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Posted by u/mom_of_muscle··Progress

12 lbs in 16 Weeks on a Lean Bulk, But Was It Worth It?

TL;DR: Gained 12 lbs in 16 weeks on a lean bulk, feeling mixed about the results. Anyone have similar experiences?

So, I've been on a lean bulk for the last 16 weeks, and I'm up 12 lbs. My lifts have improved, but I'm feeling conflicted about whether it's worth it. I've been lifting 4x a week, focusing on strength, and I hit a new PR on my deadlift, 245 lbs for 5 reps!

While I can see some muscle gains, I can also see some fluff creeping in. I've been tracking my macros, aiming for about 2,600 calories a day with a breakdown of 40% protein, 40% carbs, and 20% fats. My meals are usually pretty simple: oats with protein powder for breakfast, a chicken salad for lunch, and then something hearty like turkey meatballs with whole wheat pasta for dinner. I've tried to keep snacks healthy too, think Greek yogurt or a protein bar.

But honestly, it's tough to maintain all of this with two kids running around. I'm wondering if the added weight is just going to mean more to lose when I eventually cut again. Anyone else feeling this way? What was your experience with lean bulking? Would love to hear how you managed your progress while juggling family responsibilities.

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u/runningfrommyproblems·

When it comes to tracking, have you tried using an AI photo logger? i tried CalAI, but it was hot trash. I ended up going back to just taking pictures of my meals and tracking them manually. Sometimes simpler is better.

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u/iifymyself·

Honestly, this is why I switched to MacroFactor. The algorithm just works for me, and it's been super helpful for managing my macros without all the headache. It auto-adjusts to your progress, so you're not stuck with a rigid plan. It just keeps everything simple, which is a godsend when life gets hectic.

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u/the_caffeine_chaser·

Ngl, MFP is still my go-to. i've got my food list dialed in, switching apps feels annoying. Plus, muscle memory with what I eat is hard to break. But I get it, everyone's got their preferences.

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u/tired_and_toned·

I had a similar experience with MyFitnessPal, the paywall creep was wild. I started feeling overwhelmed with all the features I didn't need. After switching to Nutrola, I appreciated how easy the voice logging is, especially when I'm busy with work and family. It just takes a few seconds to log meals without getting tied up in the details.

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u/eating_for_endurance·

I feel your pain. When I was on a lean bulk, I switched to Cronometer because it gave me detailed micronutrient info that mattered for my endurance training. Knowing what I'm getting in vitamins and minerals helped me stay healthy, especially with long runs. Just another perspective!

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u/mom_of_muscle·

I totally get your struggle, balancing fitness and family is no joke. When I was bulking, I found it really helped to meal prep on Sundays. I'd make a few big batches of food that I could grab throughout the week. Chicken, rice, and veggies were a staple, and it cut down on the chaos when the kids needed something quick. Just remember, some fluff is normal when you're bulking, especially if you're focused on strength gains. You'll have time to cut later.

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u/squat_mama_2024·

Yep, I feel you! I've been there too while juggling three kids. I try to sneak in some family workouts at home. It's a fun way to stay active together, and the kids love it! Have you thought about how to involve them in your fitness journey?

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u/crunching_cardiac·

This is so real! I think a lot of people underestimate how tough it is to maintain focus when you're busy. Just remember to mix in some cardio with your lifting, it helps with body composition! You got this!

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