Clean bulking is an eating pattern that provides a controlled calorie surplus to build muscle and strength while preventing excess fat gains. It is a smart approach to building lean mass that focuses on consuming nutrient-dense, whole foods. Clean bulking is different from dirty bulking, which involves eating a lot of extra calories from high-calorie foods, including junk foods, to promote quick weight gain. The following are some key features of clean bulking:
-
Food quality: Clean bulking focuses mainly on whole, unprocessed foods, while generally curtailing processed foods high in fat, sugar, and calories.
-
Calorie surplus: Clean bulking requires calculating your maintenance calories, adding a conservative calorie surplus, and tracking your progress with regular weigh-ins.
-
Nutritious: Clean bulking diets are nutritious and healthy, and they provide a more calorie-controlled approach than other bulking methods, which tends to prevent excess fat gain.
Clean bulking is a healthier option than dirty bulking, as it minimizes fat gain and maximizes muscle growth. It is a simple, strict, and nutritious approach to bulking that can work well for people who tend to overeat or are skinny-fat.