Weight gain 10 days into a cut – Seeking Diet Advice
Hi everyone,
My brother and I recently started a cut to drop body fat while preserving muscle mass (Trying to get shredded). We are both experienced lifters: I have been training 5–6 days a week for 2 years, and my brother has been lifting even longer with a background in competitive sports.
We have been extremely meticulous, tracking every gram of food on a scale and using a tracking app. However, despite our consistency, we have both gained 4 lbs in the first week and a half.
Me (18M)
Height 5'11"
Weight 224 lbs (Start: 220 lbs)
Daily Calories 2,200 kcal
Protein 200g
Carbs 210g
Fats 60g
Water Intake 1 Gallon/day
My Brother (27M)
Height 6'0"
Weight 254 lbs (Start: 250 lbs)
Daily Calories 2,360 kcal
Protein 220g
Carbs 190g
Fats 80g
Water Intake 1 Gallon/day
Our Activity Level:
Weightlifting: 5 days per week (Morning/Afternoon).
Cardio: 3x weekly evening sessions (1 hour each, e.g., 20 incline treadmill walks).
^^^ We are trying to increase the cardio
The Issue:
We are gaining weight instead of losing it. While we understand that body weight fluctuates, a 4 lb gain in 10 days while in a supposed deficit feels off. We are tracking our food, workouts, and supplements with as much accuracy as possible.
Our Questions:
Given our stats and high activity levels, are these calories actually too high for a cut?
Could this be initial inflammation or water retention from the increased intensity?
Has anyone else experienced a weight spike right at the start of a cut before the "drop"?