Very low calories but enough protein?

[Robert Santana]

Yes. The generally recommended changes are outlined in the books. They are general templates so you will have to see how they work and adjust as needed.

[Railbob1776]

Being 48 you still need to be heavier than what health agencies would tell you but maybe you don't need to be pushing up to the upper 200s.

Yes, I would not allow myself to get in the upper 200's (270-290), that would be insane, I'm not a competitive powerlifter. But, what bodyweight do you think would be good for the standard starting strength type guy (middle aged, recreational lifter, just wants to be as strong as he can be while still being healthy).

[Robert Santana]

No clue but I would imagine you need not get past 240 provided your lifts keep moving.

[mathgainer]

Hi Robert, I have decided that I cannot consume more than 4000 calories/day. I have tried but failed, it is basically impossible for me. I am currently sitting at 3500-4000 calories per day and my lifts have been increasing steadily. I did take a break recently due to personal life circumstances getting in the way. Here are my numbers at a bodyweight of around 73kg (yes I lost some bodyweight as well unfortunately):

Squat - 110kg for 3x5 high bar, with good form (I prefer high bar but I know I should be doing low bar)
Bench press - 62.5kg 3x5
Deadlift - 140kg 3x5 using straps.

I am quite happy with these numbers at my bodyweight. I have definitely reached the end of my novice phase for the squat and deadlift but my other lifts are still increasing.

I was initially planning to re-do the novice phase while consuming 5000 calories this time, but as I said I have changed my mind about this.

Incidentally a strength standards website I used gave the following numbers for the end of the novice phase at my current age/bodyweight:

Squat - 110kg 1x5 (EXACTLY where I keep stalling)
Bench - 82.5kg 1x5
Deadlift - 127.5kg 1x5 (I exceeded this because I have long arms and deadlifting comes naturally to me)

I also inputted a bodyweight of 85kg just to see what numbers I got for the advanced level this time. Here is what I got (all 1 rep maxes):

Squat - 380lb
Bench - 290lb
Deadlift - 440lb

Given how hard it is for me to gain weight, I think that 85kg is a reasonable long term goal for me in terms of bodyweight. I can't see myself exceeding this with muscle mass alone (I am incapable of gaining fat).

I know these things are relative and subjective but do you think that these numbers are respectable as a long term goal for an 85kg lifter?

[Robert Santana]

Those aren't incredibly heavy lifts so I think you can do that. You can eat that much but it won't all be clean from a logistical standpoint alone.