Don't under estimate eating well...

[Kwello]

I never used to be a nut about what I ate and when. I'd eat when I was hungry and just sort of eat whatever I felt like. Luckily I have a crazy high metabolism, but the main problem is that I wasn't eating enough.

Lately I've been really paying attention to my food intake though. I've been starting off every morning now with 4 eggs and 5 pieces of bacon, then for lunch/dinner I'll have some meat lasagna or chicken with onions, garlic, mushrooms and bean sprouts or something like weens and beans.

Anyway, ever since I started doing this, my growth has become practically exponential. I've been adding 5-15lbs to my squats/deads/bench every week.

I'm not using creatine/whey or any suppliments yet since I'm still in university with no income and really can't afford it... but once I start working I'll get on top of that.

I just want to make sure that I don't really lose my definition though as I increase in size. Is the stuff that I'm eating a good regimen for that? It's all high protein, low fat pretty much... and I've cut out fast food almost completely.

 

[stinkyape]

I just want to make sure that I don't really lose my definition though as I increase in size. Is the stuff that I'm eating a good regimen for that? It's all high protein, low fat pretty much... and I've cut out fast food almost completely.

Bacon is probably the fattiest food possible, dude Stick to the eggs alone, or at least substitute bacon for chicken rashers (the ones that taste like bacon ). Low fat lasagne made with cottage cheese rather than normal cheese can be a great low fat protein source.

 

[Warboss Alex]

eating low fat = best way to get fat. Do some basic reading.

I do agree that lots of good food is key to growth, and the optimal way to gain muscle is lots of carbs and adding bodyfat as you add muscle.

However, you're not really eating big just yet. If you eat six meals a day of the same sort as your current meals, you'll see even better results.

 

[Kwello]

Yeah I know bacon's not great... but it's also only like 4-5 slices of it.

I used to eat FAR worse though and still was able to maintain ~3% BF. Back when McDonalds had the McDeal... I'd eat that **** 2-3 times a week and still never gain a pound somehow.

I guess if I do start losing definition, I'll cut out the bacon.

 

[Kwello]

eating low fat = best way to get fat. Do some basic reading.

I do agree that lots of good food is key to growth, and the optimal way to gain muscle is lots of carbs and adding bodyfat as you add muscle.

However, you're not really eating big just yet. If you eat six meals a day of the same sort as your current meals, you'll see even better results.

Damn haha, I'm not sure I can even afford to feed myself. Anyway my job is going to start me off very nicely for salary, so once I get used to not being broke all the time, I'll give it a try with meals 6 times a day.

I don't understand though why low fat = best way to get fat. I'm very up on my actual fitness information, but due to my natural metabolism I've really never payed any attention to nutrition.

 

[Warboss Alex]

Well, first, let me ask you how old you are. Because your natural metabolism will slow eventually and you should learn how to eat properly first.

And basically, if you eat low fat, you need lots of calories from carbs if you wanna spare protein for muscle growth. And most people can't tolerate lots of carbs. If you're a naturally skinny person or a teenager you can get away with it but you'd still stay leaner (keep your definition) by eating high protein, mod high fat, and time your carbs to when you need them.

 

[Kwello]

I'm 23 right now. I'm naturally skinny though and always have been. Even before I started doing anything fitness related, I'd have abs and naturally high muscle tone and definition (since like age 7).

The thing is though that with all this carb timing and everything like that, I really don't want to feel like my life is run by nutrition. I don't mind picking out really good stuff to eat when I'm at the store, but in terms of planning out all my meals with set times etc... I just don't really find that stuff too enjoyable.

I do try and eat a big, high protein meal after the gym though. Aside from that I just try to eat when I'm hungry (which is a LOT more often lately) or when it seems to make sense to eat.

Thanks for all the advice btw Alex, we all appreciate it a lot.

 

[Warboss Alex]

Naturally skinny guys can get away with more carbs, this is true. And if you are as ectomorphic as you say then you'll most likely need starchy carbs daily to gain weight. But you can gain well on lower carb approaches too.

Basically, if you're worried about keeping your definition while growing you have to make the compromise of being a little more anal with your diet and meal timings, as well as settling for slower weight gain (but you'll stay leaner and the weight you gain will be muscle and not fat). You have to give a little to gain a lot.

Of course, if what you're doing right now is working then run with it .. I'm just saying that if keep your definition is an issue to you then certain things (carb timing, cardio etc) must be structured appropriately. But if you're satisfied with what you're doing now, by all means stay with it.

 

[Francisco d'Anconia]

Bacon is probably the fattiest food possible, dude Stick to the eggs alone, or at least substitute bacon for chicken rashers (the ones that taste like bacon ). ..

Don't forgetthe goodness of turkey bacon!

 

[BluEyes]

used to eat FAR worse though and still was able to maintain ~3% BF.

Good lord!!!

I eat clean as a baby's ass + 5x cardio a week + 3x lifting a week and I'm battling get under 10%bf.

 

[Warboss Alex]

BluEyes, if you've hit a wall, I would add in 3 extra cardio sessions on your offdays. Make these in the evening after your carb cutoff.. also you may need to cycle your carbs more intensely.

 

[BluEyes]

Cycle carbs more intensely?

as in:

Days 1 & 2 = high carb
Days 3 & 4 = low carb
Days 5 -7 = no carb

That sort of thing?

 

[Warboss Alex]

Something along those lines. Drop me a PM or start a thread detailing your exact diet and whether or not you're losing fat right now.

 

[ryannath]

Kwello when do you have supper? Do you not have supper? I have breakfeast, dinner and supper and I drink protein shakes during the day too.

 

[Call_Me_Daddy]

eating low fat = best way to get fat

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[Create Reality]

Why do you cycle carbs?

 

[Warboss Alex]

basically to keep burning fat while keeping strength - your body won't adapt to the lower calories because the metabolism/thyroid keep running hot