My Hardest Bulk Ever (The Hidden "Energy Drain" When Your Metabolism Fights Back) | Ep 284

Get your free Muscle-Building Nutrition Blueprint at witsandweights.com/muscle to optimize your nutrition for maximum muscle growth while minimizing fat gain. -- Learn how your metabolism can fight back during an aggressive muscle-building phase by dramatically increasing energy expenditure, even when you're doing everything right. Discover the hidden factors driving this metabolic adaptation and how to overcome them. Main Takeaways: Your maintenance calories can increase significantly during a bulk due to metabolic adaptation (400+ calories) High-quality muscle gains are still possible even when facing metabolic resistance The 3 key factors that drive increased energy expenditure during a building phase How to successfully break through a hardgaining plateau Episode Resources: Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS Download my Muscle-Building Nutrition Blueprint Timestamps: 0:00 - The unexpected metabolic challenge 3:10 - Real data from my current bulk 8:33 - The hidden energy drain revealed 14:50 - 3 factors driving metabolic adaptation 16:48 - Strategic approach to overcoming plateaus 21:27 - Being realistic about timelines and goals 23:19 - Key lessons and broader applications Support the show 📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN ). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance. 👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram