Todays In-take
Calories - 2784g; Carbs - 78g; Fat - 53g; Sodium - 1116mg; Protein - 384g
Slowly but surely inching the calories back up above 2800. Since i’ve been taking an account of what i eat, I’ve been able to calculate what calorie range I am most comfortable with. Being that we are entering the cold weather months, I’m going to try and keep my calorie range in the mid 3000’s (3200-3500).
I’m one that doesn’t believe in the traditional "bulking" process. I believe that in order to gain quality muslce you need to get stronger. And the way you get stronger is by getting back to the basics and lifting heavier. (Deadlifts, Squats, Bench) Eating a bunch of burgers or pizza, or pounding down 4 servings of protein in one shot isn’t the trick.
I think (for my body at least) that by doing that you add more fat than actual muscle, and subsequently making it harder to diet down when you need to. I am going to try and remain as lean as possible while putting on mass aka quality muscle. We’ll see how it goes.
Peace!
September 15, 2009 at 2:06 pm
I’m right there with you Lex. I plan on the exact same process myself over the next few months. I plan on capping it at around 2700, but otherwise I’ll be on the same path.
I agree 100% with your philosophy. Good luck to you!
September 15, 2009 at 2:18 pm
I guess I’m attempting the traditional way. Traditionally I’ve had a hard time gaining weight but I went from a losing BF diet to a weight gain diet and in 2 weeks I’ve gained 7 lbs… It’s happening so fast I’m completely caught off guard and very skeptical. My BF has gone up slightly. I’m doing a high rep routine so I don’t know if my strength has increased yet… I guess time will tell. At the end of the day though I’m with you, I want strength with the bulk.
September 15, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Thanks brother!
Yeah, i think its a huge misconception in bodybuilding. Bulk does not equate muscle. I’m going out on a limb here but I was not a fan of Ronnie Coleman.
I personally thought that Early to late 90’s Ronnie was way better than millenium Ronnie. He was big as F_ck no doubt, but i think he lacked conditioning, and balance. But he was in an era where MASS ruled! Shawn Ray, Flex Wheeler, Dexter Jackson, Lee Haney, Vince Taylor, had me as a fan.
September 15, 2009 at 3:37 pm
I feel your pain Lex.
Learning what does and does not work for YOU is the hardest part of this whole thing. It seems like the trial and error portion of the program is more error for me than anything.
Good luck man.
September 17, 2009 at 8:32 am
Yes, I don’t know much about bulking. But it seems to me the best way to go about it without raising cholesterol, clogging the arteries and slowing the heart is by feeding your muscles with nutrition instead of the junk. Good call!