Bulking Without Macros

[CowPimp]

Before I begin, I must start by saying that proper monitoring of macros is definitely the most effective way to control your body's response to exercise. There is no replacement for counting out the protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Whether you want to bulk, cut, or maintain, this is the way to go.

Many people don't have the time, patience, dedication, or whatever their reason may be to count out their macros like this. I have been effectively bulking for about a year now without counting macros. Instead I abide by the following set of rules:

- Eat some carbs, protein, and good fats at every meal, except my right before bed meal during which I skip on the carbs.

- Eat a serving of fruits or vegetables at every meal. I usually eat the fruits earlier in the day and switch to veggies later.

- Look at total calories per meal. I try to get 700+ calories per meal, but it will obviously depend on your body. I can add this up very quickly in my head.

- Eat every 3 hours. I don't even usually count the number of meals per day. I just try to eat every 3 hours that I am awake.

- Count protein per meal. I try to eat a minimum of 30 grams of protein per meal, and usually shoot for 40-50. This is the only macro I count, and I don't keep track for the entire day.

- Drink two glasses of water after every meal.

 

[aggies1ut]

Bulking for a year? Wow. How long do plan on continuing to bulk?

 

[Yanick]

Thats pretty much my approach right now and when i was bulking. I count kcals in my head make sure to get about 60-70g P/meal, 30-50g C/meal, and 15-20g F/meal. I try to get atleast 5 meals in one day, but my schedule is not constant from day to day so i just try and eat every 3-5 hours. Its a decent approach to bulking and maintaining but when i cutting i always write a meal plan and eat the same everyday because IMO you have to be extra careful when cutting and you need to know where and when to make changes.

 

[CowPimp]

Originally posted by aggies1ut
Bulking for a year? Wow. How long do plan on continuing to bulk?

I am going to bulk until I am bigger than I want to be. That way when I cut down a little I will be the size I want to be. It will probably be years before I stop bulking. I'm not looking to compete or anything, so I would be happy with 12% bodyfat. I think that's a healthy and relatively easily maintainable body fat level. I may decide to go as low as 10%, but no lower. Going lower than 10% isn't especially healthy.

 

[CowPimp]

Originally posted by Yanick
Thats pretty much my approach right now and when i was bulking. I count kcals in my head make sure to get about 60-70g P/meal, 30-50g C/meal, and 15-20g F/meal. I try to get atleast 5 meals in one day, but my schedule is not constant from day to day so i just try and eat every 3-5 hours. Its a decent approach to bulking and maintaining but when i cutting i always write a meal plan and eat the same everyday because IMO you have to be extra careful when cutting and you need to know where and when to make changes.

I would definitely make a more set meal plan if I was cutting. I just figure that while I'm bulking it is better to eat a little more than a little less when I am in doubt. I don't even go so far as to count carbs and fat, I just include a good source of carbs and fat in every meal. I'm not saying that it's a bad idea, but I just don't even go that far and I have had consistent results thus far.