I have been bulking since the beginning of September and I have gained 25 pounds (170 to 195). After nearly 4 months of lifting more intensely than I ever have in the past, my body and my joints especially feel like they need a week off.
Currently I am eating about 4500 calories on nonlifting days and around 4700-4800 calories on lifting days. During my week off, I do not want to lose any weight, but I also do not know if it is wise to keep eating the amount of food that I eat to gain weight since I will not be working out. I don’t want to knock my body out of weight-gaining mode, but I don’t want to overeat excessively when not training and just put on fat.
When (If) any of you take a week off, how do you eat? Maintenance? A little over maintenance? Thanks for any help guys.
Its one week bro you are not going to become fat and the little excess will go to recovery and growth. I say keep it the same or near it if your looking to keep all your weight and recover. If really worried drop the carbs for more fat and protein.
I doubt it’ll make you a fat ass in one week. Take the dog for a few extra walks, play some basketball if you have to…but otherwise rest up and eat some good food.
I don’t know about for you, but for me my week off calories are almost automatically lower bc of the abscence of the pre/post workout shakes that are filled with carbs and protein.