when to up the calories

**blake170** · 04-09-2013, 03:04 PM

Ok...next question; when I feel I've reached a decent BF%, (I'm thinking around 12, but I'll have to see what I actually look like at that level; my goals have always been based more on aesthetics than numbers; i.e. weight or BF%) then how do I transition into a new diet? For example: if I get to 12-15%, and feel ready to start a cycle, should I go to maintenance calories for a few weeks, first, and then slowly up to a + 300-500? I don't want to shock my system too much, I think.
Usually, I get most of my questions answered through the search function and stickies, but haven't found this answer yet. Any advice?

**Back In Black** · 04-09-2013, 03:07 PM

Ideally you would run a maintenance for 6-8 weeks and then run a prime for the same period before starting a cycle. In reality very few people do this although I feel they are hindering their results by not doing so.

**blake170** · 04-09-2013, 03:09 PM

Can you explain what running a prime is?

**Back In Black** · 04-09-2013, 03:17 PM

Originally Posted by blake170

Can you explain what running a prime is?

3 days your carb intake would be 30% less than on maintenance then the 4th day would be 10% more. Repeat for 6-8 weeks. It 'primes' the body for (hopefully) greater nutrient uptake when you start your cycle.. I can attest to its effectiveness even eating only 300cals above maintenance