Not for most of us. “Dirty bulking” is typically when we use the excuse to single-handedly stress the Taco Bell and Pizza Hut supply chain. You’re just talking a surplus from the same quality foods - that’s an awesome way to do it. Sloppier eaters get bored with the quality food and “dirty bulk” by creating that surplus with lower-nutrient choices.
I’d also remind you that “calories out” is not static; eating 1000 calories more isn’t immediately a 1000 calorie surplus, but you know that.
Spot on with this ^^^
As a dietitian I deal with a lot of folks where food and exercise are their life focus. Encouraging any type of restriction, certain diet types, macro breakdowns, etc. feed the beast. They’ve convinced themselves that they do better on low carb, don’t “like” certain foods, are gluten intolerant, dairy intolerant, that their “digestion is off”… you name it - anything to help justify their patterns, habits and behaviors. They ask the SAME questions over and over but rarely, if ever, do they take the advice given or action to change. It takes a complete reconfiguration and a new way of thinking to break the cycle. This process isn’t fast or easy for anyone involved. In many cases it takes a team of professionals (psychologist, dietitian, coach, etc.) and a SUPER strong support and accountability system to interrupt and reverse.
Oftentimes, answering their questions and trying to help only feeds the behavior. It’s a fragile situation that needs to be taken seriously - if it isn’t the battle only gets worse and becomes a lifelong struggle. So many times, it’s not about the food, it’s not about the exercise, it’s not about body image - these are just symptoms to a much larger problem and the issues behind those problems need to be discovered and addressed in order to actually help the person struggling.
Smart people tell me that reverse dieting is a thing. Sounds like it might be what you’re experiencing
Disclaimer: non-smart person talking
Exactly! It’s a very difficult situation and sadly it usually becomes a lifelong struggle.
This is so true. People are often ashamed in taking the first step to address these problems so if anyone reading this feels like they can relate… I promise you’re not alone!
@Bronwen_Blunt i stand corrected. Workout stamina is higher
I was doing a fitness assessment with my kids today and decided to jump in and join them for a few exercises:
Max pull ups: 25
Max dips: 27
Max push ups (in 1 min): 55
Max sit ups (in 1 min): 62
Traded in my gym clothes for a dress this afternoon. I’m happy to say my quads are getting leaner!
Hope everyone is having a good week 
You look freaking amazing!!!
I have no confidence whatsoever in dresses lol
I took a handful of them and then became frustrated so I was just like ehh.
Oh you’re okay I don’t mind.
To be fair I spent way too long figuring out a method that wouldn’t irritate me, and I’ve just been comfortable with these cotton fluffs that I assembled into pads.
I’ll have to put a link to the cotton I get. I just get some from ethically sourced small owned shops on Etsy. I just sew a line of gauze around the perimeter and buy a pack of brand name pads and cut out that sticky/plastic part so it can anchor to my underwear.
I know that’s like…really specific and kinda odd for most folks, but I feel hella comfortable. Like reaaaaaaaally comfortable. And I only have to arts and crafts maybe once every two months.
I’m not a DIYer but a big fan of Etsy. In a similar vein I’m considering buying some reusable period underwear if the cup doesn’t work out for me in some cases.
Overall I’m pleased to see that there are these eco- and budget-friendlier options available now, or they’re at least discussed and marketed more. I wish I knew about them when I was a teenager.
That’s awesome!! 
Up date time
So I have been taking the prometrium since saturday night.
Right off the bat, I have terrible bloating and craps. So last night (monday) I only did a half dose. I feel better today.
2 other noticeable thing, I don’t have the crazy starvation feeling and I have no emotions. Sleep is shit on the other hand but it is always that way around that time of the month. I don’t feel tired maybe a bit hyper/wired.
I will do an other half dose tonight and I am keeping up with the vit D3 and omega 3 daily stuff.
Think I won’t be able to participate In the Metcon challenge. Even with all the saving I’ve been doing it’s just something my budget wont allow, and it’s the only way to gain access. I’m kinda annoyed by that, but I get it still.
Glad you felt better after the half dose because feeling bloated SUCKS! Thank you for updating us on this, it’s very interesting.
Are you keeping it at half dose for now?
It looks like an awesome program. Are you going to try it even if you’re not a part of the challenge?
What supplements are you currently using? Maybe the Surge is something that you could save up for and use in the future… I think it would be very beneficial for a strength athlete like yourself. I used Plazma forever and didn’t think I’d find anything comparable but I’ve completely switched over.
I went half dose 2 nights and got back to a full dose with out any bloat.
I am feeling pretty good, if not wanting to kill every one or crying over nothing is good.
I am not the one you come to for moral support in normal time. You come see me to help you fix stuff.
I’ve been thinking about doing it, but I’d rather just try it when I’ve got some money to spend.
I quite enjoyed Plazma as well. Super easy on my stomach too.
As of now I don’t take anything but I have it on my grocery list to get some kind of workout powder, a good quality one of course
Today was day one using a menstrual cup – this is life-changing! Didn’t lift today but should be interesting to see how that goes tomorrow. Will report back.
Off topic…. What’s everyone’s favorite underwear brand? There’s nothing worse than uncomfortable underwear when training!
Personally I am a thong girl because I can’t stand underwear lines in my pants but it’s always a struggle to find something comfortable. I recently discovered the lululemon underwear… it’s hurts my feelings to spend so much money on underwear but TOTALLY worth it 
I picked up some New Balance Breathe underwear about six months ago. I wish I had grabbed enough to replace all of my underwear. They are comfortable, breathe well and even though I opted for the hipster cut, they don’t show in my tightest, thinnest pants. I do not wear tights, no idea how that would look. However, they come in a thong as well. 3 pack for $25, about half of the lululemon, if you want to give them a go.
I’ll have to check them out!!! That’s a much better price for sure.