I need friends who are bulking

sixfeettall

Hi! I am considering starting bulking.
I'm an 18 year old female - 6'0, weigh 136lbs and I'm apparently 23% body-fat.

Last year, I went from 162lbs in 133lbs in a space of about 6 months, so I'm a bit wary about bulking, since I put so much effort into losing weight. However, I've recently started weight training and I now realise, if I don't eat enough, I'm never going to gain muscle to make a noticeable difference - I'm right, aren't I?

I've upped my calories to 2340 and I'm going to see how I get on and then reassess. I'd love to see the food diaries of other people bulking. I don't want to bulk by eating tonnes of chocolate, ice cream, pop tarts and McDonald's, I'd much rather do it through wholesome, healthy food but would love some ideas from other people.

Please feel free to add me - would be so much help!

JoRocka

might find this group helpful!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/51470-women-who-bulk

at 6 foot and under 140- I wouldn't be surprised if you were lower than 23- that seems high for someone so tall at that weight to be honest- but I'm musing... regardless- putting on weight is great!!!

You are young- I would eat all the things- and lift all the things- You probably need to be eating more than 2300- that's was my starting bulk number and I'm shorter than you- and fatter

I would set a general time frame- will help you have a goal. I started with 4-6 months- 4 months min and 6 months max. Gave me a ball park so I could bail if I wanted to and still get results.

If you are doing a shorter bulk- only 2 months or so- get aggressive with the calories- you have less time to wait to see if it is good enough- if it's a longer bulk- you can wait out 2-3 weeks and see if you are gaining.

Also as you bulk- your metabolism creeps up- and you actually need more food- it's not a static number. I'm finding my original number is far to low now for me!!!

sixfeettall

Ah thank you so much for that link!

I used one of those weighing scale things at the gym, not sure how accurate it is. It's not one you pay for or anything, but it's the best I have to go on!
I thought about sticking with 2340 and then jumping on the scales in a month or so. I just need to get the mindset out of my head that higher numbers aren't a bad thing, otherwise I know I'll just run straight back to eating under maintenance again! But, eating more food sounds amazing to me, I can't turn that down!

JoRocka

it's fun for a while- but it gets to a point where you feel fat gross and you kind of really hate how you look. Not the time to give up- keep pressing through- it's hard.

after about 6 weeks if you are gaining you'll notice. You have to really kind of just go for it- and remember oreo's are delicious- and so are PR's!!!

3laine75

Doing my first bulk ATM - 4 lb to go, thank goodness, starting to feel a bit pudgy again but I will miss the strength gains when it's time to cut.

Feel free to add ( I don't say much though:/)

ETA: thanks for the link, also, jo - hadn't seen that before.