Set Muscle

Maven, I bring my own meal to family gatherings. Sounds weird, but most people don’t mind. And hey, sometimes they end up asking for my recipes. Just own it, man!

@AlphaBulk, spot on! I’ve started bringing a healthy dish for everyone to share—like grilled veggies or a lean turkey chili. That way, I’m not “the guy on a diet,” and everyone eats a bit healthier.

Meal prep is my savior during cuts. I spend Sundays making chicken, quinoa, and veggies for the week. No guessing, no temptation to order out. Anyone else a meal prepper here?

@MaxStrength, 100%! Meal prep is a game-changer. I use a scale to weigh everything and pre-pack meals in containers. I even measure my almond butter—can’t trust myself with that stuff.

Anyone else feel like cutting makes you cranky? I’ve had to tell people at work, “It’s not you, it’s my macros.” Lol! What do you guys do to stay positive?

ValkyrieLift, same here! I meditate in the mornings and focus on the goal. Visualization helps—like picturing myself lean and shredded. But yeah, some days I’m just hangry.

Okay, real talk—how do you guys handle social events? I feel like I’m always the one skipping drinks, and it’s starting to suck.

Forge21, I stick to soda water with lime and tell people it’s a gin and tonic. Keeps the questions away. Also, remind yourself it’s temporary—cuts don’t last forever!

Does anyone deal with weird weight fluctuations while cutting? Some days I’m lean; other days, I look bloated. It’s messing with my head.

@Stronghold42, totally normal! Sodium and water retention can make a big difference day to day. Don’t let it get to you. Focus on weekly trends, not daily fluctuations.