First time BULKERS apply here ;)

[LondonGirlie74]

You may be back at it in a week. I've done the back thing a few times. You do have to be careful and maybe do different exercises, but in a week you may be just fine.

Hi thanks, still hurtin, wot should I do with my cals, drop them? No way can I train at mo.

Thanks

[freebirdmac]

Hi thanks, still hurtin, wot should I do with my cals, drop them? No way can I train at mo.

Thanks

Eat at least at maintenance. Food helps with recovery. Otherwise don't worry about it.

[Sarah97]

I did bad yesterday I ate almost 3/4 of a box of wheat thins and then my husband made some disgustingly delicious homemade pizza and I ate too much of that too. I went over my calories (~2700) and my carbs were through the roof. I don't feel guilty about that as much as I do about not getting enough protein. Oh well. I got tons of sleep last night so regardless I feel really good today, and surprisingly I have zero bloat. I've got all my meals planned out today so I don't derail, and it's my last day lifting for a week..so I'm going to make the best of it.

[LondonGirlie74]

Eat at least at maintenance. Food helps with recovery. Otherwise don't worry about it.

Hi sorry to b pain, but wot would my maintenance roughly b? Havent done this for long so not sure.

[freebirdmac]

Hi sorry to b pain, but wot would my maintenance roughly b? Havent done this for long so not sure.

If you're bulking it should be 250 less than you're eating now. I'd guess around 1900 calories.

[freebirdmac]

Ok so I'm still reading through this thread...you don't do any cardio while bulking? Just lifting...and eating? Are any of you currently counting your cals/macros etc?

Some do. You can work it in. I think it's better to not do any. Get the feel of controlling fat gains through diet and lifting and break any cardio dependency.

I did bad yesterday I ate almost 3/4 of a box of wheat thins and then my husband made some disgustingly delicious homemade pizza and I ate too much of that too. I went over my calories (~2700) and my carbs were through the roof. I don't feel guilty about that as much as I do about not getting enough protein. Oh well. I got tons of sleep last night so regardless I feel really good today, and surprisingly I have zero bloat. I've got all my meals planned out today so I don't derail, and it's my last day lifting for a week..so I'm going to make the best of it.

So what was bad about that???? It is not bad to have a day where you eat whatever you want even if you do undercut protein. Your body may have been screaming for more carbs. The only time we get into trouble is when the eating exceeds our goals too often. Then it's time to figure out why.

[lotusdeva]

Hey bulkin' babes I just whipped up this comparison image that I thought was share-worthy. What a difference a year can make!!!



^^now I probably have a little more body fat in the current picture but there is still some visible progress there. If you are on the fence about an all-out bulk... just do it!

I'll be joining you again in August... I need to focus on my delts, lats, and hamstrings the next time around...

wow, amazing difference!!!

[LondonGirlie74]

If you're bulking it should be 250 less than you're eating now. I'd guess around 1900 calories.

ok thanks alot. i was sort of eating that anyways. once i get back into training, will put it up more.

thanks for your help

[thepowerwithin]

If I were bulking, I may very well enjoy this daily.

I've never had anything that tasted soooo good.

They have dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options.

My favorite is the Sea Salt Carmel.

It should be in the frozen isle section, right next to the Ben and Jerry's

Happy Bulking .



http://talentigelato.com/our-products/

[freebirdmac]

If I were bulking, I may very well enjoy this daily.

I've never had anything that tasted soooo good.

They have dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options.

My favorite is the Sea Salt Carmel.

It should be in the frozen isle section, right next to the Ben and Jerry's

Happy Bulking .



http://talentigelato.com/our-products/

Where is the drool button? Forget the like button

[nacersusaf]

I haven't had that particular flavor, but I have had their Sea Salt Caramel... and yes, it's magical.

[thepowerwithin]

The Sea Salt Carmel is sheer nirvana! I was on vacay and my BF and I found it on sale, 2 for $8. We sat in silence devouring an entire container each, 1,000 calories of total goodness.

I haven't tried the chocolate peanut butter pictured, that's just the pic I chose. It's next on my list!

[thepowerwithin]

Oh, and if you want a good 500-calorie vegan and/or gluten-free cookie......

http://alternativebaking.com/



My very favorite is Explosive Espresso, but they have 14 different cookies.


Lol, can you tell I'm dieting and trying to live (eat) vicariously through you bulkers?

[DaniGrrl]

I have Talenti Coconut gelato in my freezer - it's been there for quite a while. It's amazing - I really should dive into it now that I'm bulking. Will definitely do it once the weather gets warmer for sure. I haven't had any of the other flavors but they all sound amazing! I will have to check out which others are available at my supermarket this week for sure

[thepowerwithin]

I have Talenti Coconut gelato in my freezer - it's been there for quite a while.

Lol! If something is in my freezer that I totally enjoy, it's going down the pipe and won't last long, especially if I'm bulking. I am such a foodie!

Good to know the coconut is good. I've had my eye on that one too.

[DaniGrrl]

Lol! If something is in my freezer that I totally enjoy, it's going down the pipe and won't last long, especially if I'm bulking. I am such a foodie!

Good to know the coconut is good. I've had my eye on that one too.

LOL I bought it just because I wanted to taste it - I'd tried some of a friend's coconut gelato out to dinner one night and wanted to see if it was just as good. And it is! And all natural ingredients which I like. But I was so anti-sugar and I still try to limit it - but now that I am bulking, I do need higher calorie things to meet my calories each day so I've gotten over the sugar phobia. Now I just forget that it's there. Hmmmmm.....I will need carbs and fat for my nighttime snack. I'm gonna have to see if it fits LOL

[freebirdmac]

ok thanks alot. i was sort of eating that anyways. once i get back into training, will put it up more.

thanks for your help

Grrr. All I did was put gas in my car and get in to drive home. No sooner did I get on the road and I had this huge cramp in my upper back just below the shoulder blade. By the time I got home my whole right side, front and bad, from shoulder to waist was complaining. I couldn't even take a deep breath! I either pulled something or some shoulder blade tendonitis has gone berserk! Motrin and pain patches have calmed it down. I can breath deep. But this is probably going to have me out for the week. I can't eat enough to bulk but it still sucks!

Anyway, you're not alone. Crap happens. At least yours involved weights. I have no clue how I could have done any damage. Not thee first time I've been banished from the gym. It's just a blip.

[dreahere]

My very favorite is Explosive Espresso, but they have 14 different cookies.


Lol, can you tell I'm dieting and trying to live (eat) vicariously through you bulkers?

This was so me the whole month of January. I was over in the main nutrition forum reading the Meals Eating Now thread like it was porn, LOL.

But I was so anti-sugar and I still try to limit it - but now that I am bulking, I do need higher calorie things to meet my calories each day so I've gotten over the sugar phobia.

And this was so me at the beginning of my first bulk. I struggled so hard to meet my bulking calories until I welcomed wonderful, wonderful sugar back into my life

[freebirdmac]

LOL I bought it just because I wanted to taste it - I'd tried some of a friend's coconut gelato out to dinner one night and wanted to see if it was just as good. And it is! And all natural ingredients which I like. But I was so anti-sugar and I still try to limit it - but now that I am bulking, I do need higher calorie things to meet my calories each day so I've gotten over the sugar phobia. Now I just forget that it's there. Hmmmmm.....I will need carbs and fat for my nighttime snack. I'm gonna have to see if it fits LOL

Granulated sugar is always in my diet. With all of my food allergy/intolerances Domino's granulated sugar is fine. That should tell you something. I have trouble eating an apple, but not sugar.

[WariorGoddess]

Hey bulkin' babes I just whipped up this comparison image that I thought was share-worthy. What a difference a year can make!!!



^^now I probably have a little more body fat in the current picture but there is still some visible progress there. If you are on the fence about an all-out bulk... just do it!

I'll be joining you again in August... I need to focus on my delts, lats, and hamstrings the next time around...

Amazing thanks for sharing....this inspires me to keep bulking!!! What do you weigh in these pics...not that scale weight holds much validity.

[stephanielynn76]

Amazing thanks for sharing....this inspires me to keep bulking!!! What do you weigh in these pics...not that scale weight holds much validity.

Thanks girl! Yes, keep going! It's worth it! I probably weighed around 120-122lbs in the left and 127lbs on the right.

[DaniGrrl]

And this was so me at the beginning of my first bulk. I struggled so hard to meet my bulking calories until I welcomed wonderful, wonderful sugar back into my life

Granulated sugar is always in my diet. With all of my food allergy/intolerances Domino's granulated sugar is fine. That should tell you something. I have trouble eating an apple, but not sugar.

Yes, I am very glad I have started eating sugar again - very liberating for me! I had been flagged with insulin resistance while I was trying to get pregnant so I had a fear of sugar. But I really ate like crap back then - very little fruits or veggies, too many carbs, not enough protein. So I think those issues have resolved themselves since I have gotten my diet in order. And I really don't eat a lot of sugary things - but am really enjoying my nightly chocolate chips in my yogurt, and sweet treats when I work them in - it's nice

You guys are gonna laugh, though, and this might be more appropriate for the rant thread but I joined this fan page on ********, and the guy just messaged me asking how I liked the page, what my goals are, etc. I explained that I'm bulking and he advised against bulk/cut cycles and told me to stop bulking ASAP. LOL

I am going back and forth about what to do. I wanted to compete in October but am not sure I''ll be ready. I don't think I will be able to keep bulking straight through to January to compete in the spring, just mentally and financially - I'll likely need a whole new wardrobe if I did that. I can't locate a local or even semi-local show in December or I'd plan for that since it would give me another couple months which would be perfect. But it would be go time for October by July which only gives me another month and a half. I could make some gains, and I know I have since January when I upped my calories but will it be enough for figure is the question. And I think I'd have too much for bikini but maybe not. I know it's common to overestimate how much muscle you have. Of course, I won't know either way until I cut and see what's there. And I know the stage isn't going anywhere - if I cut and it's not enough, I can always start bulking again the RIGHT way from the get-go and then be ready, maybe even for an early summer show. I just keep going back and forth. And people are telling me I'll do great, to go for it, on and on. But I don't want to be THAT girl who looks like I don't belong. Right now I'm loving my workouts and loving eating and would love to continue in theory but the wardrobe thing worries me. I may need to really be tightening up my finances over the next couple months depending on what goes on in my life so I have to consider that as well, plus time issues. Decisions, decisions!

[brandewie08]

Hello! So I literally just started and I was wondering what your best advice would be. I'm very brand new to this and still need to learn the ropes. I would love any and all advice anyone is willing to give! Thank you!!!

I'll start. To summarize....

when *I* started~I'm not sure when to say my bulk began. Initially I went from eating at a deficit to eating at what I perceived as maintenance(1900-2000ish) around mid-August. Started eating about 200-300ish above maintenance by the 3rd week in August. BUT my workout program at the time didn't have a set progression and IDK if those calories were actually used to 'bulk" muscle or just went to my love handles LOL! August 29th I started the "allpro's beginner workout" from the workout forums and just started my 2nd 5 wk cycle of that. So hopefully I've got the diet *and* the workout covered now to be officially bulking.

weight gained~went from 123ish to 125 when I went back to maintenance. Then gradually to 126 and 127. I usually weigh 2-3x a week and take the average. Curious to see where this week ends up since I was 129 this morning! I know weight gain is not linear and does flucuate ALOT but I am trying to keep a rough idea of how I am gaining so I am not putting on too much too fast.(<<----somedays I give a fuk about this and somedays I don't. My goal is to build muscle and I'd rather err on the side of getting too many calories than too few. Being an active SAHM my energy out varies so it's hard to really *know* what my maintenance is.)

goal~bulk til Feb-March. It'll depend on what I see in the mirror as far as muscle gain *and* fat gain.

mind fuk~most days I am good about all this. The feeling of strength has always been more important to me than feeling "thin" for lack of a better word. BUT there have been a few times that I've felt a bit mushy etc. already. Overall though it's been a positive, enjoyable experience thus far....hoping to continue that way.




Okay other first timers! I *know* you are out there! Your turn to chime in!

[LondonGirlie74]

Grrr. All I did was put gas in my car and get in to drive home. No sooner did I get on the road and I had this huge cramp in my upper back just below the shoulder blade. By the time I got home my whole right side, front and bad, from shoulder to waist was complaining. I couldn't even take a deep breath! I either pulled something or some shoulder blade tendonitis has gone berserk! Motrin and pain patches have calmed it down. I can breath deep. But this is probably going to have me out for the week. I can't eat enough to bulk but it still sucks!

Anyway, you're not alone. Crap happens. At least yours involved weights. I have no clue how I could have done any damage. Not thee first time I've been banished from the gym. It's just a blip.

Oh no, gutted. hope your ok. nothing worse when you are getting somewhere and then it has to stop. Maybe you just moved a wrong way, it happened to me before in the bath. Im just taking anti inflammitories and spent all day in bed yesterday. work today though!

hope you feel better soon.

[Sarah97]

So crappy. I hope you guys get better fast. I'm hoping I don't join the ranks of the injured. Tough Mudder is in 4 days. I'm not nervous, just want to get it over with -_-

[thepowerwithin]

Grrr. All I did was put gas in my car and get in to drive home. No sooner did I get on the road and I had this huge cramp in my upper back just below the shoulder blade. By the time I got home my whole right side, front and bad, from shoulder to waist was complaining. I couldn't even take a deep breath! I either pulled something or some shoulder blade tendonitis has gone berserk! Motrin and pain patches have calmed it down. I can breath deep. But this is probably going to have me out for the week. I can't eat enough to bulk but it still sucks!

Anyway, you're not alone. Crap happens. At least yours involved weights. I have no clue how I could have done any damage. Not thee first time I've been banished from the gym. It's just a blip.

Yikes! Sorry .

It amazes me how some of the most minor tweaks screw with us the most. I've been almost debilitated from sleeping in a weird position. I have a box of lidocaine patches just in case.

Try to enjoy your week and hang in there. Maybe a good book or good movies .

[SweetnBossy]

So I think I just have to bite the bullet and (continue to) cut. Freebirdmac I. Think you are soo right- I would def be happier bulking with less fat to start with. Doesn't mean I have to like it though lol. I'm struggling with 1500 cals and I don't see the scale dropping or the number on my waist. I track my cals and weigh and measure everything. I do notice my clothes fit looser. But sometimes I am soo hungry lol. Luckily I'm. NOT feeling weaker in the gym.

[freebirdmac]

So I think I just have to bite the bullet and (continue to) cut. Freebirdmac I. Think you are soo right- I would def be happier bulking with less fat to start with. Doesn't mean I have to like it though lol. I'm struggling with 1500 cals and I don't see the scale dropping or the number on my waist. I track my cals and weigh and measure everything. I do notice my clothes fit looser. But sometimes I am soo hungry lol. Luckily I'm. NOT feeling weaker in the gym.

1500 is kind of low for you. Getting smaller is success even if the scale doesn't change though. What I'd do is eat at maintenance for a couple of weeks then restart the diet at 1700 cals. Make sure you get enough good fats!

[SweetnBossy]

Thanks again...that is exactly what I'll do! I make sure I get my good fats plus I take a fish oil supplement.

[Sarah97]

^that reminds me I should be more consistent taking mine. My doctor also told me to start taking a Vit D+Ca supplement I've been slacking on as well.

I'm frustrated. I haven't hit my calories these last two days. Yesterday I had reflux for some reason and had that "one more bite of anything and I will throw up" feeling, and today I'm nauseous as well. I hit about 1800 yesterday and 2000 today. I think it's because I started a new pack of bc pills on Sunday. The first week of my pack I get sick to my stomach. I guess because of the high hormone levels of the first week of pills? I don't know. I have a bbq to go to tomorrow and the day after though, so I should have no problem hitting it then.

I'm happy I've made some visible progress in my back. The first picture was exactly one month ago when I was starting out. It just makes me so excited for what the next 5+ months have in store in terms of gains.