So im 14 and have been training for 7~ months and thought bulking might be a good idea due to being in the middle of puberty. But the counting calories thing really fucks it up for me. I dont want to be calculating calories and protein at the dinner table with my family. I meanwhile dont want to develop an obsession with it. I just want to eat high quality food, 4 times a day till i get uncomfortable, which tends to be a good amont of food, along side a protein shake. I would consider myself to be at an age where counting calories and stuff isnt as important as if you were full grown adult. Would like to hear what more knowledgble people have to say. Thanks in advance
Try counting protein, instead.
Aim for 1.5 g of protein for every lb you weigh.
For the rest, eat good quality food until you are full. No need to stuff yourself to discomfort.
I’ve never heard of 1.5g/lb that’s very high. Here is a study-backed article by Dieticians of Canada discussing protein intake for athletes that recommends 0.9g/lb at most and here is a meta-analysis discussing the negative health impacts of excessive protein consumption.