Will Chicken breast help me with my slow bulk?

[piyudwi88]

Hey guys,

I am 6'1" and 162 lbs (around 15% bf) and trying to slow gain. I'm a vegetarian (by religion) who eats eggs and has never tried meat. However, if its going to help me build muscle, I would consider eating chicken. Can you someone tell me how much of a difference it would really make if I started eating chicken (keeping in mind that I'm already reaching my macro goals)?

Macros:

Cals - 2800
Protein - 165-190 gms --> Only 1 scoop of whey. Rest is all from actual food
Fats - 75-90 gms
Carbs - Whatever is left

My primary protein sources include - lentils, ***e yogurt, cottage cheese, whey and milk.

I've been noticing a difference in my body with the current diet (apart from the small belly gain) and I know its a matter of being patient. But, if the muscle gain is going to be better with chicken, I'd be open to trying it. I'd really appreciate any and all input.

[NotThereYet25]

Won't make any difference If you're already consuming enough protein and most of it from high quality sources.

[Prexylol]

Won't make any difference If you're already consuming enough protein and most of it from high quality sources.

This, Also I do not suggest slow bulking on 15% BF

[piyudwi88]

Won't make any difference If you're already consuming enough protein and most of it from high quality sources.

Umm... So, just stick to what I'm eating and have patience then? I could as well increase my eggs consumption. But, I already consume 10 of them for dinner (with 4 whole eggs)

[Partyrocking]

Umm... So, just stick to what I'm eating and have patience then? I could as well increase my eggs consumption. But, I already consume 10 of them for dinner (with 4 whole eggs)

If you're not gaining weight, eat more food. It doesn't have to be protein.

[piyudwi88]

This, Also I do not suggest slow bulking on 15% BF

You mean I should eat more? I'm gaining close to 0.5 lbs per week. The weight does jump up by 1-1.5 lbs sometimes. But, that's mostly water I guess because the next morning, its back to normal.

[KotekFit]

Umm... So, just stick to what I'm eating and have patience then? I could as well increase my eggs consumption. But, I already consume 10 of them for dinner (with 4 whole eggs)

Protein is protein. Chicken breast is just easier because it's protein dense. As @Notthereyet25 pointed out, as long as you get your macros right and you hit your protein goals, you'll be fine. The only thing is you probably have to eat alot more food , quantity wise, to hit the same protein target but if you can deal with it. Go for it. Good luck.

[NotThereYet25]

Umm... So, just stick to what I'm eating and have patience then? I could as well increase my eggs consumption. But, I already consume 10 of them for dinner (with 4 whole eggs)

Yes, and stop looking for some magic food/protein source. There isn't one.
Consume enough protein, make sure most of it is high quality protein and distribute it reasonably (3-6 meals) - that's all you need to do.

You could actually even ditch that 1 scoop of whey completely if you wanted, 165-190g is already more than enough to optimize muscle gain. You could do just as good with 133-160g.

[piyudwi88]

Protein is protein. Chicken breast is just easier because it's protein dense. As @Notthereyet25 pointed out, as long as you get your macros right and you hit your protein goals, you'll be fine. The only thing is you probably have to eat alot more food , quantity wise, to hit the same protein target but if you can deal with it. Go for it. Good luck.

Yep. That's the sad part. I do struggle on some days to get more than 170 gms - Like I have to consume something with 200 cals just to get 10-15 gms protein.

[piyudwi88]

Yes, and stop looking for some magic food/protein source. There isn't one.
Consume enough protein, make sure most of it is high quality protein and distribute it reasonably (3-6 meals) - that's all you need to do.

You could actually even ditch that 1 scoop of whey completely if you wanted, 165-190g is already more than enough to optimize muscle gain. You could do just as good with 133-160g.

Yes, Sir. I know there are no magic pills and its all hard work+patience. However, I keep reading around here in the forums that "0.8 gms protein each lb of body weight is good. BUT, the more you consume, the better". So, I was just trying to see if I should shoot for around 180-200 gms on a daily basis. And just wanted to be sure I was doing my best to put on muscle. *I am super greedy for muscle*

[NotThereYet25]

Yes, Sir. I know there are no magic pills and its all hard work+patience. However, I keep reading around here in the forums that "0.8 gms protein each lb of body weight is good. BUT, the more you consume, the better". So, I was just trying to see if I should shoot for around 180-200 gms on a daily basis. And just wanted to be sure I was doing my best to put on muscle. *I am super greedy for muscle*

Don't know who wrote that, but it's not true. There's a limit to how much protein your body can use to build muscle, 0.82-1g/lb is already the highest range of this limit.

That is not to say that you can't eat more protein, you certainly can - but it won't make you build even more muscle.

[piyudwi88]

it won't make you build even more muscle.

Did read something along these lines on Body Recomposition website. However, I guess I am trying to over compensate because I *thought* I am not getting "complete" protein because I don't eat meat. Sorry for my ignorance. Thanks a lot for your inputs bro!!