I have been trying to put on some serious muscle for exactly 3 weeks now, and my waist measurement has gone from 32.5 inches to 35. In just 3 weeks. I havent weighed myself at all during this time, i was 163 pounds 3 weeks ago, i reckon i am at least 175 now.
On the up side i have added half an inch to my arms and calves.
Is my waist so big now because its so damm full of food? I have been eating between 3500-4500 calories per day every day during the 3 weeks.
That’s alot of calories to consume for your weight. I would first taper back to about 3000-3250 / day. Secondly, any time you are on a bulking cycle you will gain some fat…no way around it. Do you do any cardio? Don’t be fooled into thinking, as many others believe on this site, that only minimal cardio is necessary. If you are consuming less than 50g of carbs / day, then maybe you can get off with no cardio. Otherwise, 30 minutes 4-5X/week.
That sounds like an awful lot, unless you were previously dieting and/or in a carb-depleted state. Earlier in the year I was down to under 5 percent and a 28.5 inch waist, then when I stopped dieting I ate like an absolute madman. Within the next month I was up to 32 in. I would say as long as your lifts and your “good measurements” are going up, don’t be overly concerned. What type of diet are you eating (carbs, pro,fat, meal frequency)?
Slaine (sounds like a porno star)…the other guys seem to think that’s an awful lot of calories–and that could be the case–but that depends on your activity level and training as well (length of sessions, type of training, cardio, etc). I personally follow the cardio recommendations from JB’s Appetite for Construction while getting bigger. Like, JRR said, if you’re doing a bulking cycle, a little fat is a necessary part of the game. BTW, I shoot for between 3500-4000 cals/day and I’m just around 160. More info regarding diet and training would be helpful though.
The added arm inch could easily come from added fat.
I’d back off right now.
I actually dont do any cardio at all. Although i must say that during these 3 weeks i have not had a single bit of junk food, its all been 100% clean. It is hard because you constantly have to cook and prepare meals.
I train 4-5 times a week and, get ready for it, on some days i eat as much as 800 grams of carbs a day!!! I still eat more grams of protein per pound, but i have a feeling i might have to drop some carbs and add more protein.
Its winter here in Australia so i plan on getting shredded in 3-4 months time for summer.
Thanks guys.
Slaine, my man, I’m not a carbphobic or anything, but 800 grammos is a boatload, baby! Even if you’re eating around 4500 cals, that’s 70% of your caloric intake–that’s an awful high ratio. You could always up your protein and you didn’t mention what your fat intake is. Are you utilizing the principles of Massive Eating or just going at it traditional-style? What’s your protein and fat intake? What are your workouts like? Unless they’re marathons or extremely taxing on glycogen stores, I don’t see the need for such a high carb intake. Also, what’s your activity level like throughout the day? Again, I don’t see a need to panic and drop cals like an elevator, but I think you need to take a look at where your cals are coming from. Kudos on clean eating, very few stick to it–whether dieting or gaining–and eating extra clean calories will do more good than harm when compared to junk.
800g of carbs bro? DAMN!!! I would blow up like a balloon. Definetely back off on the carbs…let’s say 300-400/day max.
LOL this massive eating thing is a blast, i love it. I keep my fat intake low because i dont get no satisfaction from fat, I WANT CARBS!!! But really i eat fat only with a protein meal once or twice a day. My workouts are a blast, i ve also been taking creatine. Carbs and creatine and while i’m driving to the gym i feel like squezzing the crap out of the steering wheel, i cant wait to get to the gym, its a beautiful feeling. Although from now i will drop some carbs and add a lot more protein.
Thanks for all the help guys.
I’m on Massive Eating and around 4900 cals a day. It’s great, but my waist is now 39 inches, which I’m sure will be easy to shed. I’m around 600 carbs a day and 1.5 per pound for protein. It’s working awesome. In a few weeks I’ve added 1/4 inch to my arms and now my legs are 28 inches, and I’m only 15.