cleaner bulk meal
This meal is a safety meal, especially for me as somebody who has always struggled with food and still does 🥲 the meal is a little basic but it is for one of those comfort food, post-gym meal cravings. It may not be the cleanest but sometimes we need some of those days.
This is about 1 1/2 portions for me.
GRILLED CHICKEN
chicken breast seasoned with black pepper, minced onions and garlic. Put on a skillet and grill until golden or blackened to liking. Depending on the chicken you buy, the protein may vary.
PASTA
penne pasta with olive oil, salt, minced onions, and garlic heated up.
make sure to heat up the sauce/liquid separately than the pasta.
Overall rating: 9/10
I like to ditch the measuring sometimes and today was one of those days. However food is subjective and can be made to your own standards and liking. Don’t let somebody on social media tell you that you have to eat 4000 calories to see results, find what works for you and how you feel comfortable :)
Having tried various bulk meals over time, I can say that finding a balance between clean eating and comfort is essential, especially after intense workouts. This cleaner bulk meal with grilled chicken and pasta meets that need perfectly. Chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein that supports muscle repair and growth, and seasoning it simply with black pepper, garlic, and onions gives it flavor without extra calories or unhealthy additives. When it comes to pasta, pairing penne with olive oil, garlic, and salt is a delicious way to get energy-boosting carbohydrates without relying on heavy sauces that might slow you down. One tip I learned is to heat the sauce or any liquid separately before mixing it with the pasta—this helps keep the pasta from becoming soggy and enhances the overall texture. While this meal may seem basic, it’s a reliable option on days when you need comfort food that doesn’t veer too far from your nutrition goals. It’s also flexible: you can adjust portion sizes and ingredients according to your hunger levels and dietary needs. Remember, nutrition isn't a one-size-fits-all game; listening to your body and what makes you feel good is key. Also, don’t stress about perfection. I often skip strict measuring, especially on days when I just want to enjoy my food without added pressure. Social media sometimes pushes extreme calorie intakes for bulking, but real progress comes from tuning into your lifestyle and comfort. Your bulk meals should feed both your body and mind, so it’s totally okay to keep it simple and satisfying.