Cutting at a 35% Deficit (Intense): The Female Guide
How long does a 35% calorie deficit take for women? See weekly projections, daily calories (~1379 cal), macro split, and timeline for the Intense cutting plan. 2-4 weeks.
Last updated: February 8, 2026
Plan Overview
Deficit
35%
Intense
Difficulty
Duration
2-4 weeks
A very challenging pace requiring strong structure and routine.
Daily Calories and Macros
Based on a 5'5", 150 lb woman at moderate activity (2,122 cal TDEE):
1,379
Daily Calories
102g
Protein (30%)
157g
Carbs (46%)
38g
Fat (25%)
Weekly Projections
| Week | Weight | Body Fat % | Fat Mass | Lean Mass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start | 150 lbs | 32% | 48 lbs | 102 lbs |
| Week 1 | 148.5 lbs | 31.5% | 46.7 lbs | 101.8 lbs |
| Week 2 | 147 lbs | 30.9% | 45.5 lbs | 101.6 lbs |
| Week 3 | 145.6 lbs | 30.4% | 44.2 lbs | 101.3 lbs |
| Week 4 | 144.1 lbs | 29.8% | 43 lbs | 101.1 lbs |
Risk and Suitability
Risk Level
HighHigh. Expect some muscle loss even with perfect nutrition and training. This deficit should only last 2-4 weeks.
Suitable For
Advanced athletes and bodybuilders only. Best used as a 2-4 week mini-cut between bulking phases. Requires precise nutrition tracking and structured training.
Not Recommended For
Beginners. Most intermediate lifters. Anyone without a structured post-cut maintenance plan. Those who have never successfully completed a moderate cut first.
Adherence Tips
- •Track your food intake daily. What gets measured gets managed.
- •Eat at least 100g of protein every day to protect lean mass.
- •This is a sprint, not a marathon. Set a hard end date and commit to maintenance afterward.
- •Cut training volume by 30% but keep intensity high on compound lifts. You cannot recover from high volume at this deficit.
- •Expect performance drops. Your strength will return within 1-2 weeks of eating at maintenance.
Diet Break Recommendation
This deficit should not exceed 4 weeks without a transition to maintenance. Plan at least 2 weeks at maintenance calories afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I take a diet break during a 35% cut?
This deficit should not exceed 4 weeks without a transition to maintenance. Plan at least 2 weeks at maintenance calories afterward.
What should I do after finishing a 35% cut?
Transition to maintenance calories immediately. Your metabolism has adapted to the deficit and needs recovery. Spend at least 4-8 weeks at maintenance before considering another cut or starting a bulk.
How many calories should I eat on a 35% deficit?
Based on a 5'5", 150 lb woman at moderate activity, a 35% deficit puts you at approximately 1379 calories per day. Your actual number depends on your weight, height, activity level, and body composition. Use FitCommit to calculate your exact target.
Will I lose muscle on a 35% deficit?
High. Expect some muscle loss even with perfect nutrition and training. This deficit should only last 2-4 weeks.
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