I've been operating on the knowledge that 1+ grams of protein per pound of weight was about as much as one needs, especially for my goals, since the stage is not in my future., which is why, at least at maintenance, I keep it at the numbers it's at and slightly lower it as I go down. A little more couldn't hurt I suppose but I'm trying not to overdo it there.

Could you shed a little light on complete/incomplete proteins and the types of fats? I have an idea about the proteins (some are more bioavailable than others), but not much more than that.

In hindsight, my carbs could use a little work, although I like to think I still eat better than the average American "mere mortal" haha. I know I can change some of my food sources around to make it look a little better, but eventually, I'll have my sanity to think about. But I agree, I still have a bit of work to do on the food choices.

I'm one of those people who has the opposite struggle of a lot of guys on here having a hard time with cutting...I have a hard time fitting enough food in my stomach. I've gotten to the point where I pretty much hate food but eat it anyway. Now down below 3000 I might end up changing my tune, but it's been a very long time since I've consistently had a calorie count that low but we'll see what happens.

I do have to agree, 12 months seems like a LONG cut. I'm not sure how my sanity would hold up after even 4 months. But different people will have different approaches. I don't see a long cut being something that suits me very well.

I really appreciate the responses. They've all been very helpful so far.