Maximize your caloric intake…

Let’s face it, guys want to get big. Not necessarily Rich Piana big but most men in the fitness world want to gain mass. But in order to gain size and keep it for a significant amount of time, you need to consume calories, this is the human condition. Unfortunately, consuming the amount of calories need to grow significantly can easily become a chore, especially if you have zero appetite.

Lack of appetite can occur for a number of reasons. If you add a significant amount of calories in a short amount of time this could provide a shock to your system and your shut down your appetite. Lack of appetite could also be allergy related, especially if it’s accompanied with  nausea. Many people have reported feeling nauseous at the  thought or sight of food, just to find out they were suffering from a post nasal drip. A post nasal drip can fill the stomach up with mucus, causing an upset stomach, especially when you wake up in the morning. Because this is such a universal issue with bodybuilders, here are some tips on how to consume more calories with even when you don’t feel like it.

Are you allergic to what you’re putting in your mouth?

Going back to the issue on the previous paragraph, be careful that you’re not allergic to the foods you’re using for your bulking program. Things like lactose in milk and tree nuts (mainly peanuts) tend to be common triggers, so you want to pay special attention to the ingredients. Read the label, and see a doctor if nausea or other symptoms persist.

Build your bulk gradually.

Instead of doubling your food consumption overnight try gradually building up to your caloric goal. Plan ahead, chart out where you want to be and the time period it will realistically take to get there. Try building up 100 to 200 calories per week. It could be the difference between a painful force feed and a smooth bulk.

Try shakes

Shakes are a great way to add major nutrients without feeling too bulky. Shakes tend to be less offensive to the stomach and can blend food together that might not mix in the outside world. Plus you don’t have to chew. What’s not to love?

Morning Workout

A quick morning workout is a good way to raise your metabolism and work up a good sweat. It will give you the energy you need for the beginning part of your day as well as sparking your appetite.

Eat the things you like

We’re not saying eat ice cream and jolly ranchers (unless it’s cheat day…maybe) but eat foods that are agreeable to your taste buds. Pay a little extra for the better tasting creatine or get chicken instead of turkey if you hate turkey. The point is to get things you’ll enjoy eating, otherwise you’ll tapout from the mental stress and fatigue of constantly having to eat something bland.

Try these five tips when you’ve reached your eating plateau and let us know if it works. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.