More Calories, Less Fat

If there’s one thing I learned from my participation in the Bodybuilding.com 2013 Transformation Challenge Sponsored by Dymatize that stands out from the rest it’s that when one eats is sometimes as important as what one eats.

In an effort to find an eating plan — I’m not even sure “plan” is the right word, it’s more of a lifestyle thing — that works for me, I’ve been steadily upping my calories since the Challenge ended. Whereas, the 3,040 calories I consumed on Feb. 28 was my highest total during the seven-week Challenge, lately I’ve been averaging more calories than that.

Yet, I’ve gained a grand total of 0.1 pounds since I took my Final pictures two weeks ago.

Frankly, my goal after the Challenge was to gain weight by “bulking” a bit, as I thought that might be a great way to allow me some extra calories. Now, I’m not sure what I should do. I’m OK at the calorie level I’m at — not hungry and, in fact, often full — but I want to have some goals in the gym besides working hard… and I’m still very, very nervous about quitting my cardio program altogether.

My thinking is: Why “bulk up” with fat? Right now, I’m maintaining my present weight and losing fat; that strikes me as a whole lot better than gaining weight and having to trim a ton of fat later on (been there, done that, didn’t care for it).

All things considered, it’s a good problem to have (it sure beats the alternative). I’m thinking that maybe I should set some strength goals since I go back and forth between strength- and size-building exercises anyway.

In the meantime, I think I’ll get something to eat.