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Posted by u/recipequeen44·

Is bulking as a cancer survivor a crazy idea or what?

TL;DR: Looking for advice on healthy bulking as a cancer survivor. What worked for you? Any tips on macros, meal prep, and eating windows?

I'm a 34-year-old female, and I survived cancer a few years ago. Lately, I've been focusing on regaining some weight, but not just any weight, I want to bulk up healthily. Since treatment, my body has changed a lot, and I'm determined to rebuild my strength and lean mass.

I've been playing with my macro splits and trying to figure out how much protein I really need. I'm aiming for around 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight, but sometimes it feels like I'm just consuming protein shakes and chicken all day. Meal prepping helps a ton, but I'm always looking for new ideas to make my meals exciting and nutritious.

I also wanted to know if anyone else has done this post-cancer. Did you find it harder to put on weight? How did you manage your eating windows? I'm currently experimenting with intermittent fasting, but I'm unsure if that's the best fit for bulking. Any insights or tips would be amazing!

Honestly, navigating this whole weight regain plan feels like a rollercoaster, but I'm committed to doing it right. Would love to hear your experiences or advice!

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u/gymgoddess87·

I admire your determination! Bulking after cancer treatment can be challenging, but it's not crazy. Focus on whole foods, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense carbs, not just protein shakes. Have you tried incorporating things like quinoa or sweet potatoes for more variety?

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u/saltyngl·

I totally get it. After I had my kid, I felt like I was lifting weights while carrying around a toddler! Post-cancer, I struggled to regain weight too. I found a huge difference when I switched from counting calories to focusing on whole foods. It felt less stressful and more satisfying. It's like, if I'm eating whole foods, I'm probably doing something right.

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u/runningfromcardio·

I can barely lift my groceries, so I feel you. Bulking sounds hard, but you might find success with meal timing. Like, eat before you lift and have snacks ready. It's like prepping for battle, but with food. Send help if you find that magic recipe!

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u/gains_4_days·

You might wanna check out apps like MacroFactor for tracking. It helped me stay on point without feeling too robotic about my eating. Just remember, it's okay to treat yourself while bulking. Balance is key!

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u/6footdadbod·

Facts. I mean, I bulked while chasing my kids around and lifting occasional weights. Not easy, but totally doable! Just remember, you can't bulk on chicken nuggets alone, even if they are tempting

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u/strongerthanlastyear·

Intermittent fasting might not be the best choice for bulking. i've seen people have more success with eating more frequent meals to hit their caloric surplus. If you can, try spreading your meals throughout the day, and maybe even add in some snacks. It's worked wonders for me.

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u/recipequeen44·

It sounds like you're on the right path with your macros! Try experimenting with recipes that include beans, legumes, and whole grains to up your protein without feeling like you're stuck in a chicken loop. For example, a hearty lentil soup can be packed with protein and flavor! Also, make a big batch of healthy chili to have on hand for quick meals. Just throw it in a container and you've got yourself a nutritious, warming meal.

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u/depressedlifter·

I get the struggle with bulking, especially post-cancer. It can feel like an uphill battle. Just make sure to listen to your body! I once tried to bulk too aggressively, and my body was like, 'Nah, fam, we're not doing that.' Be gentle with yourself. Focus on progress, not perfection.

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