Question about mass and strength.

[Messarger]

Due to my upcoming school exams, i cant put so much emphasis on calories, protein intake etc. I'm still eating as much as i can but i know that i may not hit 4000 calories on some days when i study more intensively.

This is the question:
I will still continue to work out as per normal. So if my weights on the big 3 keeps on increasing while i do not eat enough number of calories to grow, will i be able to gain the mass that i'm suppose to gain in a faster amount of time once i'm able to hit the 4000 calories?

 

[I-tallionStallion]

Quagmire's log is a good example of how this works. If you don't eat over a set amount you won't gain much mass. You can get stronger and some mass although at a slower rate.

Do your absolute best to get in all your meals. Keep a big bag of nuts or beef jerky near you while you study, premake shakes to save time, cook meals ahead of time so all you have to do is microwave them. Olive oil is a quick way to get some good calories. Heck even a little fastfood is good...I'd do something like a triple whopper with no cheese or a double quarter pounder from Mcdees if I had no choice.

For me, it's good to take a few minute breaks here and there while studying. Do the best you can.

 

[wolf116]

Yeah man, I've had to do it while studying mechanical engineering and working two jobs. It doesn't even take that much effort, it's just annoying. I used to cart around a massive fabric ice box with raw egg shakes, cold cooked minced beef and veggies, home made oat protein bars, chicken salads, hot stews.

And as Stallion said, just get take-away if you're in trouble.

I was the laughing stock of my mates. haha

 

[JohnnyIrish]

Thats some nice dedication Wolf

OP:
Your question is something I've recently answered for myself. For me.. even if I get 2g/lb of protein a day and make gains number wise (get stronger) I however will NOT gain mass unless my calories are up (still learning just how high they need to be). I learned this with six months working hard at the gym with high protein but with maintenance calories. Before and after pics showed almost no mass increase (even though I gained a lot of strength).

Live and learn.. now I'm working on pounding down the food.

 

[Lifeforce]

It seems that you grow pretty quick once you start to eat alot more if you've been gaining strength for a while. Anthony ellis is a good example of this who has been training but lacking nutrients to grow so he spurted and became big in a manner of months just because he increased his food intake.

Do try to bring small foods with you whereever you go. Nuts as someone said are great because they are so calorie dense you can still have them in a pocket. Buy two protein shakers and fill them with protein shakes, maybe toss in some other stuff to up the cals, drinking one before lunch and the other one on the afternoon.

 

[Messarger]

Ah thanks guys, i didnt expect the answers to be that subjective but as JohnnyIrish said, i guess i'll have to live and learn.