Confused

[getaway]

This entire ectomoprh hard gainer thing has thrown me into confusion. One website says a normal ectomoprh needs to consume a minimum of 7200 caloires to bulk up. While another says 3750. While another says that the minum calories I need to maintain weight is 2100 calories. I've been eating 3000 calories a day till about a few days ago. The reason is because i stopped gaining weight and started gaining belly fat. My workout consistency has fallen apart because of conflicts in schedule and school, so I cut bacck on the calories vastly because of the belly fat I'm gaining. I'm confused in what to do, it seemed like my routine for the last 5 months worked only up till a few weeks ago, then I stopped seeing size overall, and weight. But just fat gain in the stomach. Does anyone have any links to ectomoprh workouts and diets? Would be greatly appreciated.

[.V.]

Try this: 20-25 calories/lb. Probably no need to go beyond 25 unless you are training for sumo.

Todd is an ectomorph. Do a search and look through all he's written about nutrition, eating, and lifting. Then look at his pics and see if you think he's correct in his ideas. I believe he is.

[SarahPT]

Calorie intake is HIGHLY individualized. I don't think that any website can just tell you how many calories you need. As a nutritionist I ask my clients LOADS of questions in order to determine their calorie levels.

It's important to get an idea of what you are eating now, first off. From there you can try increasing and see what effect it has on your body.

Sarah

[LiftGirl]

I agree that you'll have to do some experimenting to find your optimal calorie intake.

You also mention that your workout consistency has not been optimal lately. This could be why you've started gaining fat. If you just eat excess calories, but don't exercise, you will gain fat instead of muscle.

I think once you get back to working out regularly, you'll start seeing results again.

[Quadancer]

It has been suggested to eat slightly less on rest days, and focus simple carbs ONLY around workouts. Cut back carbs in the later hours. (don't take more to bed that you'll burn in sleep) That makes a big difference for me.

Oh Jeez, I just noticed the posting date. This site needs a 'new posts' button!

[.V.]

Originally Posted by Quadancer

This site needs a 'new posts' button!

Got two. They are hidden in the middle of the black line at the top of the page and in the middle of the first blue line near the top.


I just found them a few months ago.

[Quadancer]

DOH!!!