Weight cutting is a method used to drop pounds by shedding water weight. Some athletes also use cutting cycles to reduce fat and show gains. Rowers, jockeys, and even MMA fighters are notorious for their extreme cuts.

Cutting cycles last for 2–4 months, depending on how much weight you need to drop. Calorie restriction should occur during the entire cycle, with water restriction taking place 24 hours before your weigh-in.

Despite the bad rap weight cuts can get, cutting is safe. But you have to make sure you’re doing it right to avoid any negative side effects. After all, you’re trying to cut weight and fat— not reduce muscle mass.

With so much conflicting information out there, it can be difficult to learn how to cut weight safely and effectively. That’s why we’re bringing you this guide. 

Are you wondering how to cut weight fast the right way? We’re outlining our top three tips for a successful cutting cycle, so you better keep reading. 

1. Water Loading

Think drinking a lot of water is the last thing you want to do during a cut? Think again because studies show that water loading— drinking large volumes of water prior to water restriction— is a safe and effective way to lose water weight.

Here’s why it works: when you drink a ton of water, your body has to get rid of it faster. This teaches you to process water quickly. That way, you’ll excrete even more water weight during the water restriction part of your cutting cycle. 

2. Calorie Restriction

Calorie-dense foods are your friend during your cutting cycle. These high-protein, low-carb, and high-fat foods are your secret to feeling full while reducing your daily caloric intake. Calorie-dense foods to focus on include:

• Peanut butter
• Avocado
• Cheese
• Vegetable oils

When you switch to the water restriction portion of your cut, you’ll also want to eliminate high-fiber, low-calorie foods from your diet. This includes some vegetables, fruits, and starches. These foods hold onto water more than calorie-dense foods and won’t do you any favors while weight cutting.

3. Increased Cardio

Cardiovascular exercises increase your metabolism and will place you in an even greater calorie deficit than dieting alone. But cardio isn’t just good for fat loss. You sweat more when you do cardio, too, which is why it’s such an excellent tool for shedding extra water weight. 

To send your weight cutting cycle to a whole other level, try upping the sweat factor during cardio. Wear a heavy jacket, exercise in the heat, and choose metabolism-boosting supplements like Stenabolic. The more you sweat, the more you lose. 

The Bottom Line on Weight Cutting 

Weight cutting can help you drop fat and extra water weight. Whether you’re losing pounds for a weigh-in or shedding fat for a bodybuilding competition, the best way to cut weight fast is with water loading, calorie restriction, and increased cardio.

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