is this normal for coming off keto..?

[kassr6]

first attempt at a clean bulk, i'm about 2 months in. I did a keto diet for about 2 months of the summer to attempt to get a 6 pack got pretty close but then summer was over and decided i want to try to gain some mass. I looked in the mirror the other day and got a little freaked since i used to be a chubby dude and I dont want to go back to it. so here are pics of me at the end of my keto and currently.

Right before i started clean bulk: phone pics 018.jpg
Currently: phone pics 282.jpg
I know i'm supposed to be a little more bloated and look a little fatter during a bulk but is this too much for about 2 months of bulking? I also have been doing cardio after workouts 20-25 min of HIIT about 3 days out of the 4-5 i work out.

I'm pretty much hitting my macros for a clean bulk here is my typical diet that i tend to stick to pretty strictly.

Breakfast 1 1/2 scoop whey + banana
2 whole eggs 2 egg whites, piece of whole wheat toast, 2 pieces of bacon
Morning snack: 1/2 cup oatmeal + apple + whole wheat banana bread muffin
Lunch: 11 oz chicken breast, either whole wheat noodles or a potato
Snack: turkey + roast beef sandwhich
Postworkout: 2 scoop whey + oatmeal
Dinner 11 oz chicken breast, either whole wheat noodles or potato
Sometimes before bed i'll eat a couple boiled eggs before bed if i feel a bit hungry but tahts about it

Sunday: legs + cardio
Tuesday:chest + cardio
Wednesday: back + cardio
Friday:Shoulders

Sometimes i'll do an extra day for arms and some cardio but thats about it. I mix in abs randomly.
5'10 150 at end of keto, i'm at 165 ish right now.

so, is this mostly due to the water retention from taking carbs or should i adjust my diet? I havent noticed any significant increases in weight also.

[Bonkies]

strongbulk/10 lol 15lbs in 8 weeks how many cals over maintenance are you eating ?

[lllDBOlll]

That's a hell of a gain. Reduce calories to get around 1lb a week max gain.

[kassr6]

300 cals over maintence for the most part (3100 calories), i do cheat once in a while maybe once every two weeks but i'm bulking so it shouldnt be that big of an issue, and i usually adjust my cals to fit a cheat in if i do.

Also I weighed in at 161 this morning so 11 lbs in 8 weeks, and the picture was taken post work out... is the fattyness/bloated look just water weight from carbs being reintroduced?

[JonVermilion]

damn, good think i plan on bulking with a tkd.

[03SVT_COBRA]

Are you trying to get big or be cut and ripped? I have been debating whether to do a clean bulk after I achieve my keto goals or to stay on a bulk with a tkd like suggested above. After leaning towards the clean bulk at first I am now leaning towards a tkd. The reason for this is because while I may not add on the amount of mass I would want as quickly, I would be maintaining the body I have worked so hard to achieve. I do not weigh myself, because weight is almost irrevevant to me. The mirror and the occasional hydro-static test are what matter to me. To me their is no point in losing my 6-pack for 4-6 months on a clean bulk, only to have to lose the inevitable fat that I will put on, then to find out I probably only gained a minimal amount of muscle more than what I would have on a tkd while not looking my best for those 4-6 months.

Having said that, you have made good progress, and I bet a majority of those pounds are water weight, which can be lost quickly. You said you have lost 11 pounds, but have you noticed a significant increase in your lifts? Maybe a change of routine is necessary?

[JonVermilion]

Are you trying to get big or be cut and ripped? I have been debating whether to do a clean bulk after I achieve my keto goals or to stay on a bulk with a tkd like suggested above. After leaning towards the clean bulk at first I am now leaning towards a tkd. The reason for this is because while I may not add on the amount of mass I would want as quickly, I would be maintaining the body I have worked so hard to achieve. I do not weigh myself, because weight is almost irrevevant to me. The mirror and the occasional hydro-static test are what matter to me. To me their is no point in losing my 6-pack for 4-6 months on a clean bulk, only to have to lose the inevitable fat that I will put on, then to find out I probably only gained a minimal amount of muscle more than what I would have on a tkd while not looking my best for those 4-6 months.

Having said that, you have made good progress, and I bet a majority of those pounds are water weight, which can be lost quickly. You said you have lost 11 pounds, but have you noticed a significant increase in your lifts? Maybe a change of routine is necessary?

Yeah tkd is best when you want to keep what you have but slowly (depends on plan) build muscle mass. take 250 of test and 250 of deca weekly. IM kidding. lol

[Atavis]

Correction: best is the most carbs you can eat without causing unwanted or excessive adipose tissue accretion.

[Bigboybar]

Correction: best is the most carbs you can eat without causing unwanted or excessive adipose tissue accretion.

What's the best way to gave that Atavis? Without scientific data? Just trial and error? Cuz that's the one thing I'm afraid of going back on carbs. That and the craving for when I do plan on doing a bulk