Yesterday I had a fitness test at the gym. Considering the data and measurements ( see my latest Journal post (http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showpost.php?p=522923&postcount=10)) I decided to enter my first bulking phase.

I plan on increasing my calorie intake from 2000 to 3000. My question is: at which pace should I do this?

I was thinking of going from 2000 to 2500 (maintenance level) directly and then take steps of 150 cal per week. So it would be like this

now: 2000 cal
next saturday: 2500 > maintain for a week
one week later 2650 > maintain for a week
another week later: 2800 > maintain for a week
another week later: 2950 ~ 3000

after that: monitor my weight and adjust if necessary.

Any ideas? :)

Any ideas? :)
Apperently not. Well, I guess I just stick to that plan then :cool:

I wouldn't jump 500 in a week. Just add 200 a day for 5 weeks.

Whats wrong with just starting with the correct amount?

Whats wrong with just starting with the correct amount?
Your stomach doesn't have a chance to adjust to the increased food intake. The stomach doesn't stay one size. It actually shrinks and expands based on the amount of food you eat. If you're on a cutting diet and you're eating relatively little, your stomach is going to shrink to the appropriate size based on that food intake. If you suddenly switch to a bulking diet and start packing in the food, your stomach is going to fill up quickly because the stomach is adjusted to a much lower capacity. This can cause considerable discomfort both physically and psychologically (stuffing your face to the point of nausea meal after meal is not a pleasant experience). However, if you slowly increase your food intake, the transition will be easier on both your body and mind.

Also, much more apt in this case, the "correct" amount of calories changes as you progress through a bulk. You'll need more and more calories as your bulk progresses in order to continue making gains.

In addition to what chic said, I think going up slowly allows for the metabolism to ramp up gradually instead it being in it's lowered state from cutting and having a bunch of extra calories thrown at it all of a sudden. In that case, you very well could have more spillover into fat than necessary.

Makes sense! :nod: