Thanks.
I gradually work my way into the cut. Meaing, I don't just jump right into any serious kind of caloric deficit. I ended the bulk at 200 lbs. I was a little higher, but some circumstances led to a slight weight-loss at the end of my bulk. At that time, I was eating approximately 3500 calories per day.
Right now, I simply dropped the intake down to around 3150. This is probably close to my maintenance level, although I have already lost a few pounds.
It is a touch and feel process. I will drop into a slight deficit in a week or two. From there, I re-evaluate every week to see where my BF% is sitting, where my weight is sitting, where my measurements are sitting, and how I feel.
I upped my protein a bit. The idea behind this is simple. Once you create a caloric deficit, your body turns to your existing tissues to make up for the energy deficit. I certainly want to minimize as much muscle loss as possible. One of the numerous ways I go about doing this is upping my protein. This puts more aminos in your blood, which your body will pull from there first, before hitting your existing muscle. I recommend 1 - 1.5 grams of protein per lb of LBM. Lower range for time or bulking and maintenance. Higher ranges for times of dieting, for the above reason.
I also cut out some of the starchy carbs and upped my fat intake. Reason being, I find while dieting, I lean out faster cutting back on some carbs.
I also upped my fish oil consumption and veggie/fruit consumption. Reason being. Diet is a stress to the body. I like over-feeding it the stuff packed with micronutrients while being stressed.
That's a negative.
I really don't have a problem with EC, ECA, or ECY. I simply never felt the need to use thermogenics. I don't seem to have issues getting lean going the natural route. Less crap I put in my body, the better, IMO.
At the moment, I am doing 3 sessions per week at a work load that elicits approximately 140 bpm from the heart. Nothing serious.