I just finished a cut about two weeks ago, and have been bulking for the past two weeks. My only concern is how many calories to take in to get big, considering that I used to be fat and have an easy time putting it on. Furthermore, if I eat clean, which I do to a very large extent, can I eat even more calories?
Thanks
We can’t just give you a straight answer.
2 things:
You cut 2 weeks ago and now you’re bulking already? Honestly, give it a couple months to let your body get used to your new weight - rather use maintenance calories for a while.
You can still get stronger that way, and your body will become accustomed to your new weight.
[quote]rsg wrote:
You cut 2 weeks ago and now you’re bulking already? Honestly, give it a couple months to let your body get used to your new weight - rather use maintenance calories for a while.
You can still get stronger that way, and your body will become accustomed to your new weight. [/quote]
That all depends on his stage of training. You could very well be speaking to a 16 year old who is now skinny as hell who thought he was fat because he couldn’t see his ab muscles. Without knowing any further details about him, it would be one HUGE mistake to tell him specifically what he needs to do.
[quote]Professor X wrote:
rsg wrote:
You cut 2 weeks ago and now you’re bulking already? Honestly, give it a couple months to let your body get used to your new weight - rather use maintenance calories for a while.
You can still get stronger that way, and your body will become accustomed to your new weight.
That all depends on his stage of training. You could very well be speaking to a 16 year old who is now skinny as hell who thought he was fat because he couldn’t see his ab muscles. Without knowing any further details about him, it would be one HUGE mistake to tell him specifically what he needs to do.[/quote]
True, I often base what I say on my previous experiences of yo-yo bulking/cutting, and if he/she is a true former fatty, then I’ve found that a smarter, longer bulk is usually a better approach. But as you said, they may be a delusional skinny person with hyuuuuge 21" thighs.
When someone is starving they often become delusional. ; )
We need more information, but if you are a true FFB, then a nice slow clean mass gaining phase will probably serve you best, like maintenance + 300 a day, making sure to get in good post workout nutrition. But, before we give any real recommendations, we need more information.
I am, in fact, a true FFB. I was 15 yrs old, 5’3, 220 lbs.
now, i am 5’8, 172 lbs, 11%bf.
however, i did lose a ton of weight quickly, so i have gone from 145 to 172 from september 06 to now. Ideally i’d like to put on around 15 more lbs of muscle, but not gain all that much fat in the process. the question is, can i just eat like crazy like a normal bulk? bc i feel like i gain too much fat when this happens and have little effect on my gains.
[quote]jzl1388 wrote:
I am, in fact, a true FFB. I was 15 yrs old, 5’3, 220 lbs.
now, i am 5’8, 172 lbs, 11%bf.
however, i did lose a ton of weight quickly, so i have gone from 145 to 172 from september 06 to now. Ideally i’d like to put on around 15 more lbs of muscle, but not gain all that much fat in the process. the question is, can i just eat like crazy like a normal bulk? bc i feel like i gain too much fat when this happens and have little effect on my gains.[/quote]
In my experience, that is a resounding NO.
If you are likely to add fat easily, why would you eat like crazy? You are not a skinny ecto (from the sounds of things), so it would be a bad idea.
Slow, clean bulk is the best option for us types. Good foods eaten at the right times. If you don’t know about these, read some articles around here.
I would recommend a very slow mass gaining phase with an occasional cut week. Maintenance + 300 for a month, cut for a week. That is what I would recommend, you definitely shouldn’t be having a drastic increase in food consumption. Good job on being a FFB.
I’m a FFB my self. 6’2 at 187 and 14% bf. I have been about 243 with over 30% bf in the past.
The traditional “bulking diet” really does not work so well on FFB’s. You will gain muscle on it (if your training hard enough) but you will also gain a ton of fat. Been there, done that, twice. Making new PR’s in the gym really clouded my vision. I realized gaining a lot of fat and too late. 4-5 months dieting per year isn’t going to help you pile on muscle because your wasting so much time on a cutting diet.
It took me 2 years to correct my mistakes nutrition wise but now I’m getting on the right track with my eating.
Search and read everything from Chris Shugart and Dr. Berardi. They have really good articles on nutrition and also good articles for FFB’s.
This is one of my favorites, “The FFB Handbook” by Chris Shugart.
http://www.T-Nation.com/findArticle.do?article=05-118-diet
Good luck and patience.