I know this greatly differs for everyone, and is somewhat dependent on bodyweight, but I'm just curious as to how LOW calories have gotten for some of you male competitors.

I'm 8 weeks out from my first competition and am on track according to my Advisor. I'm just curious as to how brutal things get the last two weeks!

Please share!

That does vary a lot from person to person. I have never had to go lower than about 2500 and my maintenance level is about 3000-3200. When I am on a gaining diet I run between 3500 and 4000.

If you are on track at 8 weeks out hopefully you wont have to drop much below 500 less than your maintenance level. I happen to beleive that when you have to drop more than that you risk losing lean muscle mass along with the desired fat loss. Thus the advantage of staying within striking distance of your contest weight in the off season and starting your diet early enough so that you can go slow with calorie drops. Good luck with your contest!

VA MadDog