Cod/white fish​
~18g​
~0.5g​
0g​
Egg whites​
~11g​
0g​
~0.7g​
Low-fat cottage cheese​
~11g​
~1g​
~3g​
Whey isolate​
~90g​
~1g​
~1g​
A simple baseline day:
– 500 g chicken or turkey breast across the day.
– 1–2 scoops whey isolate to fill any protein gaps.
Solid meat is usually superior to shakes for satiety, but as long as you hit your protein target and keep fats/carbs low, you're doing it right.
Use:

– Zero‑cal seasonings, herbs, spices.
– Sugar‑free drinks, black coffee, tea.
– Low‑cal veggies (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli) in moderation

Because the calories are so low, official PSMF programs usually add a multivitamin and extra electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent deficiencies. [2] Target ranges (e.g., ~3–5 g sodium, ~2–3 g potassium, 300–400 mg magnesium per day).


3 Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
2xvu2d.png
j9j8og.png

3.0 Overview: Lipolysis & BetaOxidation
Fat loss happens in two major biochemical steps:

Lipolysis: breakdown of stored triglycerides in fat cells into free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol.
Beta‑oxidation: transport of FFAs into mitochondria and burning them for ATP.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/
You still need a calorie deficit, but how much of that deficit is filled by fat vs glycogen/glucose and muscle depends on how well you're mobilizing and oxidizing fat.

Keep in mind, we care about body composition and not just fat loss. [5]




3.1 Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
2xvu2d.png

Lipolysis is controlled mainly by hormone‑sensitive lipase and related enzymes in adipose tissue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

Key drivers:

Catecholamines (adrenaline & noradrenaline):
Bind β‑adrenergic receptors (β1/β2/β3) on fat cells → ↑cAMP → activate hormone‑sensitive lipase → more FFAs released into the blood.

Glucagon:
Works alongside catecholamines in the fasted state, especially when liver glycogen is low, to support fat breakdown. [7]

Low insulin:
Insulin directly suppresses lipolysis, lowering insulin via fasting, low‑carb/ketogenic diets, or deep calorie restriction removes that, hence why PSMF mogs.

Lifestyle factors that boost lipolysis:

– Hard lifting / HIIT → big catecholamine spikes and acute increases in lipolysis. [8]

– Fasted cardio → with low insulin, catecholamine signalling on fat cells is more effective (though daily fat loss still depends on the total deficit).
– Cold exposure → cold showers / ice baths activate the sympathetic nervous system and brown fat, giving a modest increase in lipolysis and energy expenditure aswell though the effects are negligible. [7]

Common lipolysis‑oriented drugs:

– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– GLP‑1 agonists (e.g. Semaglutide): mainly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control; by lowering energy intake and postprandial insulin they indirectly support fat loss. [9]

– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release [10]
wkacpt.png

Also I must mention that on PSMF, you already have low insulin and frequent catecholamine spikes (training + big deficit), so you're naturally in a high‑lipolysis environment even without these.



3.2 Maximizing BetaOxidation (Fat Burning)
j9j8og.png

Once FFAs are in the bloodstream, they must get into mitochondria to be burned. Long‑chain fatty acids depend on the carnitine shuttle for entry into the mitochondrial matrix. [11]
Key drivers:

Carnitine & mitochondria:
Carnitine transports long‑chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane; deficiencies or transport defects impair fat oxidation and shift fuel use toward carbs. [12]

Endurance / Zone 2 training increases mitochondrial density and the ability of muscle to use fat as a primary fuel. [13]

Keto / fasting / PSMF upregulate enzymes involved in fat oxidation and ketone production.

Metabolic rate & AMPK:
Thyroid hormone (T3) increases metabolic rate and upregulates many genes involved in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. [9]
AMPK activation (via exercise, deficit, metformin/berberine) signals a low‑energy state and promotes fat oxidation while improving insulin sensitivity. [8]

Common beta‑oxidation‑oriented agents:

– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.




4 Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
View attachment 5115987

4.0 – Appetite control & GLP‑1s
Retatrutide, Semaglutide, Cagrilintide, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), etc. are GLP‑1 / multi‑agonist drugs that strongly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control, making it easier to adhere to a long‑term calorie deficit. [9]

Makes PSMF 10 times easier to follow up.

4.1 – Stimulants
Caffeine, ephedrine, and prescription stimulants (Methylphenidate, Dextro, Vyvanse etc.) suppress appetite and increase catecholamines, which can raise energy expenditure but also heart rate, blood pressure.

I must say they are very mogger for energy on cut to keep up with daily life, I'm probably going to post a thread about stims soon aswell.

4.2 – "Fat‑loss enhancers"
– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– A-Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.
– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release;. [10]

4.3 – Metabolic aids & cortisol modulation
– MOTS‑c: mitochondrial‑derived peptide that mimics exercise‑/fasting‑like signals → ↑AMPK activity, insulin sensitivity, and fat oxidation; may help preserve muscle.

– Metyrapone: cortisol‑synthesis inhibitor (blocks 11‑β‑hydroxylase) → lowers cortisol; used clinically in adrenal‑excess / Cushing‑related workups and mild autonomous cortisol secretion to improve metabolic markers.

Bottom line: if you aren't already sticking to your diet, ancillaries are not the bottleneck.


5 Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6d2ijo.png
5.0 – Lifting to keep muscle
On a PSMF, high protein plus resistance training is what tells your body "keep this muscle" while you're in a big deficit. [16]

– Train each muscle group 1–2× per week.
– Keep your main compounds in (bench, squat, deadlift, OHP, rows, pull‑ups), but don't chase PRs while aggressively dieting.
– Focus on maintaining strength and performance, not progressing; 2–4 hard sets per exercise is usually enough stimulus without murdering recovery.


5.1 – Cardio & steps
– Baseline: aim for around 10k steps per day to keep NEAT high.
– Avoid excessive added cardio at the start of a PSMF – it ramps hunger and fatigue and can speed up metabolic adaptation on very low calories.
– In the final days before a deadline, you can add more Zone 2 cardio (incline treadmill, cycling, etc.)


6 How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
– Don't say "I'm on a diet" to no. Just say you're not hungry or you already ate bro
– Learn to enjoy social events without eating; sip sugar‑free soda, water, tea, or black coffee and chill.
– No cheat meals, no "just one slice", no "I'll make up for it tomorrow".
– Remember that in normal day‑to‑day life, almost no situation actually forces you to eat junk – either stay fat or be shredded, make your choice.

Run this properly and, depending on your starting body fat, you can get noticeably lean in ~4–8 weeks,
which lines up with what clinical PSMF programs see under supervision. [17]


7 TL;DR & More material

TL;DR:
Track calories, Fats and Carbs < 20gr, Eat mainly protein, Supplement electrolytes, Eat Less than 1000calories, Train each muscle group 1-2 times a week, Keep your step count and daily activity high (<10.000 steps)

Trust the process.

Optionally:
Use GLP‑1 / multi‑agonists like Reta, Tirz or Cagr for apetite suppresion, Use Stimulants for energy and apetite suppresion, Use the "Fat Loss Enhancers" to maximise lipolysis and beta oxidation, Use Mots-c for metabolic markers, Use Metyrapone to inhibit cortisol, Introduce Zone 2 cardio after a while​




8 Scientific Backup/ Sources:
1. A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26817506/

2. Protein sparing modified fast diet program.
https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-library/health-resources/treatments-and-procedures/protein-sparing-modified-fast-diet-program

3. The biochemistry and physiology of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and its genetic disorders.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766985/

4. Fatty acid oxidation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/

5. Body recomposition: can trained individuals build muscle and lose fat at the same time?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5421125/

6. Lipolysis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis

7. The combined effects of exercise and food intake on adipose tissue and splanchnic metabolism.
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

8. AMP-activated protein kinase, a metabolic master switch: possible roles in type 2 diabetes.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276017301492

9. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10552824/

10. Effects of growth hormone on glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism in human subjects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6226059/

11. Carnitine transport and fatty acid oxidation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967041/

12. Carnitine and fatty acid transport.
https://www.lipidmaps.org/resources/lipidweb/lipidweb_html/lipids/simple/carnitin/index.htm

13. Adaptations of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise and their metabolic consequences.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23899751/

14. Carnitine in human muscle bioenergetics: can carnitine supplementation improve physical exercise?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8910660/#B46-ijms-23-02717

15. Efficacy and safety of berberine alone for several metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839379/

16. Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37724991/

17. Very-low-calorie diets and sustained weight loss.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4784653/



How WE are gonna look like this summer:
View attachment 5105610




- A glycogen depleted Menas

Now ill mog with this thread:feelsthink::feelshmm:
 
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My new PSMF cycle is going super good rn

For anyone reading, this is my stack which I'd fully recommend

Testosterone Enanthate 200mg/2x 100mg per week
Retatrutide 4mg/week
Zopiclone – 7.5mg 30-60 mins before sleeping (game changer, but only run for 2-4 weeks)
Multivitamin
Vitamin A – 3000IU ED
Vitamin D3 – 8000 IU ED
Vitamin E – 200IU ED
Vitamin K2-MK7 – 200mcg ED
NAC – 600mg ED
Magnesium – 450mg ED
Potassium – 1200mg ED
Sodium – I drink at least 1-2 cups broth + salt my food more than usual (broth's a game changer)
Calcium – 800mg ED
Omega-3 fish oil – 8g ED

Will add 10mg MOTS-c weekly and 5mg Tadalafil ED next week as well

So far no mood swings or tiredness
 
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THE COMPLETE SHREDDING GUIDE FOR SUMMER
(Get shredded in a fucking month)
q50sla.png
Table of contents:
0 – Introduction / Disclaimer
1 – Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
2 – Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
3 – Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
3.0 – Overview: Lipolysis & Beta‑Oxidation
3.1 – Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
3.2 – Maximizing Beta‑Oxidation (Fat Burning)
4 – Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
5 – Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6 – How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
7 – TL;DR
8 - Scientific Backup/ Sources:


Thread Music:



0 Introduction / Disclaimer
949w48.png

By no means is this medical advice. Even though the risks are relatively low, everyone is different and some people may respond to this differently than others (although as I said, the majority should be fine).​


This thread is mainly focused on PSMF, most of the other stuff isn't mandatory but still better to include. PSMF stands for protein sparing modified fast, It's a diet where you mainly eat protein, it allows cutting efficiently without losing almost any muscle mass during cutting.
My 3 Month PSMF transformation:
fyxzn2.png




1 Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
1.0 – Estimate your body fat %
You can estimate body fat by eyeballing (Which is probably the most accurate tbh) or using calipers, DEXA, or a decent impedance scale.
Once you have a body fat estimate, calculate your lean body mass (LBM):

Lean Body Mass = Bodyweight × (1 − Body Fat %)

Example: 180 lbs at 15% body fat → 180 × 0.85 = 153 lbs LBM.

rkfdco.png
1.1 – Set your daily protein target
Aim for roughly 1 g of protein per lb of lean bodyweight (about 2.2–2.5 g/kg LBM). Higher protein intakes during a deficit preserve more lean mass and strength vs lower protein diets. [1]

So at 180 lbs with 15% body fat (153 lbs LBM), target around 150–160 g of protein per day.

Body Weight (kg)​
Body Fat %​
Fat Mass (kg)​
Lean Body Mass (kg)​
Daily Protein Target (g)​
60 kg​
10%​
6 kg​
54 kg​
~119 g​
60 kg​
15%​
9 kg​
51 kg​
~112 g​
60 kg​
20%​
12 kg​
48 kg​
~106 g​
70 kg​
10%​
7 kg​
63 kg​
~139 g​
70 kg​
15%​
10.5 kg​
59.5 kg​
~131 g​
70 kg​
20%​
14 kg​
56 kg​
~123 g​
80 kg​
10%​
8 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
80 kg​
15%​
12 kg​
68 kg​
~150 g​
80 kg​
20%​
16 kg​
64 kg​
~141 g​
90 kg​
15%​
13.5 kg​
76.5 kg​
~169 g​
90 kg​
20%​
18 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
90 kg​
25%​
22.5 kg​
67.5 kg​
~149 g​
100 kg​
20%​
20 kg​
80 kg​
~176 g​
100 kg​
25%​
25 kg​
75 kg​
~165 g​
100 kg​
30%​
30 kg​
70 kg​
~154 g​

1.2 – Start tracking your caloric intake
Download MyFitnessPal (or any decent tracker), weigh food on a kitchen scale, and log everything that goes into your mouth.
Specify raw vs cooked and pick accurate entries, you can't run a precise PSMF if you're eyeballing calories.



2 Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
View attachment 5115972
2.0 – Core diet rules
This is a PSMF, so:

Protein: set by LBM (usually 120–200 g/day for most).
Carbs: ~20 g/day or less (mostly from low‑cal veggies).
Fats: ~20 g/day or less (just what rides along with lean meats).
Total calories: generally 600–900 kcal/day in a classic PSMF setup

You're gonna be living on lean protein with trace fats/carbs. Everything else is flavor and damage control.


2.1 – Food choices
Food
Protein per 100g
Fat
Carbs
Chicken breast (raw)​
~23g​
~1g​
0g​
Turkey breast (raw)​
~22g​
~1g​
0g​
Cod/white fish​
~18g​
~0.5g​
0g​
Egg whites​
~11g​
0g​
~0.7g​
Low-fat cottage cheese​
~11g​
~1g​
~3g​
Whey isolate​
~90g​
~1g​
~1g​
A simple baseline day:
– 500 g chicken or turkey breast across the day.
– 1–2 scoops whey isolate to fill any protein gaps.
Solid meat is usually superior to shakes for satiety, but as long as you hit your protein target and keep fats/carbs low, you're doing it right.
Use:

– Zero‑cal seasonings, herbs, spices.
– Sugar‑free drinks, black coffee, tea.
– Low‑cal veggies (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli) in moderation

Because the calories are so low, official PSMF programs usually add a multivitamin and extra electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent deficiencies. [2] Target ranges (e.g., ~3–5 g sodium, ~2–3 g potassium, 300–400 mg magnesium per day).


3 Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
2xvu2d.png
j9j8og.png

3.0 Overview: Lipolysis & BetaOxidation
Fat loss happens in two major biochemical steps:

Lipolysis: breakdown of stored triglycerides in fat cells into free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol.
Beta‑oxidation: transport of FFAs into mitochondria and burning them for ATP.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/
You still need a calorie deficit, but how much of that deficit is filled by fat vs glycogen/glucose and muscle depends on how well you're mobilizing and oxidizing fat.

Keep in mind, we care about body composition and not just fat loss. [5]




3.1 Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
2xvu2d.png

Lipolysis is controlled mainly by hormone‑sensitive lipase and related enzymes in adipose tissue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

Key drivers:

Catecholamines (adrenaline & noradrenaline):
Bind β‑adrenergic receptors (β1/β2/β3) on fat cells → ↑cAMP → activate hormone‑sensitive lipase → more FFAs released into the blood.

Glucagon:
Works alongside catecholamines in the fasted state, especially when liver glycogen is low, to support fat breakdown. [7]

Low insulin:
Insulin directly suppresses lipolysis, lowering insulin via fasting, low‑carb/ketogenic diets, or deep calorie restriction removes that, hence why PSMF mogs.

Lifestyle factors that boost lipolysis:

– Hard lifting / HIIT → big catecholamine spikes and acute increases in lipolysis. [8]

– Fasted cardio → with low insulin, catecholamine signalling on fat cells is more effective (though daily fat loss still depends on the total deficit).
– Cold exposure → cold showers / ice baths activate the sympathetic nervous system and brown fat, giving a modest increase in lipolysis and energy expenditure aswell though the effects are negligible. [7]

Common lipolysis‑oriented drugs:

– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– GLP‑1 agonists (e.g. Semaglutide): mainly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control; by lowering energy intake and postprandial insulin they indirectly support fat loss. [9]

– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release [10]
wkacpt.png

Also I must mention that on PSMF, you already have low insulin and frequent catecholamine spikes (training + big deficit), so you're naturally in a high‑lipolysis environment even without these.



3.2 Maximizing BetaOxidation (Fat Burning)
j9j8og.png

Once FFAs are in the bloodstream, they must get into mitochondria to be burned. Long‑chain fatty acids depend on the carnitine shuttle for entry into the mitochondrial matrix. [11]
Key drivers:

Carnitine & mitochondria:
Carnitine transports long‑chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane; deficiencies or transport defects impair fat oxidation and shift fuel use toward carbs. [12]

Endurance / Zone 2 training increases mitochondrial density and the ability of muscle to use fat as a primary fuel. [13]

Keto / fasting / PSMF upregulate enzymes involved in fat oxidation and ketone production.

Metabolic rate & AMPK:
Thyroid hormone (T3) increases metabolic rate and upregulates many genes involved in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. [9]
AMPK activation (via exercise, deficit, metformin/berberine) signals a low‑energy state and promotes fat oxidation while improving insulin sensitivity. [8]

Common beta‑oxidation‑oriented agents:

– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.




4 Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
View attachment 5115987

4.0 – Appetite control & GLP‑1s
Retatrutide, Semaglutide, Cagrilintide, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), etc. are GLP‑1 / multi‑agonist drugs that strongly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control, making it easier to adhere to a long‑term calorie deficit. [9]

Makes PSMF 10 times easier to follow up.

4.1 – Stimulants
Caffeine, ephedrine, and prescription stimulants (Methylphenidate, Dextro, Vyvanse etc.) suppress appetite and increase catecholamines, which can raise energy expenditure but also heart rate, blood pressure.

I must say they are very mogger for energy on cut to keep up with daily life, I'm probably going to post a thread about stims soon aswell.

4.2 – "Fat‑loss enhancers"
– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– A-Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.
– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release;. [10]

4.3 – Metabolic aids & cortisol modulation
– MOTS‑c: mitochondrial‑derived peptide that mimics exercise‑/fasting‑like signals → ↑AMPK activity, insulin sensitivity, and fat oxidation; may help preserve muscle.

– Metyrapone: cortisol‑synthesis inhibitor (blocks 11‑β‑hydroxylase) → lowers cortisol; used clinically in adrenal‑excess / Cushing‑related workups and mild autonomous cortisol secretion to improve metabolic markers.

Bottom line: if you aren't already sticking to your diet, ancillaries are not the bottleneck.


5 Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6d2ijo.png
5.0 – Lifting to keep muscle
On a PSMF, high protein plus resistance training is what tells your body "keep this muscle" while you're in a big deficit. [16]

– Train each muscle group 1–2× per week.
– Keep your main compounds in (bench, squat, deadlift, OHP, rows, pull‑ups), but don't chase PRs while aggressively dieting.
– Focus on maintaining strength and performance, not progressing; 2–4 hard sets per exercise is usually enough stimulus without murdering recovery.


5.1 – Cardio & steps
– Baseline: aim for around 10k steps per day to keep NEAT high.
– Avoid excessive added cardio at the start of a PSMF – it ramps hunger and fatigue and can speed up metabolic adaptation on very low calories.
– In the final days before a deadline, you can add more Zone 2 cardio (incline treadmill, cycling, etc.)


6 How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
– Don't say "I'm on a diet" to no. Just say you're not hungry or you already ate bro
– Learn to enjoy social events without eating; sip sugar‑free soda, water, tea, or black coffee and chill.
– No cheat meals, no "just one slice", no "I'll make up for it tomorrow".
– Remember that in normal day‑to‑day life, almost no situation actually forces you to eat junk – either stay fat or be shredded, make your choice.

Run this properly and, depending on your starting body fat, you can get noticeably lean in ~4–8 weeks,
which lines up with what clinical PSMF programs see under supervision. [17]


7 TL;DR & More material

TL;DR:
Track calories, Fats and Carbs < 20gr, Eat mainly protein, Supplement electrolytes, Eat Less than 1000calories, Train each muscle group 1-2 times a week, Keep your step count and daily activity high (<10.000 steps)

Trust the process.

Optionally:
Use GLP‑1 / multi‑agonists like Reta, Tirz or Cagr for apetite suppresion, Use Stimulants for energy and apetite suppresion, Use the "Fat Loss Enhancers" to maximise lipolysis and beta oxidation, Use Mots-c for metabolic markers, Use Metyrapone to inhibit cortisol, Introduce Zone 2 cardio after a while​




8 Scientific Backup/ Sources:
1. A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26817506/

2. Protein sparing modified fast diet program.
https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-library/health-resources/treatments-and-procedures/protein-sparing-modified-fast-diet-program

3. The biochemistry and physiology of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and its genetic disorders.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766985/

4. Fatty acid oxidation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/

5. Body recomposition: can trained individuals build muscle and lose fat at the same time?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5421125/

6. Lipolysis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis

7. The combined effects of exercise and food intake on adipose tissue and splanchnic metabolism.
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

8. AMP-activated protein kinase, a metabolic master switch: possible roles in type 2 diabetes.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276017301492

9. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10552824/

10. Effects of growth hormone on glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism in human subjects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6226059/

11. Carnitine transport and fatty acid oxidation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967041/

12. Carnitine and fatty acid transport.
https://www.lipidmaps.org/resources/lipidweb/lipidweb_html/lipids/simple/carnitin/index.htm

13. Adaptations of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise and their metabolic consequences.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23899751/

14. Carnitine in human muscle bioenergetics: can carnitine supplementation improve physical exercise?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8910660/#B46-ijms-23-02717

15. Efficacy and safety of berberine alone for several metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839379/

16. Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37724991/

17. Very-low-calorie diets and sustained weight loss.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4784653/



How WE are gonna look like this summer:
View attachment 5105610




- A glycogen depleted Menas

Im
 
THE COMPLETE SHREDDING GUIDE FOR SUMMER
(Get shredded in a fucking month)
q50sla.png
Table of contents:
0 – Introduction / Disclaimer
1 – Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
2 – Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
3 – Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
3.0 – Overview: Lipolysis & Beta‑Oxidation
3.1 – Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
3.2 – Maximizing Beta‑Oxidation (Fat Burning)
4 – Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
5 – Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6 – How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
7 – TL;DR
8 - Scientific Backup/ Sources:


Thread Music:



0 Introduction / Disclaimer
949w48.png

By no means is this medical advice. Even though the risks are relatively low, everyone is different and some people may respond to this differently than others (although as I said, the majority should be fine).​


This thread is mainly focused on PSMF, most of the other stuff isn't mandatory but still better to include. PSMF stands for protein sparing modified fast, It's a diet where you mainly eat protein, it allows cutting efficiently without losing almost any muscle mass during cutting.
My 3 Month PSMF transformation:
fyxzn2.png




1 Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
1.0 – Estimate your body fat %
You can estimate body fat by eyeballing (Which is probably the most accurate tbh) or using calipers, DEXA, or a decent impedance scale.
Once you have a body fat estimate, calculate your lean body mass (LBM):

Lean Body Mass = Bodyweight × (1 − Body Fat %)

Example: 180 lbs at 15% body fat → 180 × 0.85 = 153 lbs LBM.

rkfdco.png
1.1 – Set your daily protein target
Aim for roughly 1 g of protein per lb of lean bodyweight (about 2.2–2.5 g/kg LBM). Higher protein intakes during a deficit preserve more lean mass and strength vs lower protein diets. [1]

So at 180 lbs with 15% body fat (153 lbs LBM), target around 150–160 g of protein per day.

Body Weight (kg)​
Body Fat %​
Fat Mass (kg)​
Lean Body Mass (kg)​
Daily Protein Target (g)​
60 kg​
10%​
6 kg​
54 kg​
~119 g​
60 kg​
15%​
9 kg​
51 kg​
~112 g​
60 kg​
20%​
12 kg​
48 kg​
~106 g​
70 kg​
10%​
7 kg​
63 kg​
~139 g​
70 kg​
15%​
10.5 kg​
59.5 kg​
~131 g​
70 kg​
20%​
14 kg​
56 kg​
~123 g​
80 kg​
10%​
8 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
80 kg​
15%​
12 kg​
68 kg​
~150 g​
80 kg​
20%​
16 kg​
64 kg​
~141 g​
90 kg​
15%​
13.5 kg​
76.5 kg​
~169 g​
90 kg​
20%​
18 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
90 kg​
25%​
22.5 kg​
67.5 kg​
~149 g​
100 kg​
20%​
20 kg​
80 kg​
~176 g​
100 kg​
25%​
25 kg​
75 kg​
~165 g​
100 kg​
30%​
30 kg​
70 kg​
~154 g​

1.2 – Start tracking your caloric intake
Download MyFitnessPal (or any decent tracker), weigh food on a kitchen scale, and log everything that goes into your mouth.
Specify raw vs cooked and pick accurate entries, you can't run a precise PSMF if you're eyeballing calories.



2 Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
View attachment 5115972
2.0 – Core diet rules
This is a PSMF, so:

Protein: set by LBM (usually 120–200 g/day for most).
Carbs: ~20 g/day or less (mostly from low‑cal veggies).
Fats: ~20 g/day or less (just what rides along with lean meats).
Total calories: generally 600–900 kcal/day in a classic PSMF setup

You're gonna be living on lean protein with trace fats/carbs. Everything else is flavor and damage control.


2.1 – Food choices
Food
Protein per 100g
Fat
Carbs
Chicken breast (raw)​
~23g​
~1g​
0g​
Turkey breast (raw)​
~22g​
~1g​
0g​
Cod/white fish​
~18g​
~0.5g​
0g​
Egg whites​
~11g​
0g​
~0.7g​
Low-fat cottage cheese​
~11g​
~1g​
~3g​
Whey isolate​
~90g​
~1g​
~1g​
A simple baseline day:
– 500 g chicken or turkey breast across the day.
– 1–2 scoops whey isolate to fill any protein gaps.
Solid meat is usually superior to shakes for satiety, but as long as you hit your protein target and keep fats/carbs low, you're doing it right.
Use:

– Zero‑cal seasonings, herbs, spices.
– Sugar‑free drinks, black coffee, tea.
– Low‑cal veggies (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli) in moderation

Because the calories are so low, official PSMF programs usually add a multivitamin and extra electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent deficiencies. [2] Target ranges (e.g., ~3–5 g sodium, ~2–3 g potassium, 300–400 mg magnesium per day).


3 Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
2xvu2d.png
j9j8og.png

3.0 Overview: Lipolysis & BetaOxidation
Fat loss happens in two major biochemical steps:

Lipolysis: breakdown of stored triglycerides in fat cells into free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol.
Beta‑oxidation: transport of FFAs into mitochondria and burning them for ATP.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/
You still need a calorie deficit, but how much of that deficit is filled by fat vs glycogen/glucose and muscle depends on how well you're mobilizing and oxidizing fat.

Keep in mind, we care about body composition and not just fat loss. [5]




3.1 Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
2xvu2d.png

Lipolysis is controlled mainly by hormone‑sensitive lipase and related enzymes in adipose tissue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

Key drivers:

Catecholamines (adrenaline & noradrenaline):
Bind β‑adrenergic receptors (β1/β2/β3) on fat cells → ↑cAMP → activate hormone‑sensitive lipase → more FFAs released into the blood.

Glucagon:
Works alongside catecholamines in the fasted state, especially when liver glycogen is low, to support fat breakdown. [7]

Low insulin:
Insulin directly suppresses lipolysis, lowering insulin via fasting, low‑carb/ketogenic diets, or deep calorie restriction removes that, hence why PSMF mogs.

Lifestyle factors that boost lipolysis:

– Hard lifting / HIIT → big catecholamine spikes and acute increases in lipolysis. [8]

– Fasted cardio → with low insulin, catecholamine signalling on fat cells is more effective (though daily fat loss still depends on the total deficit).
– Cold exposure → cold showers / ice baths activate the sympathetic nervous system and brown fat, giving a modest increase in lipolysis and energy expenditure aswell though the effects are negligible. [7]

Common lipolysis‑oriented drugs:

– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– GLP‑1 agonists (e.g. Semaglutide): mainly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control; by lowering energy intake and postprandial insulin they indirectly support fat loss. [9]

– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release [10]
wkacpt.png

Also I must mention that on PSMF, you already have low insulin and frequent catecholamine spikes (training + big deficit), so you're naturally in a high‑lipolysis environment even without these.



3.2 Maximizing BetaOxidation (Fat Burning)
j9j8og.png

Once FFAs are in the bloodstream, they must get into mitochondria to be burned. Long‑chain fatty acids depend on the carnitine shuttle for entry into the mitochondrial matrix. [11]
Key drivers:

Carnitine & mitochondria:
Carnitine transports long‑chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane; deficiencies or transport defects impair fat oxidation and shift fuel use toward carbs. [12]

Endurance / Zone 2 training increases mitochondrial density and the ability of muscle to use fat as a primary fuel. [13]

Keto / fasting / PSMF upregulate enzymes involved in fat oxidation and ketone production.

Metabolic rate & AMPK:
Thyroid hormone (T3) increases metabolic rate and upregulates many genes involved in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. [9]
AMPK activation (via exercise, deficit, metformin/berberine) signals a low‑energy state and promotes fat oxidation while improving insulin sensitivity. [8]

Common beta‑oxidation‑oriented agents:

– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.




4 Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
View attachment 5115987

4.0 – Appetite control & GLP‑1s
Retatrutide, Semaglutide, Cagrilintide, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), etc. are GLP‑1 / multi‑agonist drugs that strongly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control, making it easier to adhere to a long‑term calorie deficit. [9]

Makes PSMF 10 times easier to follow up.

4.1 – Stimulants
Caffeine, ephedrine, and prescription stimulants (Methylphenidate, Dextro, Vyvanse etc.) suppress appetite and increase catecholamines, which can raise energy expenditure but also heart rate, blood pressure.

I must say they are very mogger for energy on cut to keep up with daily life, I'm probably going to post a thread about stims soon aswell.

4.2 – "Fat‑loss enhancers"
– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– A-Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.
– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release;. [10]

4.3 – Metabolic aids & cortisol modulation
– MOTS‑c: mitochondrial‑derived peptide that mimics exercise‑/fasting‑like signals → ↑AMPK activity, insulin sensitivity, and fat oxidation; may help preserve muscle.

– Metyrapone: cortisol‑synthesis inhibitor (blocks 11‑β‑hydroxylase) → lowers cortisol; used clinically in adrenal‑excess / Cushing‑related workups and mild autonomous cortisol secretion to improve metabolic markers.

Bottom line: if you aren't already sticking to your diet, ancillaries are not the bottleneck.


5 Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6d2ijo.png
5.0 – Lifting to keep muscle
On a PSMF, high protein plus resistance training is what tells your body "keep this muscle" while you're in a big deficit. [16]

– Train each muscle group 1–2× per week.
– Keep your main compounds in (bench, squat, deadlift, OHP, rows, pull‑ups), but don't chase PRs while aggressively dieting.
– Focus on maintaining strength and performance, not progressing; 2–4 hard sets per exercise is usually enough stimulus without murdering recovery.


5.1 – Cardio & steps
– Baseline: aim for around 10k steps per day to keep NEAT high.
– Avoid excessive added cardio at the start of a PSMF – it ramps hunger and fatigue and can speed up metabolic adaptation on very low calories.
– In the final days before a deadline, you can add more Zone 2 cardio (incline treadmill, cycling, etc.)


6 How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
– Don't say "I'm on a diet" to no. Just say you're not hungry or you already ate bro
– Learn to enjoy social events without eating; sip sugar‑free soda, water, tea, or black coffee and chill.
– No cheat meals, no "just one slice", no "I'll make up for it tomorrow".
– Remember that in normal day‑to‑day life, almost no situation actually forces you to eat junk – either stay fat or be shredded, make your choice.

Run this properly and, depending on your starting body fat, you can get noticeably lean in ~4–8 weeks,
which lines up with what clinical PSMF programs see under supervision. [17]


7 TL;DR & More material

TL;DR:
Track calories, Fats and Carbs < 20gr, Eat mainly protein, Supplement electrolytes, Eat Less than 1000calories, Train each muscle group 1-2 times a week, Keep your step count and daily activity high (<10.000 steps)

Trust the process.

Optionally:
Use GLP‑1 / multi‑agonists like Reta, Tirz or Cagr for apetite suppresion, Use Stimulants for energy and apetite suppresion, Use the "Fat Loss Enhancers" to maximise lipolysis and beta oxidation, Use Mots-c for metabolic markers, Use Metyrapone to inhibit cortisol, Introduce Zone 2 cardio after a while​




8 Scientific Backup/ Sources:
1. A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26817506/

2. Protein sparing modified fast diet program.
https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-library/health-resources/treatments-and-procedures/protein-sparing-modified-fast-diet-program

3. The biochemistry and physiology of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and its genetic disorders.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766985/

4. Fatty acid oxidation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/

5. Body recomposition: can trained individuals build muscle and lose fat at the same time?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5421125/

6. Lipolysis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis

7. The combined effects of exercise and food intake on adipose tissue and splanchnic metabolism.
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

8. AMP-activated protein kinase, a metabolic master switch: possible roles in type 2 diabetes.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276017301492

9. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10552824/

10. Effects of growth hormone on glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism in human subjects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6226059/

11. Carnitine transport and fatty acid oxidation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967041/

12. Carnitine and fatty acid transport.
https://www.lipidmaps.org/resources/lipidweb/lipidweb_html/lipids/simple/carnitin/index.htm

13. Adaptations of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise and their metabolic consequences.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23899751/

14. Carnitine in human muscle bioenergetics: can carnitine supplementation improve physical exercise?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8910660/#B46-ijms-23-02717

15. Efficacy and safety of berberine alone for several metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839379/

16. Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37724991/

17. Very-low-calorie diets and sustained weight loss.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4784653/



How WE are gonna look like this summer:
View attachment 5105610




- A glycogen depleted Menas

Im way too fucking broke for this. plus I'm dependent on my parents
 
  • Hmm...
Reactions: Menas
THE COMPLETE SHREDDING GUIDE FOR SUMMER
(Get shredded in a fucking month)
q50sla.png
Table of contents:
0 – Introduction / Disclaimer
1 – Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
2 – Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
3 – Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
3.0 – Overview: Lipolysis & Beta‑Oxidation
3.1 – Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
3.2 – Maximizing Beta‑Oxidation (Fat Burning)
4 – Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
5 – Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6 – How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
7 – TL;DR
8 - Scientific Backup/ Sources:


Thread Music:



0 Introduction / Disclaimer
949w48.png

By no means is this medical advice. Even though the risks are relatively low, everyone is different and some people may respond to this differently than others (although as I said, the majority should be fine).​


This thread is mainly focused on PSMF, most of the other stuff isn't mandatory but still better to include. PSMF stands for protein sparing modified fast, It's a diet where you mainly eat protein, it allows cutting efficiently without losing almost any muscle mass during cutting.
My 3 Month PSMF transformation:
fyxzn2.png




1 Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
1.0 – Estimate your body fat %
You can estimate body fat by eyeballing (Which is probably the most accurate tbh) or using calipers, DEXA, or a decent impedance scale.
Once you have a body fat estimate, calculate your lean body mass (LBM):

Lean Body Mass = Bodyweight × (1 − Body Fat %)

Example: 180 lbs at 15% body fat → 180 × 0.85 = 153 lbs LBM.

rkfdco.png
1.1 – Set your daily protein target
Aim for roughly 1 g of protein per lb of lean bodyweight (about 2.2–2.5 g/kg LBM). Higher protein intakes during a deficit preserve more lean mass and strength vs lower protein diets. [1]

So at 180 lbs with 15% body fat (153 lbs LBM), target around 150–160 g of protein per day.

Body Weight (kg)​
Body Fat %​
Fat Mass (kg)​
Lean Body Mass (kg)​
Daily Protein Target (g)​
60 kg​
10%​
6 kg​
54 kg​
~119 g​
60 kg​
15%​
9 kg​
51 kg​
~112 g​
60 kg​
20%​
12 kg​
48 kg​
~106 g​
70 kg​
10%​
7 kg​
63 kg​
~139 g​
70 kg​
15%​
10.5 kg​
59.5 kg​
~131 g​
70 kg​
20%​
14 kg​
56 kg​
~123 g​
80 kg​
10%​
8 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
80 kg​
15%​
12 kg​
68 kg​
~150 g​
80 kg​
20%​
16 kg​
64 kg​
~141 g​
90 kg​
15%​
13.5 kg​
76.5 kg​
~169 g​
90 kg​
20%​
18 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
90 kg​
25%​
22.5 kg​
67.5 kg​
~149 g​
100 kg​
20%​
20 kg​
80 kg​
~176 g​
100 kg​
25%​
25 kg​
75 kg​
~165 g​
100 kg​
30%​
30 kg​
70 kg​
~154 g​

1.2 – Start tracking your caloric intake
Download MyFitnessPal (or any decent tracker), weigh food on a kitchen scale, and log everything that goes into your mouth.
Specify raw vs cooked and pick accurate entries, you can't run a precise PSMF if you're eyeballing calories.



2 Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
View attachment 5115972
2.0 – Core diet rules
This is a PSMF, so:

Protein: set by LBM (usually 120–200 g/day for most).
Carbs: ~20 g/day or less (mostly from low‑cal veggies).
Fats: ~20 g/day or less (just what rides along with lean meats).
Total calories: generally 600–900 kcal/day in a classic PSMF setup

You're gonna be living on lean protein with trace fats/carbs. Everything else is flavor and damage control.


2.1 – Food choices
Food
Protein per 100g
Fat
Carbs
Chicken breast (raw)​
~23g​
~1g​
0g​
Turkey breast (raw)​
~22g​
~1g​
0g​
Cod/white fish​
~18g​
~0.5g​
0g​
Egg whites​
~11g​
0g​
~0.7g​
Low-fat cottage cheese​
~11g​
~1g​
~3g​
Whey isolate​
~90g​
~1g​
~1g​
A simple baseline day:
– 500 g chicken or turkey breast across the day.
– 1–2 scoops whey isolate to fill any protein gaps.
Solid meat is usually superior to shakes for satiety, but as long as you hit your protein target and keep fats/carbs low, you're doing it right.
Use:

– Zero‑cal seasonings, herbs, spices.
– Sugar‑free drinks, black coffee, tea.
– Low‑cal veggies (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli) in moderation

Because the calories are so low, official PSMF programs usually add a multivitamin and extra electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent deficiencies. [2] Target ranges (e.g., ~3–5 g sodium, ~2–3 g potassium, 300–400 mg magnesium per day).


3 Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
2xvu2d.png
j9j8og.png

3.0 Overview: Lipolysis & BetaOxidation
Fat loss happens in two major biochemical steps:

Lipolysis: breakdown of stored triglycerides in fat cells into free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol.
Beta‑oxidation: transport of FFAs into mitochondria and burning them for ATP.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/
You still need a calorie deficit, but how much of that deficit is filled by fat vs glycogen/glucose and muscle depends on how well you're mobilizing and oxidizing fat.

Keep in mind, we care about body composition and not just fat loss. [5]




3.1 Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
2xvu2d.png

Lipolysis is controlled mainly by hormone‑sensitive lipase and related enzymes in adipose tissue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

Key drivers:

Catecholamines (adrenaline & noradrenaline):
Bind β‑adrenergic receptors (β1/β2/β3) on fat cells → ↑cAMP → activate hormone‑sensitive lipase → more FFAs released into the blood.

Glucagon:
Works alongside catecholamines in the fasted state, especially when liver glycogen is low, to support fat breakdown. [7]

Low insulin:
Insulin directly suppresses lipolysis, lowering insulin via fasting, low‑carb/ketogenic diets, or deep calorie restriction removes that, hence why PSMF mogs.

Lifestyle factors that boost lipolysis:

– Hard lifting / HIIT → big catecholamine spikes and acute increases in lipolysis. [8]

– Fasted cardio → with low insulin, catecholamine signalling on fat cells is more effective (though daily fat loss still depends on the total deficit).
– Cold exposure → cold showers / ice baths activate the sympathetic nervous system and brown fat, giving a modest increase in lipolysis and energy expenditure aswell though the effects are negligible. [7]

Common lipolysis‑oriented drugs:

– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– GLP‑1 agonists (e.g. Semaglutide): mainly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control; by lowering energy intake and postprandial insulin they indirectly support fat loss. [9]

– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release [10]
wkacpt.png

Also I must mention that on PSMF, you already have low insulin and frequent catecholamine spikes (training + big deficit), so you're naturally in a high‑lipolysis environment even without these.



3.2 Maximizing BetaOxidation (Fat Burning)
j9j8og.png

Once FFAs are in the bloodstream, they must get into mitochondria to be burned. Long‑chain fatty acids depend on the carnitine shuttle for entry into the mitochondrial matrix. [11]
Key drivers:

Carnitine & mitochondria:
Carnitine transports long‑chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane; deficiencies or transport defects impair fat oxidation and shift fuel use toward carbs. [12]

Endurance / Zone 2 training increases mitochondrial density and the ability of muscle to use fat as a primary fuel. [13]

Keto / fasting / PSMF upregulate enzymes involved in fat oxidation and ketone production.

Metabolic rate & AMPK:
Thyroid hormone (T3) increases metabolic rate and upregulates many genes involved in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. [9]
AMPK activation (via exercise, deficit, metformin/berberine) signals a low‑energy state and promotes fat oxidation while improving insulin sensitivity. [8]

Common beta‑oxidation‑oriented agents:

– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.




4 Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
View attachment 5115987

4.0 – Appetite control & GLP‑1s
Retatrutide, Semaglutide, Cagrilintide, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), etc. are GLP‑1 / multi‑agonist drugs that strongly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control, making it easier to adhere to a long‑term calorie deficit. [9]

Makes PSMF 10 times easier to follow up.

4.1 – Stimulants
Caffeine, ephedrine, and prescription stimulants (Methylphenidate, Dextro, Vyvanse etc.) suppress appetite and increase catecholamines, which can raise energy expenditure but also heart rate, blood pressure.

I must say they are very mogger for energy on cut to keep up with daily life, I'm probably going to post a thread about stims soon aswell.

4.2 – "Fat‑loss enhancers"
– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– A-Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.
– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release;. [10]

4.3 – Metabolic aids & cortisol modulation
– MOTS‑c: mitochondrial‑derived peptide that mimics exercise‑/fasting‑like signals → ↑AMPK activity, insulin sensitivity, and fat oxidation; may help preserve muscle.

– Metyrapone: cortisol‑synthesis inhibitor (blocks 11‑β‑hydroxylase) → lowers cortisol; used clinically in adrenal‑excess / Cushing‑related workups and mild autonomous cortisol secretion to improve metabolic markers.

Bottom line: if you aren't already sticking to your diet, ancillaries are not the bottleneck.


5 Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6d2ijo.png
5.0 – Lifting to keep muscle
On a PSMF, high protein plus resistance training is what tells your body "keep this muscle" while you're in a big deficit. [16]

– Train each muscle group 1–2× per week.
– Keep your main compounds in (bench, squat, deadlift, OHP, rows, pull‑ups), but don't chase PRs while aggressively dieting.
– Focus on maintaining strength and performance, not progressing; 2–4 hard sets per exercise is usually enough stimulus without murdering recovery.


5.1 – Cardio & steps
– Baseline: aim for around 10k steps per day to keep NEAT high.
– Avoid excessive added cardio at the start of a PSMF – it ramps hunger and fatigue and can speed up metabolic adaptation on very low calories.
– In the final days before a deadline, you can add more Zone 2 cardio (incline treadmill, cycling, etc.)


6 How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
– Don't say "I'm on a diet" to no. Just say you're not hungry or you already ate bro
– Learn to enjoy social events without eating; sip sugar‑free soda, water, tea, or black coffee and chill.
– No cheat meals, no "just one slice", no "I'll make up for it tomorrow".
– Remember that in normal day‑to‑day life, almost no situation actually forces you to eat junk – either stay fat or be shredded, make your choice.

Run this properly and, depending on your starting body fat, you can get noticeably lean in ~4–8 weeks,
which lines up with what clinical PSMF programs see under supervision. [17]


7 TL;DR & More material

TL;DR:
Track calories, Fats and Carbs < 20gr, Eat mainly protein, Supplement electrolytes, Eat Less than 1000calories, Train each muscle group 1-2 times a week, Keep your step count and daily activity high (<10.000 steps)

Trust the process.

Optionally:
Use GLP‑1 / multi‑agonists like Reta, Tirz or Cagr for apetite suppresion, Use Stimulants for energy and apetite suppresion, Use the "Fat Loss Enhancers" to maximise lipolysis and beta oxidation, Use Mots-c for metabolic markers, Use Metyrapone to inhibit cortisol, Introduce Zone 2 cardio after a while​




8 Scientific Backup/ Sources:
1. A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26817506/

2. Protein sparing modified fast diet program.
https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-library/health-resources/treatments-and-procedures/protein-sparing-modified-fast-diet-program

3. The biochemistry and physiology of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and its genetic disorders.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766985/

4. Fatty acid oxidation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/

5. Body recomposition: can trained individuals build muscle and lose fat at the same time?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5421125/

6. Lipolysis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis

7. The combined effects of exercise and food intake on adipose tissue and splanchnic metabolism.
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

8. AMP-activated protein kinase, a metabolic master switch: possible roles in type 2 diabetes.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276017301492

9. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10552824/

10. Effects of growth hormone on glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism in human subjects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6226059/

11. Carnitine transport and fatty acid oxidation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967041/

12. Carnitine and fatty acid transport.
https://www.lipidmaps.org/resources/lipidweb/lipidweb_html/lipids/simple/carnitin/index.htm

13. Adaptations of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise and their metabolic consequences.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23899751/

14. Carnitine in human muscle bioenergetics: can carnitine supplementation improve physical exercise?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8910660/#B46-ijms-23-02717

15. Efficacy and safety of berberine alone for several metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839379/

16. Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37724991/

17. Very-low-calorie diets and sustained weight loss.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4784653/



How WE are gonna look like this summer:
View attachment 5105610




- A glycogen depleted Menas

finally, good threads but

dnp + test + reta + goon + sleep
 
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Reactions: kullancı1998572619 and Menas
Im way too fucking broke for this. plus I'm dependent on my parents
The only thing you need is like 700grams of chicken breast daily tbh
 
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L-Carnitine injection is a piece of shit, can't find any decent high mg/ml ones. Injecting 1 ml intramuscular (can't do that much subcutaneous) every day, is extremely annoying.

Any advice?
Brew it yourself
 
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Good thread

@LTB_slayr
 
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Reactions: LTB_slayr and Menas
Good one bookmarked
 
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Reactions: Menas
cardarine and yohimbine usage question normally on the days when i do fasted cardio in the morning i take 10 mg yohimbine and 20 mg cardarine before cardio but because of work i can only do cardio on weekends do you think tshould be taken every time before going to the gym it doesnt seem very logical to me because if i remember correctly cardarine mainly supports the use of type 1 muscle fibers so how do you think it should be used ?

And also to mention ı only take cardarine before gym because ı heard yohimbine should be taken on a empty stomach

@Menas
 
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THE COMPLETE SHREDDING GUIDE FOR SUMMER
(Get shredded in a fucking month)
q50sla.png
Table of contents:
0 – Introduction / Disclaimer
1 – Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
2 – Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
3 – Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
3.0 – Overview: Lipolysis & Beta‑Oxidation
3.1 – Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
3.2 – Maximizing Beta‑Oxidation (Fat Burning)
4 – Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
5 – Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6 – How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
7 – TL;DR
8 - Scientific Backup/ Sources:


Thread Music:



0 Introduction / Disclaimer
949w48.png

By no means is this medical advice. Even though the risks are relatively low, everyone is different and some people may respond to this differently than others (although as I said, the majority should be fine).​


This thread is mainly focused on PSMF, most of the other stuff isn't mandatory but still better to include. PSMF stands for protein sparing modified fast, It's a diet where you mainly eat protein, it allows cutting efficiently without losing almost any muscle mass during cutting.
My 3 Month PSMF transformation:
fyxzn2.png




1 Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
1.0 – Estimate your body fat %
You can estimate body fat by eyeballing (Which is probably the most accurate tbh) or using calipers, DEXA, or a decent impedance scale.
Once you have a body fat estimate, calculate your lean body mass (LBM):

Lean Body Mass = Bodyweight × (1 − Body Fat %)

Example: 180 lbs at 15% body fat → 180 × 0.85 = 153 lbs LBM.

rkfdco.png
1.1 – Set your daily protein target
Aim for roughly 1 g of protein per lb of lean bodyweight (about 2.2–2.5 g/kg LBM). Higher protein intakes during a deficit preserve more lean mass and strength vs lower protein diets. [1]

So at 180 lbs with 15% body fat (153 lbs LBM), target around 150–160 g of protein per day.

Body Weight (kg)​
Body Fat %​
Fat Mass (kg)​
Lean Body Mass (kg)​
Daily Protein Target (g)​
60 kg​
10%​
6 kg​
54 kg​
~119 g​
60 kg​
15%​
9 kg​
51 kg​
~112 g​
60 kg​
20%​
12 kg​
48 kg​
~106 g​
70 kg​
10%​
7 kg​
63 kg​
~139 g​
70 kg​
15%​
10.5 kg​
59.5 kg​
~131 g​
70 kg​
20%​
14 kg​
56 kg​
~123 g​
80 kg​
10%​
8 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
80 kg​
15%​
12 kg​
68 kg​
~150 g​
80 kg​
20%​
16 kg​
64 kg​
~141 g​
90 kg​
15%​
13.5 kg​
76.5 kg​
~169 g​
90 kg​
20%​
18 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
90 kg​
25%​
22.5 kg​
67.5 kg​
~149 g​
100 kg​
20%​
20 kg​
80 kg​
~176 g​
100 kg​
25%​
25 kg​
75 kg​
~165 g​
100 kg​
30%​
30 kg​
70 kg​
~154 g​

1.2 – Start tracking your caloric intake
Download MyFitnessPal (or any decent tracker), weigh food on a kitchen scale, and log everything that goes into your mouth.
Specify raw vs cooked and pick accurate entries, you can't run a precise PSMF if you're eyeballing calories.



2 Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
View attachment 5115972
2.0 – Core diet rules
This is a PSMF, so:

Protein: set by LBM (usually 120–200 g/day for most).
Carbs: ~20 g/day or less (mostly from low‑cal veggies).
Fats: ~20 g/day or less (just what rides along with lean meats).
Total calories: generally 600–900 kcal/day in a classic PSMF setup

You're gonna be living on lean protein with trace fats/carbs. Everything else is flavor and damage control.


2.1 – Food choices
Food
Protein per 100g
Fat
Carbs
Chicken breast (raw)​
~23g​
~1g​
0g​
Turkey breast (raw)​
~22g​
~1g​
0g​
Cod/white fish​
~18g​
~0.5g​
0g​
Egg whites​
~11g​
0g​
~0.7g​
Low-fat cottage cheese​
~11g​
~1g​
~3g​
Whey isolate​
~90g​
~1g​
~1g​
A simple baseline day:
– 500 g chicken or turkey breast across the day.
– 1–2 scoops whey isolate to fill any protein gaps.
Solid meat is usually superior to shakes for satiety, but as long as you hit your protein target and keep fats/carbs low, you're doing it right.
Use:

– Zero‑cal seasonings, herbs, spices.
– Sugar‑free drinks, black coffee, tea.
– Low‑cal veggies (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli) in moderation

Because the calories are so low, official PSMF programs usually add a multivitamin and extra electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent deficiencies. [2] Target ranges (e.g., ~3–5 g sodium, ~2–3 g potassium, 300–400 mg magnesium per day).


3 Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
2xvu2d.png
j9j8og.png

3.0 Overview: Lipolysis & BetaOxidation
Fat loss happens in two major biochemical steps:

Lipolysis: breakdown of stored triglycerides in fat cells into free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol.
Beta‑oxidation: transport of FFAs into mitochondria and burning them for ATP.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/
You still need a calorie deficit, but how much of that deficit is filled by fat vs glycogen/glucose and muscle depends on how well you're mobilizing and oxidizing fat.

Keep in mind, we care about body composition and not just fat loss. [5]




3.1 Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
2xvu2d.png


Lipolysis is controlled mainly by hormone‑sensitive lipase and related enzymes in adipose tissue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

Key drivers:

Catecholamines (adrenaline & noradrenaline):
Bind β‑adrenergic receptors (β1/β2/β3) on fat cells → ↑cAMP → activate hormone‑sensitive lipase → more FFAs released into the blood.

Glucagon:
Works alongside catecholamines in the fasted state, especially when liver glycogen is low, to support fat breakdown. [7]

Low insulin:
Insulin directly suppresses lipolysis, lowering insulin via fasting, low‑carb/ketogenic diets, or deep calorie restriction removes that, hence why PSMF mogs.

Lifestyle factors that boost lipolysis:

– Hard lifting / HIIT → big catecholamine spikes and acute increases in lipolysis. [8]

– Fasted cardio → with low insulin, catecholamine signalling on fat cells is more effective (though daily fat loss still depends on the total deficit).
– Cold exposure → cold showers / ice baths activate the sympathetic nervous system and brown fat, giving a modest increase in lipolysis and energy expenditure aswell though the effects are negligible. [7]

Common lipolysis‑oriented drugs:

– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– GLP‑1 agonists (e.g. Semaglutide): mainly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control; by lowering energy intake and postprandial insulin they indirectly support fat loss. [9]

– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release [10]
wkacpt.png

Also I must mention that on PSMF, you already have low insulin and frequent catecholamine spikes (training + big deficit), so you're naturally in a high‑lipolysis environment even without these.



3.2 Maximizing BetaOxidation (Fat Burning)
j9j8og.png


Once FFAs are in the bloodstream, they must get into mitochondria to be burned.
Long‑chain fatty acids depend on the carnitine shuttle for entry into the mitochondrial matrix. [11]

Key drivers:

Carnitine & mitochondria:
Carnitine transports long‑chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane; deficiencies or transport defects impair fat oxidation and shift fuel use toward carbs. [12]

Endurance / Zone 2 training increases mitochondrial density and the ability of muscle to use fat as a primary fuel. [13]

Keto / fasting / PSMF upregulate enzymes involved in fat oxidation and ketone production.

Metabolic rate & AMPK:
Thyroid hormone (T3) increases metabolic rate and upregulates many genes involved in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. [9]
AMPK activation (via exercise, deficit, metformin/berberine) signals a low‑energy state and promotes fat oxidation while improving insulin sensitivity. [8]

Common beta‑oxidation‑oriented agents:

– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.




4 Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
View attachment 5115987

4.0 – Appetite control & GLP‑1s
Retatrutide, Semaglutide, Cagrilintide, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), etc. are GLP‑1 / multi‑agonist drugs that strongly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control, making it easier to adhere to a long‑term calorie deficit. [9]

Makes PSMF 10 times easier to follow up.

4.1 – Stimulants
Caffeine, ephedrine, and prescription stimulants (Methylphenidate, Dextro, Vyvanse etc.) suppress appetite and increase catecholamines, which can raise energy expenditure but also heart rate, blood pressure.

I must say they are very mogger for energy on cut to keep up with daily life, I'm probably going to post a thread about stims soon aswell.

4.2 – "Fat‑loss enhancers"
– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– A-Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.
– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release;. [10]

4.3 – Metabolic aids & cortisol modulation
– MOTS‑c: mitochondrial‑derived peptide that mimics exercise‑/fasting‑like signals → ↑AMPK activity, insulin sensitivity, and fat oxidation; may help preserve muscle.

– Metyrapone: cortisol‑synthesis inhibitor (blocks 11‑β‑hydroxylase) → lowers cortisol; used clinically in adrenal‑excess / Cushing‑related workups and mild autonomous cortisol secretion to improve metabolic markers.

Bottom line: if you aren't already sticking to your diet, ancillaries are not the bottleneck.


5 Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6d2ijo.png
5.0 – Lifting to keep muscle
On a PSMF, high protein plus resistance training is what tells your body "keep this muscle" while you're in a big deficit. [16]

– Train each muscle group 1–2× per week.
– Keep your main compounds in (bench, squat, deadlift, OHP, rows, pull‑ups), but don't chase PRs while aggressively dieting.
– Focus on maintaining strength and performance, not progressing; 2–4 hard sets per exercise is usually enough stimulus without murdering recovery.


5.1 – Cardio & steps
– Baseline: aim for around 10k steps per day to keep NEAT high.
– Avoid excessive added cardio at the start of a PSMF – it ramps hunger and fatigue and can speed up metabolic adaptation on very low calories.
– In the final days before a deadline, you can add more Zone 2 cardio (incline treadmill, cycling, etc.)


6 How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
– Don't say "I'm on a diet" to no. Just say you're not hungry or you already ate bro
– Learn to enjoy social events without eating; sip sugar‑free soda, water, tea, or black coffee and chill.
– No cheat meals, no "just one slice", no "I'll make up for it tomorrow".
– Remember that in normal day‑to‑day life, almost no situation actually forces you to eat junk – either stay fat or be shredded, make your choice.

Run this properly and, depending on your starting body fat, you can get noticeably lean in ~4–8 weeks,
which lines up with what clinical PSMF programs see under supervision. [17]


7 TL;DR & More material

TL;DR:
Track calories, Fats and Carbs < 20gr, Eat mainly protein, Supplement electrolytes, Eat Less than 1000calories, Train each muscle group 1-2 times a week, Keep your step count and daily activity high (<10.000 steps)

Trust the process.

Optionally:
Use GLP‑1 / multi‑agonists like Reta, Tirz or Cagr for apetite suppresion, Use Stimulants for energy and apetite suppresion, Use the "Fat Loss Enhancers" to maximise lipolysis and beta oxidation, Use Mots-c for metabolic markers, Use Metyrapone to inhibit cortisol, Introduce Zone 2 cardio after a while​




8 Scientific Backup/ Sources:
1. A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26817506/

2. Protein sparing modified fast diet program.
https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-library/health-resources/treatments-and-procedures/protein-sparing-modified-fast-diet-program

3. The biochemistry and physiology of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and its genetic disorders.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766985/

4. Fatty acid oxidation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/

5. Body recomposition: can trained individuals build muscle and lose fat at the same time?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5421125/

6. Lipolysis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis

7. The combined effects of exercise and food intake on adipose tissue and splanchnic metabolism.
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

8. AMP-activated protein kinase, a metabolic master switch: possible roles in type 2 diabetes.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276017301492

9. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10552824/

10. Effects of growth hormone on glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism in human subjects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6226059/

11. Carnitine transport and fatty acid oxidation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967041/

12. Carnitine and fatty acid transport.
https://www.lipidmaps.org/resources/lipidweb/lipidweb_html/lipids/simple/carnitin/index.htm

13. Adaptations of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise and their metabolic consequences.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23899751/

14. Carnitine in human muscle bioenergetics: can carnitine supplementation improve physical exercise?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8910660/#B46-ijms-23-02717

15. Efficacy and safety of berberine alone for several metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839379/

16. Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37724991/

17. Very-low-calorie diets and sustained weight loss.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4784653/



How WE are gonna look like this summer:
View attachment 5105610




- A glycogen depleted Menas

High iq thread
 
THE COMPLETE SHREDDING GUIDE FOR SUMMER
(Get shredded in a fucking month)
q50sla.png
Table of contents:
0 – Introduction / Disclaimer
1 – Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
2 – Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
3 – Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
3.0 – Overview: Lipolysis & Beta‑Oxidation
3.1 – Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
3.2 – Maximizing Beta‑Oxidation (Fat Burning)
4 – Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
5 – Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6 – How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
7 – TL;DR
8 - Scientific Backup/ Sources:


Thread Music:



0 Introduction / Disclaimer
949w48.png

By no means is this medical advice. Even though the risks are relatively low, everyone is different and some people may respond to this differently than others (although as I said, the majority should be fine).​


This thread is mainly focused on PSMF, most of the other stuff isn't mandatory but still better to include. PSMF stands for protein sparing modified fast, It's a diet where you mainly eat protein, it allows cutting efficiently without losing almost any muscle mass during cutting.
My 3 Month PSMF transformation:
fyxzn2.png




1 Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
1.0 – Estimate your body fat %
You can estimate body fat by eyeballing (Which is probably the most accurate tbh) or using calipers, DEXA, or a decent impedance scale.
Once you have a body fat estimate, calculate your lean body mass (LBM):

Lean Body Mass = Bodyweight × (1 − Body Fat %)

Example: 180 lbs at 15% body fat → 180 × 0.85 = 153 lbs LBM.

rkfdco.png
1.1 – Set your daily protein target
Aim for roughly 1 g of protein per lb of lean bodyweight (about 2.2–2.5 g/kg LBM). Higher protein intakes during a deficit preserve more lean mass and strength vs lower protein diets. [1]

So at 180 lbs with 15% body fat (153 lbs LBM), target around 150–160 g of protein per day.

Body Weight (kg)​
Body Fat %​
Fat Mass (kg)​
Lean Body Mass (kg)​
Daily Protein Target (g)​
60 kg​
10%​
6 kg​
54 kg​
~119 g​
60 kg​
15%​
9 kg​
51 kg​
~112 g​
60 kg​
20%​
12 kg​
48 kg​
~106 g​
70 kg​
10%​
7 kg​
63 kg​
~139 g​
70 kg​
15%​
10.5 kg​
59.5 kg​
~131 g​
70 kg​
20%​
14 kg​
56 kg​
~123 g​
80 kg​
10%​
8 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
80 kg​
15%​
12 kg​
68 kg​
~150 g​
80 kg​
20%​
16 kg​
64 kg​
~141 g​
90 kg​
15%​
13.5 kg​
76.5 kg​
~169 g​
90 kg​
20%​
18 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
90 kg​
25%​
22.5 kg​
67.5 kg​
~149 g​
100 kg​
20%​
20 kg​
80 kg​
~176 g​
100 kg​
25%​
25 kg​
75 kg​
~165 g​
100 kg​
30%​
30 kg​
70 kg​
~154 g​

1.2 – Start tracking your caloric intake
Download MyFitnessPal (or any decent tracker), weigh food on a kitchen scale, and log everything that goes into your mouth.
Specify raw vs cooked and pick accurate entries, you can't run a precise PSMF if you're eyeballing calories.



2 Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
View attachment 5115972
2.0 – Core diet rules
This is a PSMF, so:

Protein: set by LBM (usually 120–200 g/day for most).
Carbs: ~20 g/day or less (mostly from low‑cal veggies).
Fats: ~20 g/day or less (just what rides along with lean meats).
Total calories: generally 600–900 kcal/day in a classic PSMF setup

You're gonna be living on lean protein with trace fats/carbs. Everything else is flavor and damage control.


2.1 – Food choices
Food
Protein per 100g
Fat
Carbs
Chicken breast (raw)​
~23g​
~1g​
0g​
Turkey breast (raw)​
~22g​
~1g​
0g​
Cod/white fish​
~18g​
~0.5g​
0g​
Egg whites​
~11g​
0g​
~0.7g​
Low-fat cottage cheese​
~11g​
~1g​
~3g​
Whey isolate​
~90g​
~1g​
~1g​
A simple baseline day:
– 500 g chicken or turkey breast across the day.
– 1–2 scoops whey isolate to fill any protein gaps.
Solid meat is usually superior to shakes for satiety, but as long as you hit your protein target and keep fats/carbs low, you're doing it right.
Use:

– Zero‑cal seasonings, herbs, spices.
– Sugar‑free drinks, black coffee, tea.
– Low‑cal veggies (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli) in moderation

Because the calories are so low, official PSMF programs usually add a multivitamin and extra electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent deficiencies. [2] Target ranges (e.g., ~3–5 g sodium, ~2–3 g potassium, 300–400 mg magnesium per day).


3 Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
2xvu2d.png
j9j8og.png

3.0 Overview: Lipolysis & BetaOxidation
Fat loss happens in two major biochemical steps:

Lipolysis: breakdown of stored triglycerides in fat cells into free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol.
Beta‑oxidation: transport of FFAs into mitochondria and burning them for ATP.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/
You still need a calorie deficit, but how much of that deficit is filled by fat vs glycogen/glucose and muscle depends on how well you're mobilizing and oxidizing fat.

Keep in mind, we care about body composition and not just fat loss. [5]




3.1 Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
2xvu2d.png


Lipolysis is controlled mainly by hormone‑sensitive lipase and related enzymes in adipose tissue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

Key drivers:

Catecholamines (adrenaline & noradrenaline):
Bind β‑adrenergic receptors (β1/β2/β3) on fat cells → ↑cAMP → activate hormone‑sensitive lipase → more FFAs released into the blood.

Glucagon:
Works alongside catecholamines in the fasted state, especially when liver glycogen is low, to support fat breakdown. [7]

Low insulin:
Insulin directly suppresses lipolysis, lowering insulin via fasting, low‑carb/ketogenic diets, or deep calorie restriction removes that, hence why PSMF mogs.

Lifestyle factors that boost lipolysis:

– Hard lifting / HIIT → big catecholamine spikes and acute increases in lipolysis. [8]

– Fasted cardio → with low insulin, catecholamine signalling on fat cells is more effective (though daily fat loss still depends on the total deficit).
– Cold exposure → cold showers / ice baths activate the sympathetic nervous system and brown fat, giving a modest increase in lipolysis and energy expenditure aswell though the effects are negligible. [7]

Common lipolysis‑oriented drugs:

– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– GLP‑1 agonists (e.g. Semaglutide): mainly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control; by lowering energy intake and postprandial insulin they indirectly support fat loss. [9]

– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release [10]
wkacpt.png

Also I must mention that on PSMF, you already have low insulin and frequent catecholamine spikes (training + big deficit), so you're naturally in a high‑lipolysis environment even without these.



3.2 Maximizing BetaOxidation (Fat Burning)
j9j8og.png


Once FFAs are in the bloodstream, they must get into mitochondria to be burned.
Long‑chain fatty acids depend on the carnitine shuttle for entry into the mitochondrial matrix. [11]

Key drivers:

Carnitine & mitochondria:
Carnitine transports long‑chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane; deficiencies or transport defects impair fat oxidation and shift fuel use toward carbs. [12]

Endurance / Zone 2 training increases mitochondrial density and the ability of muscle to use fat as a primary fuel. [13]

Keto / fasting / PSMF upregulate enzymes involved in fat oxidation and ketone production.

Metabolic rate & AMPK:
Thyroid hormone (T3) increases metabolic rate and upregulates many genes involved in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. [9]
AMPK activation (via exercise, deficit, metformin/berberine) signals a low‑energy state and promotes fat oxidation while improving insulin sensitivity. [8]

Common beta‑oxidation‑oriented agents:

– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.




4 Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
View attachment 5115987

4.0 – Appetite control & GLP‑1s
Retatrutide, Semaglutide, Cagrilintide, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), etc. are GLP‑1 / multi‑agonist drugs that strongly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control, making it easier to adhere to a long‑term calorie deficit. [9]

Makes PSMF 10 times easier to follow up.

4.1 – Stimulants
Caffeine, ephedrine, and prescription stimulants (Methylphenidate, Dextro, Vyvanse etc.) suppress appetite and increase catecholamines, which can raise energy expenditure but also heart rate, blood pressure.

I must say they are very mogger for energy on cut to keep up with daily life, I'm probably going to post a thread about stims soon aswell.

4.2 – "Fat‑loss enhancers"
– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– A-Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.
– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release;. [10]

4.3 – Metabolic aids & cortisol modulation
– MOTS‑c: mitochondrial‑derived peptide that mimics exercise‑/fasting‑like signals → ↑AMPK activity, insulin sensitivity, and fat oxidation; may help preserve muscle.

– Metyrapone: cortisol‑synthesis inhibitor (blocks 11‑β‑hydroxylase) → lowers cortisol; used clinically in adrenal‑excess / Cushing‑related workups and mild autonomous cortisol secretion to improve metabolic markers.

Bottom line: if you aren't already sticking to your diet, ancillaries are not the bottleneck.


5 Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6d2ijo.png
5.0 – Lifting to keep muscle
On a PSMF, high protein plus resistance training is what tells your body "keep this muscle" while you're in a big deficit. [16]

– Train each muscle group 1–2× per week.
– Keep your main compounds in (bench, squat, deadlift, OHP, rows, pull‑ups), but don't chase PRs while aggressively dieting.
– Focus on maintaining strength and performance, not progressing; 2–4 hard sets per exercise is usually enough stimulus without murdering recovery.


5.1 – Cardio & steps
– Baseline: aim for around 10k steps per day to keep NEAT high.
– Avoid excessive added cardio at the start of a PSMF – it ramps hunger and fatigue and can speed up metabolic adaptation on very low calories.
– In the final days before a deadline, you can add more Zone 2 cardio (incline treadmill, cycling, etc.)


6 How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
– Don't say "I'm on a diet" to no. Just say you're not hungry or you already ate bro
– Learn to enjoy social events without eating; sip sugar‑free soda, water, tea, or black coffee and chill.
– No cheat meals, no "just one slice", no "I'll make up for it tomorrow".
– Remember that in normal day‑to‑day life, almost no situation actually forces you to eat junk – either stay fat or be shredded, make your choice.

Run this properly and, depending on your starting body fat, you can get noticeably lean in ~4–8 weeks,
which lines up with what clinical PSMF programs see under supervision. [17]


7 TL;DR & More material

TL;DR:
Track calories, Fats and Carbs < 20gr, Eat mainly protein, Supplement electrolytes, Eat Less than 1000calories, Train each muscle group 1-2 times a week, Keep your step count and daily activity high (<10.000 steps)

Trust the process.

Optionally:
Use GLP‑1 / multi‑agonists like Reta, Tirz or Cagr for apetite suppresion, Use Stimulants for energy and apetite suppresion, Use the "Fat Loss Enhancers" to maximise lipolysis and beta oxidation, Use Mots-c for metabolic markers, Use Metyrapone to inhibit cortisol, Introduce Zone 2 cardio after a while​




8 Scientific Backup/ Sources:
1. A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26817506/

2. Protein sparing modified fast diet program.
https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-library/health-resources/treatments-and-procedures/protein-sparing-modified-fast-diet-program

3. The biochemistry and physiology of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and its genetic disorders.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766985/

4. Fatty acid oxidation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/

5. Body recomposition: can trained individuals build muscle and lose fat at the same time?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5421125/

6. Lipolysis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis

7. The combined effects of exercise and food intake on adipose tissue and splanchnic metabolism.
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

8. AMP-activated protein kinase, a metabolic master switch: possible roles in type 2 diabetes.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276017301492

9. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10552824/

10. Effects of growth hormone on glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism in human subjects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6226059/

11. Carnitine transport and fatty acid oxidation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967041/

12. Carnitine and fatty acid transport.
https://www.lipidmaps.org/resources/lipidweb/lipidweb_html/lipids/simple/carnitin/index.htm

13. Adaptations of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise and their metabolic consequences.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23899751/

14. Carnitine in human muscle bioenergetics: can carnitine supplementation improve physical exercise?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8910660/#B46-ijms-23-02717

15. Efficacy and safety of berberine alone for several metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839379/

16. Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37724991/

17. Very-low-calorie diets and sustained weight loss.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4784653/



How WE are gonna look like this summer:
View attachment 5105610




- A glycogen depleted Menas

Or u can just eat potatoes with chicken :Comfy:
 
  • +1
Reactions: Menas
Or u can just eat potatoes with chicken :Comfy:
Why? Also depends. Plain carbs on a diet taste shit anyway – unless you're a decent "cook". I'm not. So I'd rather leave out carbs and fats as well and not only make the whole diet simple af, but also get quicker results. Not that hard to restrict carbs and fats completely on Reta at all. Couldn't care less about plain potatoes and rice, and I'm saying this while being deep in a PSMF cycle rn
 
  • +1
Reactions: RiceChigga and Menas
Why? Also depends. Plain carbs on a diet taste shit anyway – unless you're a decent "cook". I'm not. So I'd rather leave out carbs and fats as well and not only make the whole diet simple af, but also get quicker results. Not that hard to restrict carbs and fats completely on Reta at all. Couldn't care less about plain potatoes and rice, and I'm saying this while being deep in a PSMF cycle rn
Yeahhhh u right but im a fat fuck who can't be satisfied with only meat or vegetable yk, to at least to satisfy my hunger i can just spam potatoes with whatever protein bullshit, long life to potatoes :Comfy: since im a lazy fuck who doesn't want to waste money on Reta
 
Ideally, both on a day of cardio/gym

Yohimbine - fasted
Cardarine - doesn't matter
do you recommend running psmf if at 22% bf? how long should i run for
 
this is a very good guide for people who just want to get lean and don’t really care about muscle but I don’t think it’s possible to go under 1000 cals without experiencing severe atrophy

If you’re really overweight and fat this is probably the way to go but I would argue that most people that already go to the gym and have a decent physique and are just trying to get lean more calories are probably better
 
  • +1
Reactions: skippio and Menas
this is a very good guide for people who just want to get lean and don’t really care about muscle but I don’t think it’s possible to go under 1000 cals without experiencing severe atrophy

If you’re really overweight and fat this is probably the way to go but I would argue that most people that already go to the gym and have a decent physique and are just trying to get lean more calories are probably better
so you will lose muscle even if on test + reta and hitting your protein goals?
 
THE COMPLETE SHREDDING GUIDE FOR SUMMER
(Get shredded in a fucking month)
q50sla.png
Table of contents:
0 – Introduction / Disclaimer
1 – Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
2 – Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
3 – Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
3.0 – Overview: Lipolysis & Beta‑Oxidation
3.1 – Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
3.2 – Maximizing Beta‑Oxidation (Fat Burning)
4 – Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
5 – Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6 – How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
7 – TL;DR
8 - Scientific Backup/ Sources:


Thread Music:



0 Introduction / Disclaimer
949w48.png

By no means is this medical advice. Even though the risks are relatively low, everyone is different and some people may respond to this differently than others (although as I said, the majority should be fine).​


This thread is mainly focused on PSMF, most of the other stuff isn't mandatory but still better to include. PSMF stands for protein sparing modified fast, It's a diet where you mainly eat protein, it allows cutting efficiently without losing almost any muscle mass during cutting.
My 3 Month PSMF transformation:
fyxzn2.png




1 Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
1.0 – Estimate your body fat %
You can estimate body fat by eyeballing (Which is probably the most accurate tbh) or using calipers, DEXA, or a decent impedance scale.
Once you have a body fat estimate, calculate your lean body mass (LBM):

Lean Body Mass = Bodyweight × (1 − Body Fat %)

Example: 180 lbs at 15% body fat → 180 × 0.85 = 153 lbs LBM.

rkfdco.png
1.1 – Set your daily protein target
Aim for roughly 1 g of protein per lb of lean bodyweight (about 2.2–2.5 g/kg LBM). Higher protein intakes during a deficit preserve more lean mass and strength vs lower protein diets. [1]

So at 180 lbs with 15% body fat (153 lbs LBM), target around 150–160 g of protein per day.

Body Weight (kg)​
Body Fat %​
Fat Mass (kg)​
Lean Body Mass (kg)​
Daily Protein Target (g)​
60 kg​
10%​
6 kg​
54 kg​
~119 g​
60 kg​
15%​
9 kg​
51 kg​
~112 g​
60 kg​
20%​
12 kg​
48 kg​
~106 g​
70 kg​
10%​
7 kg​
63 kg​
~139 g​
70 kg​
15%​
10.5 kg​
59.5 kg​
~131 g​
70 kg​
20%​
14 kg​
56 kg​
~123 g​
80 kg​
10%​
8 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
80 kg​
15%​
12 kg​
68 kg​
~150 g​
80 kg​
20%​
16 kg​
64 kg​
~141 g​
90 kg​
15%​
13.5 kg​
76.5 kg​
~169 g​
90 kg​
20%​
18 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
90 kg​
25%​
22.5 kg​
67.5 kg​
~149 g​
100 kg​
20%​
20 kg​
80 kg​
~176 g​
100 kg​
25%​
25 kg​
75 kg​
~165 g​
100 kg​
30%​
30 kg​
70 kg​
~154 g​

1.2 – Start tracking your caloric intake
Download MyFitnessPal (or any decent tracker), weigh food on a kitchen scale, and log everything that goes into your mouth.
Specify raw vs cooked and pick accurate entries, you can't run a precise PSMF if you're eyeballing calories.



2 Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
View attachment 5115972
2.0 – Core diet rules
This is a PSMF, so:

Protein: set by LBM (usually 120–200 g/day for most).
Carbs: ~20 g/day or less (mostly from low‑cal veggies).
Fats: ~20 g/day or less (just what rides along with lean meats).
Total calories: generally 600–900 kcal/day in a classic PSMF setup

You're gonna be living on lean protein with trace fats/carbs. Everything else is flavor and damage control.


2.1 – Food choices
Food
Protein per 100g
Fat
Carbs
Chicken breast (raw)​
~23g​
~1g​
0g​
Turkey breast (raw)​
~22g​
~1g​
0g​
Cod/white fish​
~18g​
~0.5g​
0g​
Egg whites​
~11g​
0g​
~0.7g​
Low-fat cottage cheese​
~11g​
~1g​
~3g​
Whey isolate​
~90g​
~1g​
~1g​
A simple baseline day:
– 500 g chicken or turkey breast across the day.
– 1–2 scoops whey isolate to fill any protein gaps.
Solid meat is usually superior to shakes for satiety, but as long as you hit your protein target and keep fats/carbs low, you're doing it right.
Use:

– Zero‑cal seasonings, herbs, spices.
– Sugar‑free drinks, black coffee, tea.
– Low‑cal veggies (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli) in moderation

Because the calories are so low, official PSMF programs usually add a multivitamin and extra electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent deficiencies. [2] Target ranges (e.g., ~3–5 g sodium, ~2–3 g potassium, 300–400 mg magnesium per day).


3 Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
2xvu2d.png
j9j8og.png

3.0 Overview: Lipolysis & BetaOxidation
Fat loss happens in two major biochemical steps:

Lipolysis: breakdown of stored triglycerides in fat cells into free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol.
Beta‑oxidation: transport of FFAs into mitochondria and burning them for ATP.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/
You still need a calorie deficit, but how much of that deficit is filled by fat vs glycogen/glucose and muscle depends on how well you're mobilizing and oxidizing fat.

Keep in mind, we care about body composition and not just fat loss. [5]




3.1 Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
2xvu2d.png


Lipolysis is controlled mainly by hormone‑sensitive lipase and related enzymes in adipose tissue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

Key drivers:

Catecholamines (adrenaline & noradrenaline):
Bind β‑adrenergic receptors (β1/β2/β3) on fat cells → ↑cAMP → activate hormone‑sensitive lipase → more FFAs released into the blood.

Glucagon:
Works alongside catecholamines in the fasted state, especially when liver glycogen is low, to support fat breakdown. [7]

Low insulin:
Insulin directly suppresses lipolysis, lowering insulin via fasting, low‑carb/ketogenic diets, or deep calorie restriction removes that, hence why PSMF mogs.

Lifestyle factors that boost lipolysis:

– Hard lifting / HIIT → big catecholamine spikes and acute increases in lipolysis. [8]

– Fasted cardio → with low insulin, catecholamine signalling on fat cells is more effective (though daily fat loss still depends on the total deficit).
– Cold exposure → cold showers / ice baths activate the sympathetic nervous system and brown fat, giving a modest increase in lipolysis and energy expenditure aswell though the effects are negligible. [7]

Common lipolysis‑oriented drugs:

– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– GLP‑1 agonists (e.g. Semaglutide): mainly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control; by lowering energy intake and postprandial insulin they indirectly support fat loss. [9]

– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release [10]
wkacpt.png

Also I must mention that on PSMF, you already have low insulin and frequent catecholamine spikes (training + big deficit), so you're naturally in a high‑lipolysis environment even without these.



3.2 Maximizing BetaOxidation (Fat Burning)
j9j8og.png


Once FFAs are in the bloodstream, they must get into mitochondria to be burned.
Long‑chain fatty acids depend on the carnitine shuttle for entry into the mitochondrial matrix. [11]

Key drivers:

Carnitine & mitochondria:
Carnitine transports long‑chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane; deficiencies or transport defects impair fat oxidation and shift fuel use toward carbs. [12]

Endurance / Zone 2 training increases mitochondrial density and the ability of muscle to use fat as a primary fuel. [13]

Keto / fasting / PSMF upregulate enzymes involved in fat oxidation and ketone production.

Metabolic rate & AMPK:
Thyroid hormone (T3) increases metabolic rate and upregulates many genes involved in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. [9]
AMPK activation (via exercise, deficit, metformin/berberine) signals a low‑energy state and promotes fat oxidation while improving insulin sensitivity. [8]

Common beta‑oxidation‑oriented agents:

– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.




4 Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
View attachment 5115987

4.0 – Appetite control & GLP‑1s
Retatrutide, Semaglutide, Cagrilintide, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), etc. are GLP‑1 / multi‑agonist drugs that strongly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control, making it easier to adhere to a long‑term calorie deficit. [9]

Makes PSMF 10 times easier to follow up.

4.1 – Stimulants
Caffeine, ephedrine, and prescription stimulants (Methylphenidate, Dextro, Vyvanse etc.) suppress appetite and increase catecholamines, which can raise energy expenditure but also heart rate, blood pressure.

I must say they are very mogger for energy on cut to keep up with daily life, I'm probably going to post a thread about stims soon aswell.

4.2 – "Fat‑loss enhancers"
– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– A-Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.
– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release;. [10]

4.3 – Metabolic aids & cortisol modulation
– MOTS‑c: mitochondrial‑derived peptide that mimics exercise‑/fasting‑like signals → ↑AMPK activity, insulin sensitivity, and fat oxidation; may help preserve muscle.

– Metyrapone: cortisol‑synthesis inhibitor (blocks 11‑β‑hydroxylase) → lowers cortisol; used clinically in adrenal‑excess / Cushing‑related workups and mild autonomous cortisol secretion to improve metabolic markers.

Bottom line: if you aren't already sticking to your diet, ancillaries are not the bottleneck.


5 Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6d2ijo.png
5.0 – Lifting to keep muscle
On a PSMF, high protein plus resistance training is what tells your body "keep this muscle" while you're in a big deficit. [16]

– Train each muscle group 1–2× per week.
– Keep your main compounds in (bench, squat, deadlift, OHP, rows, pull‑ups), but don't chase PRs while aggressively dieting.
– Focus on maintaining strength and performance, not progressing; 2–4 hard sets per exercise is usually enough stimulus without murdering recovery.


5.1 – Cardio & steps
– Baseline: aim for around 10k steps per day to keep NEAT high.
– Avoid excessive added cardio at the start of a PSMF – it ramps hunger and fatigue and can speed up metabolic adaptation on very low calories.
– In the final days before a deadline, you can add more Zone 2 cardio (incline treadmill, cycling, etc.)


6 How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
– Don't say "I'm on a diet" to no. Just say you're not hungry or you already ate bro
– Learn to enjoy social events without eating; sip sugar‑free soda, water, tea, or black coffee and chill.
– No cheat meals, no "just one slice", no "I'll make up for it tomorrow".
– Remember that in normal day‑to‑day life, almost no situation actually forces you to eat junk – either stay fat or be shredded, make your choice.

Run this properly and, depending on your starting body fat, you can get noticeably lean in ~4–8 weeks,
which lines up with what clinical PSMF programs see under supervision. [17]


7 TL;DR & More material

TL;DR:
Track calories, Fats and Carbs < 20gr, Eat mainly protein, Supplement electrolytes, Eat Less than 1000calories, Train each muscle group 1-2 times a week, Keep your step count and daily activity high (<10.000 steps)

Trust the process.

Optionally:
Use GLP‑1 / multi‑agonists like Reta, Tirz or Cagr for apetite suppresion, Use Stimulants for energy and apetite suppresion, Use the "Fat Loss Enhancers" to maximise lipolysis and beta oxidation, Use Mots-c for metabolic markers, Use Metyrapone to inhibit cortisol, Introduce Zone 2 cardio after a while​




8 Scientific Backup/ Sources:
1. A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26817506/

2. Protein sparing modified fast diet program.
https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-library/health-resources/treatments-and-procedures/protein-sparing-modified-fast-diet-program

3. The biochemistry and physiology of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and its genetic disorders.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766985/

4. Fatty acid oxidation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/

5. Body recomposition: can trained individuals build muscle and lose fat at the same time?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5421125/

6. Lipolysis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis

7. The combined effects of exercise and food intake on adipose tissue and splanchnic metabolism.
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

8. AMP-activated protein kinase, a metabolic master switch: possible roles in type 2 diabetes.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276017301492

9. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10552824/

10. Effects of growth hormone on glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism in human subjects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6226059/

11. Carnitine transport and fatty acid oxidation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967041/

12. Carnitine and fatty acid transport.
https://www.lipidmaps.org/resources/lipidweb/lipidweb_html/lipids/simple/carnitin/index.htm

13. Adaptations of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise and their metabolic consequences.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23899751/

14. Carnitine in human muscle bioenergetics: can carnitine supplementation improve physical exercise?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8910660/#B46-ijms-23-02717

15. Efficacy and safety of berberine alone for several metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839379/

16. Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37724991/

17. Very-low-calorie diets and sustained weight loss.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4784653/



How WE are gonna look like this summer:
View attachment 5105610




- A glycogen depleted Menas

Is this advisable for someone whos 16,5 and still growing a tiny bit? Im like 25% bf rn
 
I want to have intercourse with u
 
THE COMPLETE SHREDDING GUIDE FOR SUMMER
(Get shredded in a fucking month)
q50sla.png
Table of contents:
0 – Introduction / Disclaimer
1 – Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
2 – Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
3 – Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
3.0 – Overview: Lipolysis & Beta‑Oxidation
3.1 – Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
3.2 – Maximizing Beta‑Oxidation (Fat Burning)
4 – Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
5 – Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6 – How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
7 – TL;DR
8 - Scientific Backup/ Sources:


Thread Music:



0 Introduction / Disclaimer
949w48.png

By no means is this medical advice. Even though the risks are relatively low, everyone is different and some people may respond to this differently than others (although as I said, the majority should be fine).​


This thread is mainly focused on PSMF, most of the other stuff isn't mandatory but still better to include. PSMF stands for protein sparing modified fast, It's a diet where you mainly eat protein, it allows cutting efficiently without losing almost any muscle mass during cutting.
My 3 Month PSMF transformation:
fyxzn2.png




1 Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
1.0 – Estimate your body fat %
You can estimate body fat by eyeballing (Which is probably the most accurate tbh) or using calipers, DEXA, or a decent impedance scale.
Once you have a body fat estimate, calculate your lean body mass (LBM):

Lean Body Mass = Bodyweight × (1 − Body Fat %)

Example: 180 lbs at 15% body fat → 180 × 0.85 = 153 lbs LBM.

rkfdco.png
1.1 – Set your daily protein target
Aim for roughly 1 g of protein per lb of lean bodyweight (about 2.2–2.5 g/kg LBM). Higher protein intakes during a deficit preserve more lean mass and strength vs lower protein diets. [1]

So at 180 lbs with 15% body fat (153 lbs LBM), target around 150–160 g of protein per day.

Body Weight (kg)​
Body Fat %​
Fat Mass (kg)​
Lean Body Mass (kg)​
Daily Protein Target (g)​
60 kg​
10%​
6 kg​
54 kg​
~119 g​
60 kg​
15%​
9 kg​
51 kg​
~112 g​
60 kg​
20%​
12 kg​
48 kg​
~106 g​
70 kg​
10%​
7 kg​
63 kg​
~139 g​
70 kg​
15%​
10.5 kg​
59.5 kg​
~131 g​
70 kg​
20%​
14 kg​
56 kg​
~123 g​
80 kg​
10%​
8 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
80 kg​
15%​
12 kg​
68 kg​
~150 g​
80 kg​
20%​
16 kg​
64 kg​
~141 g​
90 kg​
15%​
13.5 kg​
76.5 kg​
~169 g​
90 kg​
20%​
18 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
90 kg​
25%​
22.5 kg​
67.5 kg​
~149 g​
100 kg​
20%​
20 kg​
80 kg​
~176 g​
100 kg​
25%​
25 kg​
75 kg​
~165 g​
100 kg​
30%​
30 kg​
70 kg​
~154 g​

1.2 – Start tracking your caloric intake
Download MyFitnessPal (or any decent tracker), weigh food on a kitchen scale, and log everything that goes into your mouth.
Specify raw vs cooked and pick accurate entries, you can't run a precise PSMF if you're eyeballing calories.



2 Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
View attachment 5115972
2.0 – Core diet rules
This is a PSMF, so:

Protein: set by LBM (usually 120–200 g/day for most).
Carbs: ~20 g/day or less (mostly from low‑cal veggies).
Fats: ~20 g/day or less (just what rides along with lean meats).
Total calories: generally 600–900 kcal/day in a classic PSMF setup

You're gonna be living on lean protein with trace fats/carbs. Everything else is flavor and damage control.


2.1 – Food choices
Food
Protein per 100g
Fat
Carbs
Chicken breast (raw)​
~23g​
~1g​
0g​
Turkey breast (raw)​
~22g​
~1g​
0g​
Cod/white fish​
~18g​
~0.5g​
0g​
Egg whites​
~11g​
0g​
~0.7g​
Low-fat cottage cheese​
~11g​
~1g​
~3g​
Whey isolate​
~90g​
~1g​
~1g​
A simple baseline day:
– 500 g chicken or turkey breast across the day.
– 1–2 scoops whey isolate to fill any protein gaps.
Solid meat is usually superior to shakes for satiety, but as long as you hit your protein target and keep fats/carbs low, you're doing it right.
Use:

– Zero‑cal seasonings, herbs, spices.
– Sugar‑free drinks, black coffee, tea.
– Low‑cal veggies (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli) in moderation

Because the calories are so low, official PSMF programs usually add a multivitamin and extra electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent deficiencies. [2] Target ranges (e.g., ~3–5 g sodium, ~2–3 g potassium, 300–400 mg magnesium per day).


3 Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
2xvu2d.png
j9j8og.png

3.0 Overview: Lipolysis & BetaOxidation
Fat loss happens in two major biochemical steps:

Lipolysis: breakdown of stored triglycerides in fat cells into free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol.
Beta‑oxidation: transport of FFAs into mitochondria and burning them for ATP.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/
You still need a calorie deficit, but how much of that deficit is filled by fat vs glycogen/glucose and muscle depends on how well you're mobilizing and oxidizing fat.

Keep in mind, we care about body composition and not just fat loss. [5]




3.1 Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
2xvu2d.png


Lipolysis is controlled mainly by hormone‑sensitive lipase and related enzymes in adipose tissue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

Key drivers:

Catecholamines (adrenaline & noradrenaline):
Bind β‑adrenergic receptors (β1/β2/β3) on fat cells → ↑cAMP → activate hormone‑sensitive lipase → more FFAs released into the blood.

Glucagon:
Works alongside catecholamines in the fasted state, especially when liver glycogen is low, to support fat breakdown. [7]

Low insulin:
Insulin directly suppresses lipolysis, lowering insulin via fasting, low‑carb/ketogenic diets, or deep calorie restriction removes that, hence why PSMF mogs.

Lifestyle factors that boost lipolysis:

– Hard lifting / HIIT → big catecholamine spikes and acute increases in lipolysis. [8]

– Fasted cardio → with low insulin, catecholamine signalling on fat cells is more effective (though daily fat loss still depends on the total deficit).
– Cold exposure → cold showers / ice baths activate the sympathetic nervous system and brown fat, giving a modest increase in lipolysis and energy expenditure aswell though the effects are negligible. [7]

Common lipolysis‑oriented drugs:

– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– GLP‑1 agonists (e.g. Semaglutide): mainly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control; by lowering energy intake and postprandial insulin they indirectly support fat loss. [9]

– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release [10]
wkacpt.png

Also I must mention that on PSMF, you already have low insulin and frequent catecholamine spikes (training + big deficit), so you're naturally in a high‑lipolysis environment even without these.



3.2 Maximizing BetaOxidation (Fat Burning)
j9j8og.png


Once FFAs are in the bloodstream, they must get into mitochondria to be burned.
Long‑chain fatty acids depend on the carnitine shuttle for entry into the mitochondrial matrix. [11]

Key drivers:

Carnitine & mitochondria:
Carnitine transports long‑chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane; deficiencies or transport defects impair fat oxidation and shift fuel use toward carbs. [12]

Endurance / Zone 2 training increases mitochondrial density and the ability of muscle to use fat as a primary fuel. [13]

Keto / fasting / PSMF upregulate enzymes involved in fat oxidation and ketone production.

Metabolic rate & AMPK:
Thyroid hormone (T3) increases metabolic rate and upregulates many genes involved in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. [9]
AMPK activation (via exercise, deficit, metformin/berberine) signals a low‑energy state and promotes fat oxidation while improving insulin sensitivity. [8]

Common beta‑oxidation‑oriented agents:

– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.




4 Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
View attachment 5115987

4.0 – Appetite control & GLP‑1s
Retatrutide, Semaglutide, Cagrilintide, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), etc. are GLP‑1 / multi‑agonist drugs that strongly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control, making it easier to adhere to a long‑term calorie deficit. [9]

Makes PSMF 10 times easier to follow up.

4.1 – Stimulants
Caffeine, ephedrine, and prescription stimulants (Methylphenidate, Dextro, Vyvanse etc.) suppress appetite and increase catecholamines, which can raise energy expenditure but also heart rate, blood pressure.

I must say they are very mogger for energy on cut to keep up with daily life, I'm probably going to post a thread about stims soon aswell.

4.2 – "Fat‑loss enhancers"
– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– A-Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.
– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release;. [10]

4.3 – Metabolic aids & cortisol modulation
– MOTS‑c: mitochondrial‑derived peptide that mimics exercise‑/fasting‑like signals → ↑AMPK activity, insulin sensitivity, and fat oxidation; may help preserve muscle.

– Metyrapone: cortisol‑synthesis inhibitor (blocks 11‑β‑hydroxylase) → lowers cortisol; used clinically in adrenal‑excess / Cushing‑related workups and mild autonomous cortisol secretion to improve metabolic markers.

Bottom line: if you aren't already sticking to your diet, ancillaries are not the bottleneck.


5 Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6d2ijo.png
5.0 – Lifting to keep muscle
On a PSMF, high protein plus resistance training is what tells your body "keep this muscle" while you're in a big deficit. [16]

– Train each muscle group 2× per week atleast.
– Keep your main compounds in (bench, squat, deadlift, OHP, rows, pull‑ups), but don't chase PRs while aggressively dieting.
– Focus on maintaining strength and performance, not progressing; 2–4 hard sets per exercise is usually enough stimulus without murdering recovery.


5.1 – Cardio & steps
– Baseline: aim for around 10k steps per day to keep NEAT high.
– Avoid excessive added cardio at the start of a PSMF – it ramps hunger and fatigue and can speed up metabolic adaptation on very low calories.
– In the final days before a deadline, you can add more Zone 2 cardio (incline treadmill, cycling, etc.)


6 How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
– Don't say "I'm on a diet" to no. Just say you're not hungry or you already ate bro
– Learn to enjoy social events without eating; sip sugar‑free soda, water, tea, or black coffee and chill.
– No cheat meals, no "just one slice", no "I'll make up for it tomorrow".
– Remember that in normal day‑to‑day life, almost no situation actually forces you to eat junk – either stay fat or be shredded, make your choice.

Run this properly and, depending on your starting body fat, you can get noticeably lean in ~4–8 weeks,
which lines up with what clinical PSMF programs see under supervision. [17]


7 TL;DR & More material

TL;DR:
Track calories, Fats and Carbs < 20gr, Eat mainly protein, Supplement electrolytes, Eat Less than 1000calories, Train each muscle group 1-2 times a week, Keep your step count and daily activity high (<10.000 steps)

Trust the process.

Optionally:
Use GLP‑1 / multi‑agonists like Reta, Tirz or Cagr for apetite suppresion, Use Stimulants for energy and apetite suppresion, Use the "Fat Loss Enhancers" to maximise lipolysis and beta oxidation, Use Mots-c for metabolic markers, Use Metyrapone to inhibit cortisol, Introduce Zone 2 cardio after a while​




8 Scientific Backup/ Sources:
1. A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26817506/

2. Protein sparing modified fast diet program.
https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-library/health-resources/treatments-and-procedures/protein-sparing-modified-fast-diet-program

3. The biochemistry and physiology of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and its genetic disorders.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766985/

4. Fatty acid oxidation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/

5. Body recomposition: can trained individuals build muscle and lose fat at the same time?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5421125/

6. Lipolysis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis

7. The combined effects of exercise and food intake on adipose tissue and splanchnic metabolism.
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

8. AMP-activated protein kinase, a metabolic master switch: possible roles in type 2 diabetes.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276017301492

9. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10552824/

10. Effects of growth hormone on glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism in human subjects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6226059/

11. Carnitine transport and fatty acid oxidation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967041/

12. Carnitine and fatty acid transport.
https://www.lipidmaps.org/resources/lipidweb/lipidweb_html/lipids/simple/carnitin/index.htm

13. Adaptations of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise and their metabolic consequences.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23899751/

14. Carnitine in human muscle bioenergetics: can carnitine supplementation improve physical exercise?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8910660/#B46-ijms-23-02717

15. Efficacy and safety of berberine alone for several metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839379/

16. Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37724991/

17. Very-low-calorie diets and sustained weight loss.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4784653/



How WE are gonna look like this summer:
View attachment 5105610




- A glycogen depleted Menas

Very good post def botb worthy
 
  • +1
Reactions: Menas
THE COMPLETE SHREDDING GUIDE FOR SUMMER
(Get shredded in a fucking month)
q50sla.png
Table of contents:
0 – Introduction / Disclaimer
1 – Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
2 – Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
3 – Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
3.0 – Overview: Lipolysis & Beta‑Oxidation
3.1 – Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
3.2 – Maximizing Beta‑Oxidation (Fat Burning)
4 – Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
5 – Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6 – How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
7 – TL;DR
8 - Scientific Backup/ Sources:


Thread Music:



0 Introduction / Disclaimer
949w48.png

By no means is this medical advice. Even though the risks are relatively low, everyone is different and some people may respond to this differently than others (although as I said, the majority should be fine).​


This thread is mainly focused on PSMF, most of the other stuff isn't mandatory but still better to include. PSMF stands for protein sparing modified fast, It's a diet where you mainly eat protein, it allows cutting efficiently without losing almost any muscle mass during cutting.
My 3 Month PSMF transformation:
fyxzn2.png




1 Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
1.0 – Estimate your body fat %
You can estimate body fat by eyeballing (Which is probably the most accurate tbh) or using calipers, DEXA, or a decent impedance scale.
Once you have a body fat estimate, calculate your lean body mass (LBM):

Lean Body Mass = Bodyweight × (1 − Body Fat %)

Example: 180 lbs at 15% body fat → 180 × 0.85 = 153 lbs LBM.

rkfdco.png
1.1 – Set your daily protein target
Aim for roughly 1 g of protein per lb of lean bodyweight (about 2.2–2.5 g/kg LBM). Higher protein intakes during a deficit preserve more lean mass and strength vs lower protein diets. [1]

So at 180 lbs with 15% body fat (153 lbs LBM), target around 150–160 g of protein per day.

Body Weight (kg)​
Body Fat %​
Fat Mass (kg)​
Lean Body Mass (kg)​
Daily Protein Target (g)​
60 kg​
10%​
6 kg​
54 kg​
~119 g​
60 kg​
15%​
9 kg​
51 kg​
~112 g​
60 kg​
20%​
12 kg​
48 kg​
~106 g​
70 kg​
10%​
7 kg​
63 kg​
~139 g​
70 kg​
15%​
10.5 kg​
59.5 kg​
~131 g​
70 kg​
20%​
14 kg​
56 kg​
~123 g​
80 kg​
10%​
8 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
80 kg​
15%​
12 kg​
68 kg​
~150 g​
80 kg​
20%​
16 kg​
64 kg​
~141 g​
90 kg​
15%​
13.5 kg​
76.5 kg​
~169 g​
90 kg​
20%​
18 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
90 kg​
25%​
22.5 kg​
67.5 kg​
~149 g​
100 kg​
20%​
20 kg​
80 kg​
~176 g​
100 kg​
25%​
25 kg​
75 kg​
~165 g​
100 kg​
30%​
30 kg​
70 kg​
~154 g​

1.2 – Start tracking your caloric intake
Download MyFitnessPal (or any decent tracker), weigh food on a kitchen scale, and log everything that goes into your mouth.
Specify raw vs cooked and pick accurate entries, you can't run a precise PSMF if you're eyeballing calories.



2 Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
View attachment 5115972
2.0 – Core diet rules
This is a PSMF, so:

Protein: set by LBM (usually 120–200 g/day for most).
Carbs: ~20 g/day or less (mostly from low‑cal veggies).
Fats: ~20 g/day or less (just what rides along with lean meats).
Total calories: generally 600–900 kcal/day in a classic PSMF setup

You're gonna be living on lean protein with trace fats/carbs. Everything else is flavor and damage control.


2.1 – Food choices
Food
Protein per 100g
Fat
Carbs
Chicken breast (raw)​
~23g​
~1g​
0g​
Turkey breast (raw)​
~22g​
~1g​
0g​
Cod/white fish​
~18g​
~0.5g​
0g​
Egg whites​
~11g​
0g​
~0.7g​
Low-fat cottage cheese​
~11g​
~1g​
~3g​
Whey isolate​
~90g​
~1g​
~1g​
A simple baseline day:
– 500 g chicken or turkey breast across the day.
– 1–2 scoops whey isolate to fill any protein gaps.
Solid meat is usually superior to shakes for satiety, but as long as you hit your protein target and keep fats/carbs low, you're doing it right.
Use:

– Zero‑cal seasonings, herbs, spices.
– Sugar‑free drinks, black coffee, tea.
– Low‑cal veggies (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli) in moderation

Because the calories are so low, official PSMF programs usually add a multivitamin and extra electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent deficiencies. [2] Target ranges (e.g., ~3–5 g sodium, ~2–3 g potassium, 300–400 mg magnesium per day).


3 Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
2xvu2d.png
j9j8og.png

3.0 Overview: Lipolysis & BetaOxidation
Fat loss happens in two major biochemical steps:

Lipolysis: breakdown of stored triglycerides in fat cells into free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol.
Beta‑oxidation: transport of FFAs into mitochondria and burning them for ATP.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/
You still need a calorie deficit, but how much of that deficit is filled by fat vs glycogen/glucose and muscle depends on how well you're mobilizing and oxidizing fat.

Keep in mind, we care about body composition and not just fat loss. [5]




3.1 Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
2xvu2d.png


Lipolysis is controlled mainly by hormone‑sensitive lipase and related enzymes in adipose tissue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

Key drivers:

Catecholamines (adrenaline & noradrenaline):
Bind β‑adrenergic receptors (β1/β2/β3) on fat cells → ↑cAMP → activate hormone‑sensitive lipase → more FFAs released into the blood.

Glucagon:
Works alongside catecholamines in the fasted state, especially when liver glycogen is low, to support fat breakdown. [7]

Low insulin:
Insulin directly suppresses lipolysis, lowering insulin via fasting, low‑carb/ketogenic diets, or deep calorie restriction removes that, hence why PSMF mogs.

Lifestyle factors that boost lipolysis:

– Hard lifting / HIIT → big catecholamine spikes and acute increases in lipolysis. [8]

– Fasted cardio → with low insulin, catecholamine signalling on fat cells is more effective (though daily fat loss still depends on the total deficit).
– Cold exposure → cold showers / ice baths activate the sympathetic nervous system and brown fat, giving a modest increase in lipolysis and energy expenditure aswell though the effects are negligible. [7]

Common lipolysis‑oriented drugs:

– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– GLP‑1 agonists (e.g. Semaglutide): mainly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control; by lowering energy intake and postprandial insulin they indirectly support fat loss. [9]

– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release [10]
wkacpt.png

Also I must mention that on PSMF, you already have low insulin and frequent catecholamine spikes (training + big deficit), so you're naturally in a high‑lipolysis environment even without these.



3.2 Maximizing BetaOxidation (Fat Burning)
j9j8og.png


Once FFAs are in the bloodstream, they must get into mitochondria to be burned.
Long‑chain fatty acids depend on the carnitine shuttle for entry into the mitochondrial matrix. [11]

Key drivers:

Carnitine & mitochondria:
Carnitine transports long‑chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane; deficiencies or transport defects impair fat oxidation and shift fuel use toward carbs. [12]

Endurance / Zone 2 training increases mitochondrial density and the ability of muscle to use fat as a primary fuel. [13]

Keto / fasting / PSMF upregulate enzymes involved in fat oxidation and ketone production.

Metabolic rate & AMPK:
Thyroid hormone (T3) increases metabolic rate and upregulates many genes involved in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. [9]
AMPK activation (via exercise, deficit, metformin/berberine) signals a low‑energy state and promotes fat oxidation while improving insulin sensitivity. [8]

Common beta‑oxidation‑oriented agents:

– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.




4 Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
View attachment 5115987

4.0 – Appetite control & GLP‑1s
Retatrutide, Semaglutide, Cagrilintide, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), etc. are GLP‑1 / multi‑agonist drugs that strongly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control, making it easier to adhere to a long‑term calorie deficit. [9]

Makes PSMF 10 times easier to follow up.

4.1 – Stimulants
Caffeine, ephedrine, and prescription stimulants (Methylphenidate, Dextro, Vyvanse etc.) suppress appetite and increase catecholamines, which can raise energy expenditure but also heart rate, blood pressure.

I must say they are very mogger for energy on cut to keep up with daily life, I'm probably going to post a thread about stims soon aswell.

4.2 – "Fat‑loss enhancers"
– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– A-Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.
– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release;. [10]

4.3 – Metabolic aids & cortisol modulation
– MOTS‑c: mitochondrial‑derived peptide that mimics exercise‑/fasting‑like signals → ↑AMPK activity, insulin sensitivity, and fat oxidation; may help preserve muscle.

– Metyrapone: cortisol‑synthesis inhibitor (blocks 11‑β‑hydroxylase) → lowers cortisol; used clinically in adrenal‑excess / Cushing‑related workups and mild autonomous cortisol secretion to improve metabolic markers.

Bottom line: if you aren't already sticking to your diet, ancillaries are not the bottleneck.


5 Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6d2ijo.png
5.0 – Lifting to keep muscle
On a PSMF, high protein plus resistance training is what tells your body "keep this muscle" while you're in a big deficit. [16]

– Train each muscle group 2× per week atleast.
– Keep your main compounds in (bench, squat, deadlift, OHP, rows, pull‑ups), but don't chase PRs while aggressively dieting.
– Focus on maintaining strength and performance, not progressing; 2–4 hard sets per exercise is usually enough stimulus without murdering recovery.


5.1 – Cardio & steps
– Baseline: aim for around 10k steps per day to keep NEAT high.
– Avoid excessive added cardio at the start of a PSMF – it ramps hunger and fatigue and can speed up metabolic adaptation on very low calories.
– In the final days before a deadline, you can add more Zone 2 cardio (incline treadmill, cycling, etc.)


6 How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
– Don't say "I'm on a diet" to no. Just say you're not hungry or you already ate bro
– Learn to enjoy social events without eating; sip sugar‑free soda, water, tea, or black coffee and chill.
– No cheat meals, no "just one slice", no "I'll make up for it tomorrow".
– Remember that in normal day‑to‑day life, almost no situation actually forces you to eat junk – either stay fat or be shredded, make your choice.

Run this properly and, depending on your starting body fat, you can get noticeably lean in ~4–8 weeks,
which lines up with what clinical PSMF programs see under supervision. [17]


7 TL;DR & More material

TL;DR:
Track calories, Fats and Carbs < 20gr, Eat mainly protein, Supplement electrolytes, Eat Less than 1000calories, Train each muscle group 1-2 times a week, Keep your step count and daily activity high (<10.000 steps)

Trust the process.

Optionally:
Use GLP‑1 / multi‑agonists like Reta, Tirz or Cagr for apetite suppresion, Use Stimulants for energy and apetite suppresion, Use the "Fat Loss Enhancers" to maximise lipolysis and beta oxidation, Use Mots-c for metabolic markers, Use Metyrapone to inhibit cortisol, Introduce Zone 2 cardio after a while​




8 Scientific Backup/ Sources:
1. A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26817506/

2. Protein sparing modified fast diet program.
https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-library/health-resources/treatments-and-procedures/protein-sparing-modified-fast-diet-program

3. The biochemistry and physiology of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and its genetic disorders.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766985/

4. Fatty acid oxidation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/

5. Body recomposition: can trained individuals build muscle and lose fat at the same time?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5421125/

6. Lipolysis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis

7. The combined effects of exercise and food intake on adipose tissue and splanchnic metabolism.
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

8. AMP-activated protein kinase, a metabolic master switch: possible roles in type 2 diabetes.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276017301492

9. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10552824/

10. Effects of growth hormone on glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism in human subjects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6226059/

11. Carnitine transport and fatty acid oxidation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967041/

12. Carnitine and fatty acid transport.
https://www.lipidmaps.org/resources/lipidweb/lipidweb_html/lipids/simple/carnitin/index.htm

13. Adaptations of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise and their metabolic consequences.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23899751/

14. Carnitine in human muscle bioenergetics: can carnitine supplementation improve physical exercise?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8910660/#B46-ijms-23-02717

15. Efficacy and safety of berberine alone for several metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839379/

16. Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37724991/

17. Very-low-calorie diets and sustained weight loss.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4784653/



How WE are gonna look like this summer:
View attachment 5105610




- A glycogen depleted Menas

dnr but mirin
 
  • +1
Reactions: Menas
THE COMPLETE SHREDDING GUIDE FOR SUMMER
(Get shredded in a fucking month)
q50sla.png
Table of contents:
0 – Introduction / Disclaimer
1 – Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
2 – Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
3 – Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
3.0 – Overview: Lipolysis & Beta‑Oxidation
3.1 – Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
3.2 – Maximizing Beta‑Oxidation (Fat Burning)
4 – Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
5 – Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6 – How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
7 – TL;DR
8 - Scientific Backup/ Sources:


Thread Music:



0 Introduction / Disclaimer
949w48.png

By no means is this medical advice. Even though the risks are relatively low, everyone is different and some people may respond to this differently than others (although as I said, the majority should be fine).​


This thread is mainly focused on PSMF, most of the other stuff isn't mandatory but still better to include. PSMF stands for protein sparing modified fast, It's a diet where you mainly eat protein, it allows cutting efficiently without losing almost any muscle mass during cutting.
My 3 Month PSMF transformation:
fyxzn2.png




1 Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
1.0 – Estimate your body fat %
You can estimate body fat by eyeballing (Which is probably the most accurate tbh) or using calipers, DEXA, or a decent impedance scale.
Once you have a body fat estimate, calculate your lean body mass (LBM):

Lean Body Mass = Bodyweight × (1 − Body Fat %)

Example: 180 lbs at 15% body fat → 180 × 0.85 = 153 lbs LBM.

rkfdco.png
1.1 – Set your daily protein target
Aim for roughly 1 g of protein per lb of lean bodyweight (about 2.2–2.5 g/kg LBM). Higher protein intakes during a deficit preserve more lean mass and strength vs lower protein diets. [1]

So at 180 lbs with 15% body fat (153 lbs LBM), target around 150–160 g of protein per day.

Body Weight (kg)​
Body Fat %​
Fat Mass (kg)​
Lean Body Mass (kg)​
Daily Protein Target (g)​
60 kg​
10%​
6 kg​
54 kg​
~119 g​
60 kg​
15%​
9 kg​
51 kg​
~112 g​
60 kg​
20%​
12 kg​
48 kg​
~106 g​
70 kg​
10%​
7 kg​
63 kg​
~139 g​
70 kg​
15%​
10.5 kg​
59.5 kg​
~131 g​
70 kg​
20%​
14 kg​
56 kg​
~123 g​
80 kg​
10%​
8 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
80 kg​
15%​
12 kg​
68 kg​
~150 g​
80 kg​
20%​
16 kg​
64 kg​
~141 g​
90 kg​
15%​
13.5 kg​
76.5 kg​
~169 g​
90 kg​
20%​
18 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
90 kg​
25%​
22.5 kg​
67.5 kg​
~149 g​
100 kg​
20%​
20 kg​
80 kg​
~176 g​
100 kg​
25%​
25 kg​
75 kg​
~165 g​
100 kg​
30%​
30 kg​
70 kg​
~154 g​

1.2 – Start tracking your caloric intake
Download MyFitnessPal (or any decent tracker), weigh food on a kitchen scale, and log everything that goes into your mouth.
Specify raw vs cooked and pick accurate entries, you can't run a precise PSMF if you're eyeballing calories.



2 Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
View attachment 5115972
2.0 – Core diet rules
This is a PSMF, so:

Protein: set by LBM (usually 120–200 g/day for most).
Carbs: ~20 g/day or less (mostly from low‑cal veggies).
Fats: ~20 g/day or less (just what rides along with lean meats).
Total calories: generally 600–900 kcal/day in a classic PSMF setup

You're gonna be living on lean protein with trace fats/carbs. Everything else is flavor and damage control.


2.1 – Food choices
Food
Protein per 100g
Fat
Carbs
Chicken breast (raw)​
~23g​
~1g​
0g​
Turkey breast (raw)​
~22g​
~1g​
0g​
Cod/white fish​
~18g​
~0.5g​
0g​
Egg whites​
~11g​
0g​
~0.7g​
Low-fat cottage cheese​
~11g​
~1g​
~3g​
Whey isolate​
~90g​
~1g​
~1g​
A simple baseline day:
– 500 g chicken or turkey breast across the day.
– 1–2 scoops whey isolate to fill any protein gaps.
Solid meat is usually superior to shakes for satiety, but as long as you hit your protein target and keep fats/carbs low, you're doing it right.
Use:

– Zero‑cal seasonings, herbs, spices.
– Sugar‑free drinks, black coffee, tea.
– Low‑cal veggies (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli) in moderation

Because the calories are so low, official PSMF programs usually add a multivitamin and extra electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent deficiencies. [2] Target ranges (e.g., ~3–5 g sodium, ~2–3 g potassium, 300–400 mg magnesium per day).


3 Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
2xvu2d.png
j9j8og.png

3.0 Overview: Lipolysis & BetaOxidation
Fat loss happens in two major biochemical steps:

Lipolysis: breakdown of stored triglycerides in fat cells into free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol.
Beta‑oxidation: transport of FFAs into mitochondria and burning them for ATP.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/
You still need a calorie deficit, but how much of that deficit is filled by fat vs glycogen/glucose and muscle depends on how well you're mobilizing and oxidizing fat.

Keep in mind, we care about body composition and not just fat loss. [5]




3.1 Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
2xvu2d.png


Lipolysis is controlled mainly by hormone‑sensitive lipase and related enzymes in adipose tissue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

Key drivers:

Catecholamines (adrenaline & noradrenaline):
Bind β‑adrenergic receptors (β1/β2/β3) on fat cells → ↑cAMP → activate hormone‑sensitive lipase → more FFAs released into the blood.

Glucagon:
Works alongside catecholamines in the fasted state, especially when liver glycogen is low, to support fat breakdown. [7]

Low insulin:
Insulin directly suppresses lipolysis, lowering insulin via fasting, low‑carb/ketogenic diets, or deep calorie restriction removes that, hence why PSMF mogs.

Lifestyle factors that boost lipolysis:

– Hard lifting / HIIT → big catecholamine spikes and acute increases in lipolysis. [8]

– Fasted cardio → with low insulin, catecholamine signalling on fat cells is more effective (though daily fat loss still depends on the total deficit).
– Cold exposure → cold showers / ice baths activate the sympathetic nervous system and brown fat, giving a modest increase in lipolysis and energy expenditure aswell though the effects are negligible. [7]

Common lipolysis‑oriented drugs:

– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– GLP‑1 agonists (e.g. Semaglutide): mainly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control; by lowering energy intake and postprandial insulin they indirectly support fat loss. [9]

– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release [10]
wkacpt.png

Also I must mention that on PSMF, you already have low insulin and frequent catecholamine spikes (training + big deficit), so you're naturally in a high‑lipolysis environment even without these.



3.2 Maximizing BetaOxidation (Fat Burning)
j9j8og.png


Once FFAs are in the bloodstream, they must get into mitochondria to be burned.
Long‑chain fatty acids depend on the carnitine shuttle for entry into the mitochondrial matrix. [11]

Key drivers:

Carnitine & mitochondria:
Carnitine transports long‑chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane; deficiencies or transport defects impair fat oxidation and shift fuel use toward carbs. [12]

Endurance / Zone 2 training increases mitochondrial density and the ability of muscle to use fat as a primary fuel. [13]

Keto / fasting / PSMF upregulate enzymes involved in fat oxidation and ketone production.

Metabolic rate & AMPK:
Thyroid hormone (T3) increases metabolic rate and upregulates many genes involved in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. [9]
AMPK activation (via exercise, deficit, metformin/berberine) signals a low‑energy state and promotes fat oxidation while improving insulin sensitivity. [8]

Common beta‑oxidation‑oriented agents:

– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.




4 Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
View attachment 5115987

4.0 – Appetite control & GLP‑1s
Retatrutide, Semaglutide, Cagrilintide, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), etc. are GLP‑1 / multi‑agonist drugs that strongly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control, making it easier to adhere to a long‑term calorie deficit. [9]

Makes PSMF 10 times easier to follow up.

4.1 – Stimulants
Caffeine, ephedrine, and prescription stimulants (Methylphenidate, Dextro, Vyvanse etc.) suppress appetite and increase catecholamines, which can raise energy expenditure but also heart rate, blood pressure.

I must say they are very mogger for energy on cut to keep up with daily life, I'm probably going to post a thread about stims soon aswell.

4.2 – "Fat‑loss enhancers"
– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– A-Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.
– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release;. [10]

4.3 – Metabolic aids & cortisol modulation
– MOTS‑c: mitochondrial‑derived peptide that mimics exercise‑/fasting‑like signals → ↑AMPK activity, insulin sensitivity, and fat oxidation; may help preserve muscle.

– Metyrapone: cortisol‑synthesis inhibitor (blocks 11‑β‑hydroxylase) → lowers cortisol; used clinically in adrenal‑excess / Cushing‑related workups and mild autonomous cortisol secretion to improve metabolic markers.

Bottom line: if you aren't already sticking to your diet, ancillaries are not the bottleneck.


5 Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6d2ijo.png
5.0 – Lifting to keep muscle
On a PSMF, high protein plus resistance training is what tells your body "keep this muscle" while you're in a big deficit. [16]

– Train each muscle group 2× per week atleast.
– Keep your main compounds in (bench, squat, deadlift, OHP, rows, pull‑ups), but don't chase PRs while aggressively dieting.
– Focus on maintaining strength and performance, not progressing; 2–4 hard sets per exercise is usually enough stimulus without murdering recovery.


5.1 – Cardio & steps
– Baseline: aim for around 10k steps per day to keep NEAT high.
– Avoid excessive added cardio at the start of a PSMF – it ramps hunger and fatigue and can speed up metabolic adaptation on very low calories.
– In the final days before a deadline, you can add more Zone 2 cardio (incline treadmill, cycling, etc.)


6 How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
– Don't say "I'm on a diet" to no. Just say you're not hungry or you already ate bro
– Learn to enjoy social events without eating; sip sugar‑free soda, water, tea, or black coffee and chill.
– No cheat meals, no "just one slice", no "I'll make up for it tomorrow".
– Remember that in normal day‑to‑day life, almost no situation actually forces you to eat junk – either stay fat or be shredded, make your choice.

Run this properly and, depending on your starting body fat, you can get noticeably lean in ~4–8 weeks,
which lines up with what clinical PSMF programs see under supervision. [17]


7 TL;DR & More material

TL;DR:
Track calories, Fats and Carbs < 20gr, Eat mainly protein, Supplement electrolytes, Eat Less than 1000calories, Train each muscle group 1-2 times a week, Keep your step count and daily activity high (<10.000 steps)

Trust the process.

Optionally:
Use GLP‑1 / multi‑agonists like Reta, Tirz or Cagr for apetite suppresion, Use Stimulants for energy and apetite suppresion, Use the "Fat Loss Enhancers" to maximise lipolysis and beta oxidation, Use Mots-c for metabolic markers, Use Metyrapone to inhibit cortisol, Introduce Zone 2 cardio after a while​




8 Scientific Backup/ Sources:
1. A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26817506/

2. Protein sparing modified fast diet program.
https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-library/health-resources/treatments-and-procedures/protein-sparing-modified-fast-diet-program

3. The biochemistry and physiology of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and its genetic disorders.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766985/

4. Fatty acid oxidation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/

5. Body recomposition: can trained individuals build muscle and lose fat at the same time?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5421125/

6. Lipolysis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis

7. The combined effects of exercise and food intake on adipose tissue and splanchnic metabolism.
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

8. AMP-activated protein kinase, a metabolic master switch: possible roles in type 2 diabetes.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276017301492

9. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10552824/

10. Effects of growth hormone on glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism in human subjects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6226059/

11. Carnitine transport and fatty acid oxidation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967041/

12. Carnitine and fatty acid transport.
https://www.lipidmaps.org/resources/lipidweb/lipidweb_html/lipids/simple/carnitin/index.htm

13. Adaptations of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise and their metabolic consequences.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23899751/

14. Carnitine in human muscle bioenergetics: can carnitine supplementation improve physical exercise?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8910660/#B46-ijms-23-02717

15. Efficacy and safety of berberine alone for several metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839379/

16. Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37724991/

17. Very-low-calorie diets and sustained weight loss.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4784653/



How WE are gonna look like this summer:
View attachment 5105610




- A glycogen depleted Menas

THANK SO FUCKING MUCH U ANSWERED ALL MY QUESTIONS CHATGPT WILL REFUSE TO ANSWER even tho it did eventually say the same shit still THANK U I LOVE U BRO i''m gonna go form skinnyfat to skinny ripped all because of this guide
 
  • Love it
Reactions: Menas
THE COMPLETE SHREDDING GUIDE FOR SUMMER
(Get shredded in a fucking month)
q50sla.png
Table of contents:
0 – Introduction / Disclaimer
1 – Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
2 – Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
3 – Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
3.0 – Overview: Lipolysis & Beta‑Oxidation
3.1 – Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
3.2 – Maximizing Beta‑Oxidation (Fat Burning)
4 – Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
5 – Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6 – How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
7 – TL;DR
8 - Scientific Backup/ Sources:


Thread Music:



0 Introduction / Disclaimer
949w48.png

By no means is this medical advice. Even though the risks are relatively low, everyone is different and some people may respond to this differently than others (although as I said, the majority should be fine).​


This thread is mainly focused on PSMF, most of the other stuff isn't mandatory but still better to include. PSMF stands for protein sparing modified fast, It's a diet where you mainly eat protein, it allows cutting efficiently without losing almost any muscle mass during cutting.
My 3 Month PSMF transformation:
fyxzn2.png




1 Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
1.0 – Estimate your body fat %
You can estimate body fat by eyeballing (Which is probably the most accurate tbh) or using calipers, DEXA, or a decent impedance scale.
Once you have a body fat estimate, calculate your lean body mass (LBM):

Lean Body Mass = Bodyweight × (1 − Body Fat %)

Example: 180 lbs at 15% body fat → 180 × 0.85 = 153 lbs LBM.

rkfdco.png
1.1 – Set your daily protein target
Aim for roughly 1 g of protein per lb of lean bodyweight (about 2.2–2.5 g/kg LBM). Higher protein intakes during a deficit preserve more lean mass and strength vs lower protein diets. [1]

So at 180 lbs with 15% body fat (153 lbs LBM), target around 150–160 g of protein per day.

Body Weight (kg)​
Body Fat %​
Fat Mass (kg)​
Lean Body Mass (kg)​
Daily Protein Target (g)​
60 kg​
10%​
6 kg​
54 kg​
~119 g​
60 kg​
15%​
9 kg​
51 kg​
~112 g​
60 kg​
20%​
12 kg​
48 kg​
~106 g​
70 kg​
10%​
7 kg​
63 kg​
~139 g​
70 kg​
15%​
10.5 kg​
59.5 kg​
~131 g​
70 kg​
20%​
14 kg​
56 kg​
~123 g​
80 kg​
10%​
8 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
80 kg​
15%​
12 kg​
68 kg​
~150 g​
80 kg​
20%​
16 kg​
64 kg​
~141 g​
90 kg​
15%​
13.5 kg​
76.5 kg​
~169 g​
90 kg​
20%​
18 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
90 kg​
25%​
22.5 kg​
67.5 kg​
~149 g​
100 kg​
20%​
20 kg​
80 kg​
~176 g​
100 kg​
25%​
25 kg​
75 kg​
~165 g​
100 kg​
30%​
30 kg​
70 kg​
~154 g​

1.2 – Start tracking your caloric intake
Download MyFitnessPal (or any decent tracker), weigh food on a kitchen scale, and log everything that goes into your mouth.
Specify raw vs cooked and pick accurate entries, you can't run a precise PSMF if you're eyeballing calories.



2 Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
View attachment 5115972
2.0 – Core diet rules
This is a PSMF, so:

Protein: set by LBM (usually 120–200 g/day for most).
Carbs: ~20 g/day or less (mostly from low‑cal veggies).
Fats: ~20 g/day or less (just what rides along with lean meats).
Total calories: generally 600–900 kcal/day in a classic PSMF setup

You're gonna be living on lean protein with trace fats/carbs. Everything else is flavor and damage control.


2.1 – Food choices
Food
Protein per 100g
Fat
Carbs
Chicken breast (raw)​
~23g​
~1g​
0g​
Turkey breast (raw)​
~22g​
~1g​
0g​
Cod/white fish​
~18g​
~0.5g​
0g​
Egg whites​
~11g​
0g​
~0.7g​
Low-fat cottage cheese​
~11g​
~1g​
~3g​
Whey isolate​
~90g​
~1g​
~1g​
A simple baseline day:
– 500 g chicken or turkey breast across the day.
– 1–2 scoops whey isolate to fill any protein gaps.
Solid meat is usually superior to shakes for satiety, but as long as you hit your protein target and keep fats/carbs low, you're doing it right.
Use:

– Zero‑cal seasonings, herbs, spices.
– Sugar‑free drinks, black coffee, tea.
– Low‑cal veggies (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli) in moderation

Because the calories are so low, official PSMF programs usually add a multivitamin and extra electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent deficiencies. [2] Target ranges (e.g., ~3–5 g sodium, ~2–3 g potassium, 300–400 mg magnesium per day).


3 Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
2xvu2d.png
j9j8og.png

3.0 Overview: Lipolysis & BetaOxidation
Fat loss happens in two major biochemical steps:

Lipolysis: breakdown of stored triglycerides in fat cells into free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol.
Beta‑oxidation: transport of FFAs into mitochondria and burning them for ATP.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/
You still need a calorie deficit, but how much of that deficit is filled by fat vs glycogen/glucose and muscle depends on how well you're mobilizing and oxidizing fat.

Keep in mind, we care about body composition and not just fat loss. [5]




3.1 Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
2xvu2d.png


Lipolysis is controlled mainly by hormone‑sensitive lipase and related enzymes in adipose tissue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

Key drivers:

Catecholamines (adrenaline & noradrenaline):
Bind β‑adrenergic receptors (β1/β2/β3) on fat cells → ↑cAMP → activate hormone‑sensitive lipase → more FFAs released into the blood.

Glucagon:
Works alongside catecholamines in the fasted state, especially when liver glycogen is low, to support fat breakdown. [7]

Low insulin:
Insulin directly suppresses lipolysis, lowering insulin via fasting, low‑carb/ketogenic diets, or deep calorie restriction removes that, hence why PSMF mogs.

Lifestyle factors that boost lipolysis:

– Hard lifting / HIIT → big catecholamine spikes and acute increases in lipolysis. [8]

– Fasted cardio → with low insulin, catecholamine signalling on fat cells is more effective (though daily fat loss still depends on the total deficit).
– Cold exposure → cold showers / ice baths activate the sympathetic nervous system and brown fat, giving a modest increase in lipolysis and energy expenditure aswell though the effects are negligible. [7]

Common lipolysis‑oriented drugs:

– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– GLP‑1 agonists (e.g. Semaglutide): mainly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control; by lowering energy intake and postprandial insulin they indirectly support fat loss. [9]

– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release [10]
wkacpt.png

Also I must mention that on PSMF, you already have low insulin and frequent catecholamine spikes (training + big deficit), so you're naturally in a high‑lipolysis environment even without these.



3.2 Maximizing BetaOxidation (Fat Burning)
j9j8og.png


Once FFAs are in the bloodstream, they must get into mitochondria to be burned.
Long‑chain fatty acids depend on the carnitine shuttle for entry into the mitochondrial matrix. [11]

Key drivers:

Carnitine & mitochondria:
Carnitine transports long‑chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane; deficiencies or transport defects impair fat oxidation and shift fuel use toward carbs. [12]

Endurance / Zone 2 training increases mitochondrial density and the ability of muscle to use fat as a primary fuel. [13]

Keto / fasting / PSMF upregulate enzymes involved in fat oxidation and ketone production.

Metabolic rate & AMPK:
Thyroid hormone (T3) increases metabolic rate and upregulates many genes involved in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. [9]
AMPK activation (via exercise, deficit, metformin/berberine) signals a low‑energy state and promotes fat oxidation while improving insulin sensitivity. [8]

Common beta‑oxidation‑oriented agents:

– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.




4 Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
View attachment 5115987

4.0 – Appetite control & GLP‑1s
Retatrutide, Semaglutide, Cagrilintide, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), etc. are GLP‑1 / multi‑agonist drugs that strongly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control, making it easier to adhere to a long‑term calorie deficit. [9]

Makes PSMF 10 times easier to follow up.

4.1 – Stimulants
Caffeine, ephedrine, and prescription stimulants (Methylphenidate, Dextro, Vyvanse etc.) suppress appetite and increase catecholamines, which can raise energy expenditure but also heart rate, blood pressure.

I must say they are very mogger for energy on cut to keep up with daily life, I'm probably going to post a thread about stims soon aswell.

4.2 – "Fat‑loss enhancers"
– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– A-Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.
– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release;. [10]

4.3 – Metabolic aids & cortisol modulation
– MOTS‑c: mitochondrial‑derived peptide that mimics exercise‑/fasting‑like signals → ↑AMPK activity, insulin sensitivity, and fat oxidation; may help preserve muscle.

– Metyrapone: cortisol‑synthesis inhibitor (blocks 11‑β‑hydroxylase) → lowers cortisol; used clinically in adrenal‑excess / Cushing‑related workups and mild autonomous cortisol secretion to improve metabolic markers.

Bottom line: if you aren't already sticking to your diet, ancillaries are not the bottleneck.


5 Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6d2ijo.png
5.0 – Lifting to keep muscle
On a PSMF, high protein plus resistance training is what tells your body "keep this muscle" while you're in a big deficit. [16]

– Train each muscle group 2× per week atleast.
– Keep your main compounds in (bench, squat, deadlift, OHP, rows, pull‑ups), but don't chase PRs while aggressively dieting.
– Focus on maintaining strength and performance, not progressing; 2–4 hard sets per exercise is usually enough stimulus without murdering recovery.


5.1 – Cardio & steps
– Baseline: aim for around 10k steps per day to keep NEAT high.
– Avoid excessive added cardio at the start of a PSMF – it ramps hunger and fatigue and can speed up metabolic adaptation on very low calories.
– In the final days before a deadline, you can add more Zone 2 cardio (incline treadmill, cycling, etc.)


6 How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
– Don't say "I'm on a diet" to no. Just say you're not hungry or you already ate bro
– Learn to enjoy social events without eating; sip sugar‑free soda, water, tea, or black coffee and chill.
– No cheat meals, no "just one slice", no "I'll make up for it tomorrow".
– Remember that in normal day‑to‑day life, almost no situation actually forces you to eat junk – either stay fat or be shredded, make your choice.

Run this properly and, depending on your starting body fat, you can get noticeably lean in ~4–8 weeks,
which lines up with what clinical PSMF programs see under supervision. [17]


7 TL;DR & More material

TL;DR:
Track calories, Fats and Carbs < 20gr, Eat mainly protein, Supplement electrolytes, Eat Less than 1000calories, Train each muscle group 1-2 times a week, Keep your step count and daily activity high (<10.000 steps)

Trust the process.

Optionally:
Use GLP‑1 / multi‑agonists like Reta, Tirz or Cagr for apetite suppresion, Use Stimulants for energy and apetite suppresion, Use the "Fat Loss Enhancers" to maximise lipolysis and beta oxidation, Use Mots-c for metabolic markers, Use Metyrapone to inhibit cortisol, Introduce Zone 2 cardio after a while​




8 Scientific Backup/ Sources:
1. A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26817506/

2. Protein sparing modified fast diet program.
https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-library/health-resources/treatments-and-procedures/protein-sparing-modified-fast-diet-program

3. The biochemistry and physiology of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and its genetic disorders.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766985/

4. Fatty acid oxidation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/

5. Body recomposition: can trained individuals build muscle and lose fat at the same time?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5421125/

6. Lipolysis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis

7. The combined effects of exercise and food intake on adipose tissue and splanchnic metabolism.
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

8. AMP-activated protein kinase, a metabolic master switch: possible roles in type 2 diabetes.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276017301492

9. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10552824/

10. Effects of growth hormone on glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism in human subjects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6226059/

11. Carnitine transport and fatty acid oxidation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967041/

12. Carnitine and fatty acid transport.
https://www.lipidmaps.org/resources/lipidweb/lipidweb_html/lipids/simple/carnitin/index.htm

13. Adaptations of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise and their metabolic consequences.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23899751/

14. Carnitine in human muscle bioenergetics: can carnitine supplementation improve physical exercise?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8910660/#B46-ijms-23-02717

15. Efficacy and safety of berberine alone for several metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839379/

16. Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37724991/

17. Very-low-calorie diets and sustained weight loss.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4784653/



How WE are gonna look like this summer:
View attachment 5105610




- A glycogen depleted Menas

What's the maximum amount of PURE fat I can lose in a week if I'm 5,10 140lb and 18 percent bodyfat naturally

just give me a general ballpark pls.

Naturally, I would take RETA and other shit but don't have the money and I need to save the money for test. and even if I did order it maybe I would be lean by the time it comes.

Is there anything cheap and that can arrive fast?
 
  • +1
Reactions: Menas

(PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
2.0 – Core diet rules
This is a PSMF, so:

Protein: set by LBM (usually 120–200 g/day for most).
Carbs: ~20 g/day or less (mostly from low‑cal veggies).
Fats: ~20 g/day or less (just what rides along with lean meats).
Total calories: generally 600–900 kcal/day in a classic PSMF setup

You're gonna be living on lean protein with trace fats/carbs. Everything else is flavor and damage control.


2.1 – Food choices
Food
Protein per 100g
Fat
Carbs
Chicken breast (raw)​
~23g​
~1g​
0g​
Turkey breast (raw)​
~22g​
~1g​
0g​
Cod/white fish​
~18g​
~0.5g​
0g​
Egg whites​
~​
I don't understand this low fat diet. I eat plenty off fats and i am still leaner than most org users. I would just go lower on the carbs. Still good thread.
 
THE COMPLETE SHREDDING GUIDE FOR SUMMER
(Get shredded in a fucking month)
q50sla.png
Table of contents:
0 – Introduction / Disclaimer
1 – Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
2 – Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
3 – Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
3.0 – Overview: Lipolysis & Beta‑Oxidation
3.1 – Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
3.2 – Maximizing Beta‑Oxidation (Fat Burning)
4 – Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
5 – Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6 – How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
7 – TL;DR
8 - Scientific Backup/ Sources:


Thread Music:



0 Introduction / Disclaimer
949w48.png

By no means is this medical advice. Even though the risks are relatively low, everyone is different and some people may respond to this differently than others (although as I said, the majority should be fine).​


This thread is mainly focused on PSMF, most of the other stuff isn't mandatory but still better to include. PSMF stands for protein sparing modified fast, It's a diet where you mainly eat protein, it allows cutting efficiently without losing almost any muscle mass during cutting.
My 3 Month PSMF transformation:
fyxzn2.png




1 Prerequisites (BF%, LBM & Protein Target)
1.0 – Estimate your body fat %
You can estimate body fat by eyeballing (Which is probably the most accurate tbh) or using calipers, DEXA, or a decent impedance scale.
Once you have a body fat estimate, calculate your lean body mass (LBM):

Lean Body Mass = Bodyweight × (1 − Body Fat %)

Example: 180 lbs at 15% body fat → 180 × 0.85 = 153 lbs LBM.

rkfdco.png
1.1 – Set your daily protein target
Aim for roughly 1 g of protein per lb of lean bodyweight (about 2.2–2.5 g/kg LBM). Higher protein intakes during a deficit preserve more lean mass and strength vs lower protein diets. [1]

So at 180 lbs with 15% body fat (153 lbs LBM), target around 150–160 g of protein per day.

Body Weight (kg)​
Body Fat %​
Fat Mass (kg)​
Lean Body Mass (kg)​
Daily Protein Target (g)​
60 kg​
10%​
6 kg​
54 kg​
~119 g​
60 kg​
15%​
9 kg​
51 kg​
~112 g​
60 kg​
20%​
12 kg​
48 kg​
~106 g​
70 kg​
10%​
7 kg​
63 kg​
~139 g​
70 kg​
15%​
10.5 kg​
59.5 kg​
~131 g​
70 kg​
20%​
14 kg​
56 kg​
~123 g​
80 kg​
10%​
8 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
80 kg​
15%​
12 kg​
68 kg​
~150 g​
80 kg​
20%​
16 kg​
64 kg​
~141 g​
90 kg​
15%​
13.5 kg​
76.5 kg​
~169 g​
90 kg​
20%​
18 kg​
72 kg​
~159 g​
90 kg​
25%​
22.5 kg​
67.5 kg​
~149 g​
100 kg​
20%​
20 kg​
80 kg​
~176 g​
100 kg​
25%​
25 kg​
75 kg​
~165 g​
100 kg​
30%​
30 kg​
70 kg​
~154 g​

1.2 – Start tracking your caloric intake
Download MyFitnessPal (or any decent tracker), weigh food on a kitchen scale, and log everything that goes into your mouth.
Specify raw vs cooked and pick accurate entries, you can't run a precise PSMF if you're eyeballing calories.



2 Diet (PSMF Setup & Food Choices)
View attachment 5115972
2.0 – Core diet rules
This is a PSMF, so:

Protein: set by LBM (usually 120–200 g/day for most).
Carbs: ~20 g/day or less (mostly from low‑cal veggies).
Fats: ~20 g/day or less (just what rides along with lean meats).
Total calories: generally 600–900 kcal/day in a classic PSMF setup

You're gonna be living on lean protein with trace fats/carbs. Everything else is flavor and damage control.


2.1 – Food choices
Food
Protein per 100g
Fat
Carbs
Chicken breast (raw)​
~23g​
~1g​
0g​
Turkey breast (raw)​
~22g​
~1g​
0g​
Cod/white fish​
~18g​
~0.5g​
0g​
Egg whites​
~11g​
0g​
~0.7g​
Low-fat cottage cheese​
~11g​
~1g​
~3g​
Whey isolate​
~90g​
~1g​
~1g​
A simple baseline day:
– 500 g chicken or turkey breast across the day.
– 1–2 scoops whey isolate to fill any protein gaps.
Solid meat is usually superior to shakes for satiety, but as long as you hit your protein target and keep fats/carbs low, you're doing it right.
Use:

– Zero‑cal seasonings, herbs, spices.
– Sugar‑free drinks, black coffee, tea.
– Low‑cal veggies (lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli) in moderation

Because the calories are so low, official PSMF programs usually add a multivitamin and extra electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent deficiencies. [2] Target ranges (e.g., ~3–5 g sodium, ~2–3 g potassium, 300–400 mg magnesium per day).


3 Maximizing Fat Loss Mechanisms
2xvu2d.png
j9j8og.png

3.0 Overview: Lipolysis & BetaOxidation
Fat loss happens in two major biochemical steps:

Lipolysis: breakdown of stored triglycerides in fat cells into free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol.
Beta‑oxidation: transport of FFAs into mitochondria and burning them for ATP.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/
You still need a calorie deficit, but how much of that deficit is filled by fat vs glycogen/glucose and muscle depends on how well you're mobilizing and oxidizing fat.

Keep in mind, we care about body composition and not just fat loss. [5]




3.1 Maximizing Lipolysis (Fat Breakdown)
2xvu2d.png


Lipolysis is controlled mainly by hormone‑sensitive lipase and related enzymes in adipose tissue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

Key drivers:

Catecholamines (adrenaline & noradrenaline):
Bind β‑adrenergic receptors (β1/β2/β3) on fat cells → ↑cAMP → activate hormone‑sensitive lipase → more FFAs released into the blood.

Glucagon:
Works alongside catecholamines in the fasted state, especially when liver glycogen is low, to support fat breakdown. [7]

Low insulin:
Insulin directly suppresses lipolysis, lowering insulin via fasting, low‑carb/ketogenic diets, or deep calorie restriction removes that, hence why PSMF mogs.

Lifestyle factors that boost lipolysis:

– Hard lifting / HIIT → big catecholamine spikes and acute increases in lipolysis. [8]

– Fasted cardio → with low insulin, catecholamine signalling on fat cells is more effective (though daily fat loss still depends on the total deficit).
– Cold exposure → cold showers / ice baths activate the sympathetic nervous system and brown fat, giving a modest increase in lipolysis and energy expenditure aswell though the effects are negligible. [7]

Common lipolysis‑oriented drugs:

– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– GLP‑1 agonists (e.g. Semaglutide): mainly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control; by lowering energy intake and postprandial insulin they indirectly support fat loss. [9]

– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release [10]
wkacpt.png

Also I must mention that on PSMF, you already have low insulin and frequent catecholamine spikes (training + big deficit), so you're naturally in a high‑lipolysis environment even without these.



3.2 Maximizing BetaOxidation (Fat Burning)
j9j8og.png


Once FFAs are in the bloodstream, they must get into mitochondria to be burned.
Long‑chain fatty acids depend on the carnitine shuttle for entry into the mitochondrial matrix. [11]

Key drivers:

Carnitine & mitochondria:
Carnitine transports long‑chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane; deficiencies or transport defects impair fat oxidation and shift fuel use toward carbs. [12]

Endurance / Zone 2 training increases mitochondrial density and the ability of muscle to use fat as a primary fuel. [13]

Keto / fasting / PSMF upregulate enzymes involved in fat oxidation and ketone production.

Metabolic rate & AMPK:
Thyroid hormone (T3) increases metabolic rate and upregulates many genes involved in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. [9]
AMPK activation (via exercise, deficit, metformin/berberine) signals a low‑energy state and promotes fat oxidation while improving insulin sensitivity. [8]

Common beta‑oxidation‑oriented agents:

– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.




4 Ancillaries (Appetite, "Fat Burners", Peptides)
View attachment 5115987

4.0 – Appetite control & GLP‑1s
Retatrutide, Semaglutide, Cagrilintide, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), etc. are GLP‑1 / multi‑agonist drugs that strongly reduce appetite and improve glycemic control, making it easier to adhere to a long‑term calorie deficit. [9]

Makes PSMF 10 times easier to follow up.

4.1 – Stimulants
Caffeine, ephedrine, and prescription stimulants (Methylphenidate, Dextro, Vyvanse etc.) suppress appetite and increase catecholamines, which can raise energy expenditure but also heart rate, blood pressure.

I must say they are very mogger for energy on cut to keep up with daily life, I'm probably going to post a thread about stims soon aswell.

4.2 – "Fat‑loss enhancers"
– Clenbuterol: β2‑agonist → ↑cAMP → ↑lipolysis; can cause tachycardia (High heart rate) though.
– A-Yohimbine: α2‑antagonist blocking anti‑lipolytic signalling; works best fasted (insulin blunts its effect) but can cause anxiety and blood pressure spikes.
– Ephedrine + caffeine: increases catecholamine release / β‑receptor activation → ↑thermogenesis and lipolysis; significant CNS and cardiovascular load.
– L‑Carnitine: Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. Best injected (oral absorption is kinda poor). [14]
– Berberine / Metformin: Activates AMPK → ↑fat oxidation. Also improves insulin sensitivity. [15]
– T3 (Cytomel): ramps metabolism and fat burning but can accelerate muscle loss, strain the heart, and suppress normal thyroid function if misused.
– Exogenous ketones / ketone esters: Forces body into ketosis → ↑fat oxidation. Useful for non-keto dieters. ( doesn't really matter when on PSMF)
– GW501516 (Cardarine): PPARδ agonist → ↑fat oxidation + endurance. called cancerine by some (although the evidence is mixed). Depletes carnitine—relies on sufficient carnitine for beta oxidation effects.
– Growth Hormone (GH): stimulates hormone‑sensitive lipase and increases FFA release;. [10]

4.3 – Metabolic aids & cortisol modulation
– MOTS‑c: mitochondrial‑derived peptide that mimics exercise‑/fasting‑like signals → ↑AMPK activity, insulin sensitivity, and fat oxidation; may help preserve muscle.

– Metyrapone: cortisol‑synthesis inhibitor (blocks 11‑β‑hydroxylase) → lowers cortisol; used clinically in adrenal‑excess / Cushing‑related workups and mild autonomous cortisol secretion to improve metabolic markers.

Bottom line: if you aren't already sticking to your diet, ancillaries are not the bottleneck.


5 Exercise (Lifting, Cardio & Steps)
6d2ijo.png
5.0 – Lifting to keep muscle
On a PSMF, high protein plus resistance training is what tells your body "keep this muscle" while you're in a big deficit. [16]

– Train each muscle group 2× per week atleast.
– Keep your main compounds in (bench, squat, deadlift, OHP, rows, pull‑ups), but don't chase PRs while aggressively dieting.
– Focus on maintaining strength and performance, not progressing; 2–4 hard sets per exercise is usually enough stimulus without murdering recovery.


5.1 – Cardio & steps
– Baseline: aim for around 10k steps per day to keep NEAT high.
– Avoid excessive added cardio at the start of a PSMF – it ramps hunger and fatigue and can speed up metabolic adaptation on very low calories.
– In the final days before a deadline, you can add more Zone 2 cardio (incline treadmill, cycling, etc.)


6 How to Prevent Failure (Mindset & Social Tactics)
– Don't say "I'm on a diet" to no. Just say you're not hungry or you already ate bro
– Learn to enjoy social events without eating; sip sugar‑free soda, water, tea, or black coffee and chill.
– No cheat meals, no "just one slice", no "I'll make up for it tomorrow".
– Remember that in normal day‑to‑day life, almost no situation actually forces you to eat junk – either stay fat or be shredded, make your choice.

Run this properly and, depending on your starting body fat, you can get noticeably lean in ~4–8 weeks,
which lines up with what clinical PSMF programs see under supervision. [17]


7 TL;DR & More material

TL;DR:
Track calories, Fats and Carbs < 20gr, Eat mainly protein, Supplement electrolytes, Eat Less than 1000calories, Train each muscle group 1-2 times a week, Keep your step count and daily activity high (<10.000 steps)

Trust the process.

Optionally:
Use GLP‑1 / multi‑agonists like Reta, Tirz or Cagr for apetite suppresion, Use Stimulants for energy and apetite suppresion, Use the "Fat Loss Enhancers" to maximise lipolysis and beta oxidation, Use Mots-c for metabolic markers, Use Metyrapone to inhibit cortisol, Introduce Zone 2 cardio after a while​




8 Scientific Backup/ Sources:
1. A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26817506/

2. Protein sparing modified fast diet program.
https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-library/health-resources/treatments-and-procedures/protein-sparing-modified-fast-diet-program

3. The biochemistry and physiology of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and its genetic disorders.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766985/

4. Fatty acid oxidation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560564/

5. Body recomposition: can trained individuals build muscle and lose fat at the same time?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5421125/

6. Lipolysis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipolysis

7. The combined effects of exercise and food intake on adipose tissue and splanchnic metabolism.
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.00554.2006

8. AMP-activated protein kinase, a metabolic master switch: possible roles in type 2 diabetes.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276017301492

9. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10552824/

10. Effects of growth hormone on glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism in human subjects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6226059/

11. Carnitine transport and fatty acid oxidation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967041/

12. Carnitine and fatty acid transport.
https://www.lipidmaps.org/resources/lipidweb/lipidweb_html/lipids/simple/carnitin/index.htm

13. Adaptations of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise and their metabolic consequences.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23899751/

14. Carnitine in human muscle bioenergetics: can carnitine supplementation improve physical exercise?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8910660/#B46-ijms-23-02717

15. Efficacy and safety of berberine alone for several metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839379/

16. Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37724991/

17. Very-low-calorie diets and sustained weight loss.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4784653/



How WE are gonna look like this summer:
View attachment 5105610




- A glycogen depleted Menas

54kg 19% bf 😂
 
Is there anything cheap and that can arrive fast?
Well, dnp is quite cheap but I'm not sure if you're willing to

hat's the maximum amount of PURE fat I can lose in a week if I'm 5,10 140lb and 18 percent bodyfat naturally
on just psmf?
around a kg of pure fat I suppose
 
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