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Posted by u/bulkseason_bae路

Is a higher protein intake really worth it during my bulk?

TL;DR: Is increasing protein intake beyond 1.2g/lb beneficial for bulking?

Yo, so I've been bulking for gains this past year and really loving the progress! I'm currently hitting around 1.2g of protein per pound of body weight, and I'm seeing some solid results in my lifts and recovery. But I keep hearing mixed opinions about whether going even higher, like 1.5g, is actually beneficial or just overkill. I mean, how much protein do we really need when we're trying to pack on mass? Anyone else experimenting with their protein intake during a bulk? 馃

Quick breakdown of my meals:

  • Breakfast: 5 egg whites + 2 whole eggs + oats
  • Lunch: Chicken breast + quinoa + mixed veggies
  • Snacks: Greek yogurt + whey shake
  • Dinner: Salmon + sweet potatoes + broccoli

I'm all about that food game and taking pics of my meals, but wondering if I should adjust my protein focus! What's your experience with high protein while bulking?

16 comments

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u/brokeveganrunner路

ngl, as a broke college student, i still managed to hit my protein goals with cheap stuff like canned tuna and lentils. if you're getting gains, that's what matters, right? just keep it budget-friendly!

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u/runningfromcardio路

1.2g is solid, but pushing higher can feel like overkill sometimes. I mean, do you really want to be drinking all that whey? Maybe switch it up with some plant-based protein to avoid feeling too heavy.

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u/calisthenics_king路

Protein's important, but don't forget about recovery and sleep too! Those are the real MVPs for muscle growth. I'd recommend prioritizing those along with your protein intake for optimal results.

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u/saltyngl路

Honestly, going overboard with protein can be a bit much. I tried it, but my stomach was not having it, lol. Sometimes, balance is key, dude

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u/midwest_lifter路

As a coach, i often see lifters overthink protein. Hitting 1.5g isn't necessary for everyone. Focus on your lifts and make sure your form is tight before stressing about another scoop of protein powder. Quality over quantity.

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u/saltyngl路

i've been there, and trust me, overdoing protein isn't a miracle worker. it's all about the balance, my dude. carbs matter too!

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u/rn_who_lifts路

It's awesome that you're seeing progress! Just keep an eye on your overall health too. Sometimes too much protein can mess with kidney function. Moderation is key, no matter how excited you are about gains.

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u/bulkseason_bae路

i feel you on that! when i bulked, i went from 1g to 1.5g and it was lit! the gains were unreal. 馃挭

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u/brokeveganrunner路

lowkey, if you're lifting and seeing gains, stick with what works. but you could try adding a protein bar or something if you wanna hit that 1.5g. budget vibes!

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u/zone2nerd路

You might want to track your lifts and see if increasing protein correlates with your PRs. My experience shows that once I hit a certain protein threshold, my performance plateaued regardless of intake. Sometimes, carbs and fats get overlooked and they play a big role in energy levels too.

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u/bulkseason_bae路

facts! plus, meal pics are a whole vibe. i love seeing what everyone's cooking up while bulking. it's inspiring!

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u/yogamomma路

It's important to listen to your body. If you feel great at 1.2g, that's fantastic! But don't be afraid to experiment a little. Maybe try 1.5g for a few weeks and see how you feel during workouts.

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u/proteinpancakes22路

i mean, pancakes are a protein source too, right? just whip up a batch with protein powder! you can totally enjoy your bulk while staying on track.

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u/rpe_enthusiast路

Research generally supports the idea that protein intake around 1.6 to 2.2g per kg of body weight can optimize muscle protein synthesis during a bulk. Increasing to around 1.5g per pound could help further with recovery and muscle growth, especially if you're pushing heavy lifts. Just monitor your overall calorie intake, as protein is still energy, and excess could lead to fat gain.

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u/recipequeen44路

You could try adding a few more protein-rich snacks or meals. I love making high-protein overnight oats with Greek yogurt and chia seeds, it's tasty and filling! Experiment with your meals and see what fits into your bulk plan.

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u/gymratbutchill路

Honestly, if you're enjoying your meals, that's half the battle won! You could consider switching up your protein sources to keep things interesting, like adding some tofu or beans if you're ever tired of meat.

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