weightloss.com.au
Free calculator

Body Recomposition Calculator

Body recomposition means losing fat and gaining muscle at the same time. Unlike traditional bulk/cut cycles, recomposition uses strategic calorie and macro cycling around your training days to fuel muscle growth while tapping into fat stores on rest days.

1

Enter your details

Gender
years
kg
cm

Your Body Recomp Plan

Example

Example figures, not your own. Worked for a moderately active 30 year old man of 80 kg and 175 cm. Enter your own details and press Calculate.

Maintenance TDEE

2,711kcal/day

11,343 kJ/day

Daily Protein Target

176g/day

2.2g per kg body weight

Training Day (+10% surplus)

Calories

2,982

12,477 kJ

Protein

176g

Carbs

421g

Fat

66g

Rest Day (-20% deficit)

Calories

2,169

9,075 kJ

Protein

176g

Carbs

177g

Fat

84g

How It Works

Your TDEE is calculated using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation and activity multiplier. On training days, you eat at a slight surplus (10% above TDEE) with high protein and carbs to fuel muscle growth. On rest days, you eat at a moderate deficit (20% below TDEE) with high protein and fat to promote fat burning. Protein stays high at 2.2g per kg of body weight throughout.

How to use it

  1. 1Select your gender and enter your age, weight, and height
  2. 2Select your activity level
  3. 3Click "Calculate" to see your training day and rest day macros
  4. 4Follow training day macros on days you lift weights
  5. 5Follow rest day macros on non-training days

Quick Reference

Day TypeCaloriesProteinCarbsFat
Training DayTDEE + 10%2.2 g/kgHigh (remaining cals)20% of cals
Rest DayTDEE - 20%2.2 g/kgLow (remaining cals)35% of cals
-----
Weekly Avg (4 train / 3 rest)Near maintenanceConstantCyclingCycling

Protein stays constant at 2.2g per kg body weight every day. Carbs and fat are cycled around training to optimise performance and recovery.

Body Recomposition Macro Cycling

TDEE = BMR x Activity Multiplier Training Day = TDEE x 1.10 (10% surplus) Rest Day = TDEE x 0.80 (20% deficit) Protein = 2.2g x body weight (kg) daily
BMR
= Basal Metabolic Rate from Mifflin-St Jeor equation
TDEE
= Total Daily Energy Expenditure

This approach works best for beginners, those returning to training, or those with higher body fat. Advanced lifters may need dedicated bulk/cut cycles for optimal results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really lose fat and gain muscle at the same time?
Yes, especially if you are a beginner, returning after a break, overweight, or using optimised nutrition timing. The process is slower than dedicated bulking or cutting, but research supports simultaneous fat loss and muscle gain with adequate protein and progressive resistance training.
How much protein do I need for body recomposition?
Research suggests 1.6-2.2g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day for body recomposition. This calculator uses the upper end (2.2g/kg) to maximise muscle protein synthesis while in a periodic calorie deficit.
How long does body recomposition take?
Body recomposition is a slower process than traditional bulking or cutting. Expect visible changes over 8-16 weeks. Track progress with measurements, photos, and strength gains rather than relying on the scale, since you may be gaining muscle and losing fat simultaneously.
Should I do cardio during body recomposition?
Light to moderate cardio (walking, cycling) on rest days is beneficial for fat loss and recovery. Avoid excessive cardio that may interfere with muscle recovery. Prioritise resistance training 3-5 days per week for best results.

Related Tools

All tools