[Steve]

Originally Posted by mtxpert

What was your starting weight and weight now?

200 lbs. I look bigger in my AVI, but I am not. Being naturally lean helps in perception.

Next bulk I would like to end at around 215, but that is really pushing my body to the limits. We shall see!

Any specific bulking food suggestions?

Food is food. The specific types of foods one's eat has little role in which way your weight is going. Calories are the catalyst.

That said, as I said above, I always try and get at least one gram per lb of LBM. I always make sure to get my EFAs in. After that, it is fair game, for the most part. I don't really restrict myself too much while bulking.

I simply set my caloric goal. Say it is 3500. Then, I make sure I get my protein in. Say that is 180 grams. That equates to 720 cals. I still have 2780 cals to "fill." Next order of importance are my fats. Personally, I take in .75 grams per lb. As a general recommendation, I like to say .25-.5 grams per pound is appropriate for most. This equates to 150 grams of fat. 150 grams of fat equates to 1350 calories. That still leaves me with approximately 1400 calories to "fill." This will be comprised of mainly fruits, veggies, and starchy carbs. That equates to roughly 350 grams of carbs. Might be too much for some who are more carb sensitive. If that is the case, I would minimize the carbs and up the fats. Remember, there are only 3 macronutrients you have to work with.

As for foods, and this is not precise, but on AVERAGE, my macros comprise of the following:

Protein: Eggs, chicken, turkey, pork tenderloin, lean ground beef, lean cuts of steak, fish, protein powder.

Fats: Olive oil, Udo's Oil, natural peanut butter, walnuts, pecans, almonds, fish oil, avocados

Carbs: Whole wheat pasta, yams, various fruits and veggies, whole wheat tortillas, brown rice.... I think there is more my I am having a brain fart.

That the basic gist of it. Certainly not a science, and anyone telling you otherwise is probably bogus.

I never thought I would hate eating as much as I do right now. Two days into 5K a day calories and I HATE IT!!!

Damn, 5K per day. I have a fast metabolism and I don't even need that!! What are you current stats?

I'm doing 3 weeks bulk/1 week cut cycle, we'll see how that works out. 245 at 8% BF by May 1, 2008 baby!!!!

I never did well with cyclical diets where you jump from bulking to cutting. My body, as well as many of my clients I used to work with responded better when one goal was focused on at a time. It seems like there is a momentum factor at times, when it comes to weight loss or gain. At least from my experience, that is.

And wow, 245 @ 8%.... that is huugggeee. Will this be natural?