Gaining

Jd00723:
Hello everyone,

Sorry for the millionth topic on this! I’m very new to the gaining scene, currently very in shape with about 13% body fat.

For almost a week I’ve been adding a pint of heavy cream to my diet, really going into calorie surplus as a result.

So far I seem a little softer but couple of things:

1. I have an electric scale which measures loads of metrics, including fat (sub and vic). These have barely moved, despite the fact that I swear I’m gaining (just noticed tiny hips for instance. Is this all in my head? If so when should I see results? And for anyone especially who has gone from fit to fat with heavy cream, happy to hear your experience, what did you notice first in terms of body change, and over what period of time?

2. Main change is feeling slightly out of breath. Is this normal for a gain? Just concerned about cholesterol.

3. I still plan on working out mostly weights but also a bit of cardio. How long before any gain impacts any fitness.

Thanks. And happy to have joined this community

Jd00723:


Munchies:
Feeder here with a background in biology. I'm also a former gainer who went from skinny to muscular.

Understand that a week is barely enough time to experience any significant change. This is especially so since it sounds like you have a good metabolism. In fact, you are more likely to accidentally gain more muscle instead of fat as heavy cream is also used in bodybuilder circles.

Also, heavy cream gains are hard to sustain. So even if you are getting a bit softer (it is also possible you're a bit bloated because heavy cream can be hard to process), you may lose it all when you come off of it.

Since you're in really good shape, I recommend a different approach.

Don't do rapid gains. You'll freak out when you see your body quickly changing - even if it was something you wanted to do. It will also give your body a chance to get used to your gains.

Instead, just relax about your diet. You're at 13% body fat. That implies you are very strict with your diet. I'm not advocating for a fast food-only diet. Instead, don't deny yourself anything. Have a second slice of cake. Eat some white bread. Enjoy less lean cuts of meat.

If it feels like work, you are doing it wrong. Getting fat should feel like a release. It should feel like hedonism.

Jd00723:


Munchies:
Feeder here with a background in biology. I'm also a former gainer who went from skinny to muscular.

Understand that a week is barely enough time to experience any significant change. This is especially so since it sounds like you have a good metabolism. In fact, you are more likely to accidentally gain more muscle instead of fat as heavy cream is also used in bodybuilder circles.

Also, heavy cream gains are hard to sustain. So even if you are getting a bit softer (it is also possible you're a bit bloated because heavy cream can be hard to process), you may lose it all when you come off of it.

Since you're in really good shape, I recommend a different approach.

Don't do rapid gains. You'll freak out when you see your body quickly changing - even if it was something you wanted to do. It will also give your body a chance to get used to your gains.

Instead, just relax about your diet. You're at 13% body fat. That implies you are very strict with your diet. I'm not advocating for a fast food-only diet. Instead, don't deny yourself anything. Have a second slice of cake. Eat some white bread. Enjoy less lean cuts of meat.

If it feels like work, you are doing it wrong. Getting fat should feel like a release. It should feel like hedonism.

Jd00723:
Thanks for the feedback. I wouldn’t say I’m scared of gaining, even the tiny gains I’ve made I find really fun. And downing heavy cream is also naughty and hedonistic rather than a chore. If I do gain muscle as well as fat I don’t mind as it will emphasize the areas I want to get bigger!

Is there any way I can slow my metabolism?