Key Numbers
Daily Targets
Calories1850~500 deficit
Protein180g720 kcal
Carbs165g660 kcal
Fat52g468 kcal
TDEE2350kcal/day
Timeline20W~5 months
Protein180g · 39%
Carbohydrates165g · 36%
Fat52g · 25%
Total Daily Calories
TDEE 2,350 − 500 deficit
1848
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Sections
20-Week Progression
Timeline
01Weeks 1–5 · Foundation
Establish habits. Learn the lifts. Zone 2 cardio 2×/week. 3 strength days. Expected loss: 4–5 lbs fat. No HIIT until Week 3.
02Weeks 6–10 · Build
Progressive overload (+5 lbs/week lower, +2.5 upper). Add HIIT. Zone 2 to 150 min/week. Expected loss: 5–6 lbs fat.
03Weeks 11–16 · Grind
Plateau management. Calorie cycle: 1,650 rest days / 1,950 training days. Expected loss: 5–6 lbs. Reassess at Week 14.
04Weeks 17–20 · Finish
Final push to 10% BF. Tighten diet. Prioritize sleep + recovery. Final weigh-in + DEXA scan for accurate BF% measurement.
Practical Notes
Key Principles
Supplements (Optional)
Whey Isolate — fill protein gaps (with meals)
Casein Protein — pre-bed, slow-digesting
Creatine Monohydrate — 5g/day. Most evidence-backed supplement for muscle retention
Vitamin D3 + K2 — 2,000–5,000 IU (critical at 52)
Magnesium Glycinate — 300mg before bed
Omega-3s — 2g EPA/DHA if fish intake is low
Zinc — supports testosterone
Recovery & Sleep
At 52, recovery is the limiting factor — not the workouts.

Sleep: 7–9 hrs non-negotiable
Protein timing: 30–40g per meal across 4–5 meals
Deload: Every 6 weeks at 50% volume
Stress: Cortisol drives abdominal fat storage
Track: Daily weigh-in (7-day average), waist weekly
Non-Meat Protein Sources
Greek yogurt (0%) — 17g/100g
Skyr — 11g/100g
Cottage cheese — 11g/100g
Firm tofu — 8–17g/100g
Tempeh — 19g/100g
Edamame — 11g/100g
Lentils (cooked) — 9g/100g
Egg whites — 11g/100g
Shrimp — 24g/100g
Days
Select Day
07:00 · Breakfast420 kcal
Greek Yogurt Power Bowl
200g 0% Greek yogurt · 40g oats (dry) · 1 scoop whey isolate · 80g blueberries · 10g chia seeds · 5g honey
P 52gC 45gF 6g
12:30 · Lunch480 kcal
Lentil & Roasted Veggie Bowl
180g cooked green lentils · 150g roasted sweet potato · 100g roasted broccoli · 30g feta · 1 tbsp olive oil · lemon + cumin dressing
P 28gC 62gF 12g
16:00 · Pre-Workout220 kcal
Cottage Cheese + Rice Cakes
150g low-fat cottage cheese · 3 plain rice cakes · 1 medium banana
P 26gC 30gF 2g
19:30 · Dinner480 kcal
Miso-Glazed Tofu + Soba
200g firm tofu · 80g dry soba noodles · 200g bok choy · miso-ginger glaze
P 36gC 52gF 14g
21:00 · Evening150 kcal
Casein or Skyr
150g Skyr or 1 scoop casein · optional 10g almonds
P 24gC 8gF 4g
07:00 · Breakfast400 kcal
Egg White Scramble + Toast
6 egg whites + 1 whole egg · 2 slices Ezekiel bread · 1 cup spinach · 1 tbsp olive oil · salsa
P 40gC 35gF 10g
12:30 · Lunch500 kcal
Tuna Nicoise Bowl
130g canned tuna · 2 boiled eggs · 100g green beans · 80g cherry tomatoes · 1 tbsp olive oil + Dijon · 60g cooked quinoa
P 52gC 28gF 18g
15:30 · Snack180 kcal
Edamame + Miso Broth
150g shelled edamame (steamed) · 240ml miso broth · pinch red pepper flakes
P 18gC 14gF 6g
19:00 · Dinner520 kcal
Black Bean Tacos (×2) + Slaw
200g black beans · 2 corn tortillas · 100g red cabbage slaw · 50g avocado · Greek yogurt · lime + cilantro + jalapeño
P 28gC 68gF 14g
21:00 · Evening150 kcal
Skyr + Walnuts
150g plain Skyr · 10g walnuts
P 22gC 8gF 7g
07:00 · Breakfast420 kcal
Protein Pancakes
2 scoops whey + 2 eggs + 60g oats + 100g banana — blend, cook · top with 80g berries + 10g maple syrup
P 54gC 40gF 8g
12:30 · Lunch460 kcal
Salmon + Barley Salad
130g canned wild salmon · 80g cooked pearl barley · 100g cucumber · 50g red onion · 1 tbsp capers · dill-lemon dressing
P 38gC 42gF 16g
16:00 · Pre-Workout200 kcal
Whey Shake + Apple
1 scoop whey isolate in 300ml water · 1 medium apple
P 26gC 28gF 1g
19:30 · Dinner480 kcal
Chickpea Tikka Masala
200g chickpeas · 200g crushed tomatoes · 30g Greek yogurt · garam masala + cumin + turmeric · 80g cooked brown rice + spinach
P 26gC 72gF 8g
21:00 · Evening150 kcal
Casein Shake
1 scoop casein in 250ml water · 5g peanut butter
P 28gC 6gF 5g
07:00 · Breakfast400 kcal
Overnight Oats + Protein
50g oats + 180g Greek yogurt + 1 scoop whey + 100ml almond milk + 15g almond butter — prep night before · top with 60g strawberries
P 50gC 38gF 9g
12:30 · Lunch500 kcal
White Bean & Kale Soup + Rye
200g cannellini beans · 100g kale · 1 carrot · garlic · 500ml veg broth · rosemary + thyme · 1 slice rye bread · nutritional yeast
P 30gC 68gF 6g
15:30 · Snack200 kcal
Shrimp Skewer + Hummus
120g cooked shrimp · 60g hummus · celery + cucumber sticks
P 28gC 12gF 7g
19:00 · Dinner490 kcal
Tofu Fried Rice
180g extra-firm tofu · 150g cooked cold brown rice · 2 eggs · 100g frozen peas + carrots · soy sauce · sesame oil · scallions
P 36gC 52gF 14g
21:00 · Evening150 kcal
Skyr
150g plain Skyr · 10g pumpkin seeds
P 22gC 8gF 6g
07:00 · Breakfast420 kcal
Greek Yogurt Power Bowl
200g 0% Greek yogurt · 40g oats · 1 scoop whey isolate · 80g blueberries · 10g chia seeds · 5g honey
P 52gC 45gF 6g
12:30 · Lunch500 kcal
Shrimp + Farro Grain Bowl
150g cooked shrimp · 80g cooked farro · 150g roasted zucchini + red pepper · 30g feta · lemon-herb dressing
P 42gC 52gF 12g
16:00 · Pre-Workout200 kcal
Cottage Cheese + Pineapple
150g low-fat cottage cheese · 100g pineapple chunks
P 24gC 22gF 2g
19:30 · Dinner480 kcal
Sesame Noodles + Edamame
80g soba noodles · 120g shelled edamame · tahini + soy + rice vinegar + sesame oil · cucumber julienne · 15g crushed peanuts
P 32gC 56gF 14g
21:00 · Evening150 kcal
Casein Shake
1 scoop casein · 250ml unsweetened almond milk
P 26gC 6gF 4g
🥩 Meat Day 1 of 2
08:00 · Breakfast450 kcal
Turkey & Egg Scramble
100g ground turkey (93% lean) · 2 whole eggs + 2 whites · 1 slice whole wheat toast · 100g spinach · salsa
P 52gC 22gF 16g
13:00 · Lunch480 kcal
Chicken Quinoa Bowl
150g grilled chicken breast · 80g cooked quinoa · 200g roasted veg · 1 tbsp olive oil · 30g tzatziki
P 54gC 42gF 10g
16:00 · Snack180 kcal
Whey Shake + Banana
1 scoop whey isolate · 200ml water · 1 medium banana
P 28gC 28gF 1g
19:00 · Dinner490 kcal
Lean Beef Stir-Fry
150g lean beef sirloin (thinly sliced) · 200g mixed veg (snap peas, bok choy, mushrooms) · 80g cooked jasmine rice · soy-ginger sauce
P 44gC 48gF 12g
21:00 · Evening150 kcal
Skyr
150g plain Skyr · 10g mixed seeds
P 22gC 8gF 6g
🥩 Meat Day 2 of 2
08:30 · Breakfast400 kcal
Smoked Salmon + Eggs
80g smoked salmon · 2 whole eggs (poached) · 1 slice rye bread · 20g light cream cheese · capers + red onion + cucumber
P 42gC 22gF 16g
13:00 · Lunch520 kcal
Baked Salmon + Roasted Potatoes
180g Atlantic salmon fillet · 200g baby potatoes (roasted) · 150g asparagus · lemon-herb butter (5g) · dill
P 50gC 38gF 18g
16:00 · Snack180 kcal
Cottage Cheese + Apple
150g low-fat cottage cheese · 1 medium apple · cinnamon
P 22gC 26gF 2g
19:00 · Dinner460 kcal
Egg Fried Rice
3 whole eggs · 150g cooked brown rice · 100g frozen peas + corn · 50g edamame · soy sauce · sesame oil · scallions + chili flakes
P 28gC 56gF 14g
21:00 · Evening150 kcal
Casein Shake
1 scoop casein · 250ml unsweetened almond milk
P 26gC 6gF 4g
Daily Nutrition
Macro Guide
Protein 180g / 720 kcal / 39%
Target 1.1–1.2g per lb of bodyweight. Distribute across 4–5 meals at 30–40g each. This is the most important number to hit daily.

Carbs 165g / 660 kcal / 36%
Front-load to morning and pre/post-workout windows. Cut back on rest days if plateauing.

Fat 52g / 468 kcal / 25%
Kept moderate to support testosterone at 52. Don't go lower than 40g — hormonal floor.

Meat Rule
Saturday and Sunday only. Fish (tuna, salmon, shrimp) counts as a separate category and can appear any day.

Fiber Target
35g minimum per day. Lentils, beans, oats, and vegetables cover this naturally.

Hydration
3–3.5L water daily. Add electrolytes on training days.
Calorie Cycling (Weeks 11–16)
Rest days: 1,650 kcal · Training days: 1,950 kcal
Keep protein constant at 180g. Adjust carbs up or down.
MonUpper Body A
TueZone 2 · 45 min
WedLower Body A
ThuHIIT + Core
FriUpper Body B
SatZone 2 · 60 min
SunActive Recovery
Monday · Upper Body A (Push Focus) · ~55 min
ExerciseSets × RepsRestNotes
Flat Bench Press (BB or DB)4 × 6–890sRPE 8, progressive overload weekly
Incline DB Press3 × 8–1075sControl eccentric 3 sec
Cable Lateral Raise3 × 12–1560sLight, strict form
Overhead Press (BB or DB)3 × 8–1075sSeated OK if lower back issues
Cable Tricep Pushdown3 × 12–1560sSuperset w/ laterals optional
Face Pulls3 × 1545sRotator cuff health — non-optional
Wednesday · Lower Body A (Quad Focus) · ~55 min
ExerciseSets × RepsRestNotes
Back Squat (or Goblet Squat)4 × 6–82 minDepth to parallel minimum
Leg Press3 × 10–1290sHigh foot = more glute
Bulgarian Split Squat3 × 8 ea75sBodyweight first, then load
Leg Extension3 × 12–1560sKnee health permitting
Standing Calf Raise4 × 15–2045sFull range of motion
Plank3 × 45 sec30sBrace hard, don't hold breath
Friday · Upper Body B (Pull Focus) · ~55 min
ExerciseSets × RepsRestNotes
Pull-Up or Lat Pulldown4 × 6–890sFull hang, controlled descent
Seated Cable Row3 × 8–1075sChest up, row to lower sternum
Single-Arm DB Row3 × 10 ea60sHeavy; brace on bench
Rear Delt Fly (Cable or DB)3 × 12–1560sSlow — mind-muscle
EZ-Bar Curl3 × 10–1260sNo swinging
Dead Bug3 × 8 ea30sLumbar flat throughout
Tuesday & Saturday · Zone 2 Cardio
ParameterTarget
Heart Rate ZoneZone 2 · 60–70% HRmax
Target HR (age 52)101–119 bpm (HRmax ≈ 168)
Tuesday45 minutes
Saturday60 minutes
ModalityWalk / cycling / elliptical / rowing
Talk TestFull sentences — conversational pace
Weekly Total105 min → build to 150 min by Week 8
Zone 2 is the highest-ROI tool for fat oxidation and mitochondrial density at 52. Nasal breathing only is a useful proxy for staying in zone. Add 5 min every 2 weeks.
Thursday · HIIT + Core · 35 min total
BlockProtocolZoneDuration
Warm-UpLight jog or bikeZone 15 min
HIIT Work8 rounds: 30s all-out / 90s walkZone 4–516 min
Cool-DownWalkZone 14 min
Core BlockCircuit below × 2 rounds10 min
Core Circuit (2 rounds, 30s each, 10s transition)
Dead Bug30 secControl breathing
Side Plank (L)30 secHip up throughout
Side Plank (R)30 sec
Bird Dog30 secSlow and deliberate
Hollow Body Hold30 secSpine neutral
Sunday · Active Recovery
30–45 min walk outdoorsZone 1
10 min mobility / yoga flowHip flexors, thoracic, hamstrings
Optional: foam rollQuads, IT band, upper back
Optional Lower B (Weeks 5+) · Hinge Focus
ExerciseSets × RepsRestNotes
Romanian Deadlift (DB or BB)4 × 890sHip-hinge, hamstring stretch
Sumo Deadlift3 × 52 minAdd when form is solid
Glute Bridge / Hip Thrust3 × 12–1560s3 sec squeeze at top
Hamstring Curl (Machine)3 × 1260sSingle leg if possible
Seated Calf Raise4 × 1545sHeavy + full ROM
Miso-Glazed Tofu
Prep: Press 200g firm tofu 20 min under weight. Cut into 2cm cubes.
Glaze: 1 tbsp white miso + 1 tsp rice vinegar + 1 tsp sesame oil + 1 tsp grated ginger + 1 tsp honey. Mix.
Cook: Preheat oven 425°F. Toss tofu in half the glaze. Bake 25 min, flip once. Brush rest of glaze last 5 min.
Serve: Over 80g dry soba (boiled 6 min, rinsed cold) with steamed bok choy.
P 36gC 52gF 14g480 kcal
Chickpea Tikka Masala
Base: Sauté 1 diced onion in 1 tsp olive oil. Add 3 garlic cloves + 1 tbsp grated ginger (2 min).
Spices: 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp coriander, ½ tsp turmeric, ¼ tsp cayenne. Toast 60 sec.
Simmer: Add 200g crushed tomatoes + 200g drained chickpeas + 100ml water. Simmer 15 min.
Finish: Off heat, stir in 2 tbsp Greek yogurt. Serve over 80g brown rice + spinach.
P 26gC 72gF 8g480 kcal
Protein Pancakes
Batter: Blend 2 scoops whey isolate + 2 whole eggs + 60g rolled oats + 1 ripe banana (100g) + 80ml water. Rest 2 min.
Cook: Medium-low heat. Cooking spray. Pour ~¼ cup per pancake. 2–3 min per side until edges set.
Top: 80g mixed berries + 10g real maple syrup. Makes ~6 pancakes.
P 54gC 40gF 8g420 kcal
Lentil & Roasted Veg Bowl
Lentils: Simmer 200g dry green lentils in 600ml veg broth + bay leaf, 20 min. Drain.
Veg: Cube 200g sweet potato + 150g broccoli. Toss ½ tbsp olive oil + cumin + salt. Roast 425°F 25 min.
Dressing: 1 tbsp olive oil + juice of 1 lemon + ½ tsp cumin + salt + pepper.
Assemble: Lentils + roasted veg + dressing + 30g crumbled feta.
P 28gC 62gF 12g480 kcal
Black Bean Tacos
Beans: Drain + rinse 200g canned black beans. Heat in pan with ½ tsp cumin + ½ tsp smoked paprika + salt. Mash lightly.
Slaw: Shred 100g red cabbage + 1 tbsp lime juice + pinch salt. Sit 5 min.
Assemble (2 tacos): Warm 2 corn tortillas. Layer beans + slaw + 50g avocado + 2 tbsp Greek yogurt + lime + cilantro + jalapeño.
P 28gC 68gF 14g520 kcal
Tofu Fried Rice
Key: Use cold day-old rice for best texture.
Tofu: Pat dry 180g extra-firm tofu. Cube. Pan-fry in 1 tsp sesame oil until golden, ~6 min. Set aside.
Fry: Same pan. Add 100g frozen peas/carrots. Add rice, flatten, sear 2 min. Push aside, scramble 2 eggs. Fold together with soy sauce.
Finish: Return tofu. Top with scallions.
P 36gC 52gF 14g490 kcal
● Costco ● Asian Market ● Trader Joe's ● Sprouts ● King Soopers ● Myprotein.com
Sunday – Wednesday
0 of 0 items
● Costco
0% Greek yogurt800g
Low-fat cottage cheese300g
Eggs (whole)12
Canned wild salmon130g can
Edamame (shelled, frozen)300g
Rolled oats400g
Brown rice300g dry
Quinoa80g dry
Olive oil1 bottle
Peanut butter1 jar
Almond butter1 small jar
Walnuts30g
Mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower)50g
Chia seeds50g
Unsweetened almond milk500ml
● Asian Market (H Mart or similar)
Firm tofu400g (2 blocks)
Extra-firm tofu180g (1 block)
Soba noodles160g
White miso paste1 tub
Low-sodium soy sauce1 bottle
Rice vinegar1 bottle
Sesame oil (toasted)1 small bottle
Bok choy400g
Fresh ginger root1 knob
● Trader Joe's
Skyr (plain)450g
Smoked salmon80g
Egg whites (carton)500ml
Feta cheese60g
Blueberries160g
Ezekiel bread1 loaf
Corn tortillas1 pack
Plain rice cakes1 pack
Tahini1 jar
Honey1 small jar
Capers1 small jar
Crushed peanuts30g
● Sprouts (bulk bins)
Green lentils (dry)200g
Pearl barley (dry)80g
Nutritional yeastsmall bag
Cumin (ground)1 jar
Garam masala1 jar
Ground coriander1 jar
Turmeric1 jar
Cayenne pepper1 jar
Smoked paprika1 jar
Red chili flakes1 jar
Dried rosemary1 jar
Dried thyme1 jar
Bay leaves1 pack
Cinnamon (ground)1 jar
● King Soopers
Banana3 medium
Strawberries60g
Apple1 medium
Lemon3
Lime2
Sweet potato350g
Broccoli250g
Spinach300g bag
Kale100g
Cucumber1 large
Red onion1 medium
Yellow onion1 large
Garlic1 head
Carrot1
Scallions / green onions1 bunch
Fresh cilantro1 bunch
Fresh dill1 bunch
Canned black beans1 × 400g can
Canned chickpeas1 × 400g can
Canned cannellini beans1 × 400g can
Crushed tomatoes (canned)1 × 400g can
Vegetable broth1L carton
Rye bread1 loaf
Salsa1 jar
Hot sauce1 bottle
Maple syrup (real)1 small bottle
Cooking spray (olive oil)1 can
Salt & black pepper
● Online — Myprotein.com
Whey isolate protein powder1 bag
Casein protein powder1 bag
Thursday – Saturday
0 of 0 items
● Costco
0% Greek yogurt500g
Low-fat cottage cheese300g
Eggs (whole)10
Cooked shrimp (peeled, frozen)270g
Chicken breast150g
Edamame (shelled, frozen)270g
Frozen peas & carrots mix200g
Frozen corn50g
Brown rice300g dry
Quinoa80g dry
Pumpkin seeds10g
● Asian Market (H Mart or similar)
Extra-firm tofu180g (1 block)
Soba noodles80g
Bok choy200g
Snap peas100g
Mushrooms100g
Fresh ginger rootsmall knob
Jasmine rice80g dry
● Trader Joe's
Skyr (plain)300g
Atlantic salmon fillet180g
Feta cheese30g
Hummus (store-bought)60g
Avocado1
Farro80g dry
Whole wheat bread1 loaf
Dijon mustard1 small jar
Tzatziki30g
Unsweetened almond milk500ml
● Sprouts (bulk bins)
Canned cannellini beans1 × 400g can
Rolled oats50g
● King Soopers
Ground turkey (93% lean)100g
Lean beef sirloin150g
Banana1 medium
Apple1 medium
Pineapple chunks100g
Lemon2
Lime1
Asparagus150g
Baby potatoes200g
Zucchini150g
Red bell pepper1 large
Red cabbage100g
Cucumber1
Celery2 stalks
Spinach200g bag
Broccoli200g
Yellow onion1 large
Garlic1 head
Scallions1 bunch
Fresh dill1 small bunch
Jalapeño1
Vegetable broth500ml
Unsalted buttersmall amount
Rye bread (or carry over)1 loaf
Rice cakes (or carry over)1 pack
Corn tortillas (or carry over)1 pack
● Online — Myprotein.com
Whey isolate (check stock)
Casein protein (check stock)
Physical Therapy — Top Picks
Rocky Mountain Spine & Sport PT
Physical Therapy · ⭐ 4.9 (99 reviews)
Address: 3700 Quebec St Unit 102, Denver 80207
Hours: Mon–Fri 7am–6pm
Ask for: Amy Wenzel DPT, OCS, COMT — the OCS credential is the sports/ortho specialist designation you want. Bill is also highly rated for rotator cuff and knee.
Why: Denver Central Park location. Highest-rated clinic near you with the right credentials. Start here.
(720) 330-2750
Intermountain Health — Central Park PT
Physical Therapy · ⭐ 5.0 (9 reviews)
Address: 2807 Roslyn St, Denver 80238
Hours: Mon–Fri 7am–5pm
Ask for: Marissa (highly rated in reviews)
Why: Literally in your neighborhood. Most convenient option if you want walkable access.
(303) 403-6400
The Point Sports Medicine & Rehab
Sports Medicine · ⭐ 5.0 (7 reviews)
Address: 6900 E 47th Ave Dr, Denver 80216
Hours: Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
Ask for: Brooke, Dustin, or Christina
Why: True sports medicine orientation, not a standard rehab mill. Good for movement screen and injury prevention.
(303) 920-1200
UCHealth PT — Central Park
Physical Therapy · ⭐ 4.4 (42 reviews)
Address: 3055 Roslyn St Suite 110, Denver 80238
Hours: Mon–Fri 6:30am–6pm · Sat 7:30am–4:30pm
Ask for: Caleb (ankle/foot specialist per reviews)
Why: All DPTs. Only option with Saturday hours. Note: new patients can be 4–6 weeks out.
(720) 848-2000
Sports Massage — Top Picks
Mike Pomerantz LMT
Sports Massage · ⭐ 5.0 (11 reviews)
Address: 7505 E 35th Ave #302, Denver 80238
Hours: Mon–Wed 9am–6pm · Fri 9am–2pm
Why: Right in Central Park — closest option to you. Root-cause approach: fascia release, cupping, joint pain, stretching. Reviewers specifically mention shoulder and knee work. Book every 2–3 weeks.
(720) 515-2363
Angela's BodyWork
Integrative Massage · ⭐ 5.0 (32 reviews)
Address: 1200 Verbena St, Denver 80220
Hours: Wed–Sun (varies)
Why: Just south of Central Park. Deep tissue + integrative. One reviewer: "helped me recover faster in 6 weeks than PT in 3 months." Strong for stubborn connective tissue issues.
(303) 918-2909
Satsang Sports Massage / Rolfing
Myofascial Release · Rolfing · ⭐ 4.8 (114 reviews)
Address: 2121 S Oneida St #312, Denver 80224
Hours: Mon/Tue/Thu 3–9pm · Fri 10am–7pm · Sat–Sun afternoons
Why: Worth the drive south. Spencer and Sean Fox both singled out by endurance athletes. Myofascial release and Rolfing are particularly good for connective tissue health at 52.
(720) 472-8825
Recommended Sequence Start with Rocky Mountain Spine & Sport for a proactive movement screen before Week 1 begins. Then establish a recurring appointment with Mike Pomerantz every 2–3 weeks once you're into training. Schedule massage the day after a heavy session, not the day before.