Weight loss/gain with heavy lifting

lilawolf

My TDEE is 22-2400 calories based on calculators and my experience losing weight. My plan was to start there (2170 + workout cals on lifting days of 140) and then bump as needed to keep up a 0.5lb weight gain for 12 weeks. My plans changed when I found out that I am going to Hawaii in a month.. I just need some help determining what my calorie goal should be, because my results have been all over the place. When I was losing weight, I was very consistent. My water weight doesn't fluctuate much usually, so this is harder to figure out. I am sure water and glycogen in the muscles is part of the issue, but shouldn't that become more and more consistent to? My activity doesn't change a lot week to week. I do stronglifts 5x5, 3 times a week.

Before: 1550 = 1.1lb (+/- .2) weight loss. 30c/30p/40f ish

Week 1: 2093 cals, 32c/29p/39f, avg protein 148, GAINED: 1.1lbs
Week 2: 2103 cals, 31c/27p/42f, avg protein 136, GAINED: 0.7lbs
Week 3: 2132 cals, 33c/28p/39f, avg protein 145, GAINED: 1.5lbs
Week 4: 2112 cals, 34c/30p/36f, avg protein 149, GAINED: 0.2lbs
Week 5: 1945 cals, 33c/29p/38f, avg protien 130, LOST: 1.1lbs also added creatine supp this week (water!)

What is my TDEE then? Were all of the gains I had just water and glycogen and muscle and not fat at all? I'm very confused. I don't want to cut fast enough to lose any muscle: I just want to put off my bulk for a while.

Thanks!

P.s. The good news is that all of my lifts have gone up by 25%!

lilawolf

Bump

lilawolf

Anyone?

michellekicks

If you went from one week at 1500+ exercise to 2100 the gains you're seeing are probably about adding water/glycogen. Are you saying you want to stop gaining because of your trip? I'd stick to about 2000/day if that's the case. You probably won't gain anymore at that.