February 1st, 2013 - Thoughts on Energy Sources & Updates

With extensive research, I have determined that adding more fats to my current bulking diet may stray me away from the path of achieving a leaner bulk experience.  I recently upped my fats from low to medium-high levels from 50g to 90g in order to increase my calories.  Fat is an energy source, like carbohydrates, but it isn't a preferred energy source by the body because it must undergo a longer process to be utilized as energy.  If carbohydrate levels are low or depleted, that's when the body usually utilizes fat as an energy source, which was what my previous cut diet was based on for competition (cyclical ketogenic diet).

Currently, my carb intake is at 360g.  That's really high for me, but in a bulking situation, I believe it is required.  Carbs are not an essential, meaning the human body can survive without it.  But, it thrives on it and prefers it as an energy source over fats because it is fast acting.  On a strenuous calorie-burning day like leg day, I may be able to burn off 360g of glycogen (stored energy from carbs).  Fats are also more likely to be stored as fat if not used right away.  If I kept my fats high, and continued to leave my carb levels high, then there is a chance that I won't be able to burn off the amount of fat I am taking in.

I complained in a previous post that it had been increasingly difficult to eat the food on my daily menu to gain weight.  I thought I can just use fats to increase my calories instead of carbohydrates, like organic peanut butter because it's easier to eat than 3-4 slices of Ezekiel bread.  But, I've also noticed that by doing so, I stay fuller longer.  Fats slow the rate of digestion... and now I feel like I'm pissing in the wind.  Not only am I exposing myself to a greater possibility of increasing body fat, but I am unable to eat every 2-3 hours.  I also complained about the carbs possibly having a negative impact on my skin (psoriasis).  However, I have noticed that it has been getting a little better and I haven't decreased my carb level.

There will be no more complaints!  I need to remind myself that I'm on a bulk, and I don't need to be trying anything fancy.  I just need to stick to simple science and continue doing what works for me - high protein, high carbs, and low fats.  Fats will come in handy on a cut or maintenance diet that is low in carbohydrates.  After all, I'm on a quest for SWOLness.

This will begin immediately:

Current Weight: 167.2 lbs.
New Daily Caloric Intake:  ~3200 calories
New Macros: 450g C, 240g P, 50g F