I pre-loaded Hawthorn Berry for 2 weeks before my cycle started. I got the NOW brand of Hawthorn Berry 550mg and took as directed. (2 caps 3x daily) I now take 3 caps of these daily instead, and also have HB included in my AI LIFE SUPPORT product I take daily as well. Also got pre-cycle blood work which can be viewed on the first page of my log.
My calories, protein, and carb intake is as follows:
At minimum I get at LEAST 1g of protein per lb of lbm from whole foods. I end up eating well over this on most days.
I also get at LEAST 1g of protein per lb of lbm in protein shakes.
Since I've switched my plans from a re-comp to a bulk right after week 1, my carb intake has been 300-500 carbs depending on how the day go's.
My calories are 3,000 + It seems this Epistane is good at keeping fat storing at bay while eating mass quantities of dirty protein filled foods. I seem to be leaning out at the same time. Though this can just be an optical illusion since I'm gaining more muscle and it's stretching everything out. At worst case, I have maintained the same bf%.
To be honest, I'm pretty much dirty bulking at this point. My nutrition consists of church's chicken, bbq steak, skinny cow ice creams, sub way subs, LOTS of barbacoa tacos. I mean LOTS!!! To tell you the truth....I mainly just eat barbacoa lol I have it coming out of my ears already. Fuc*n LOVE barbacoa. I avoid meals that are mainly all carbs and fat like pizza....and stick to foods that consist of mainly protein but are still dirty foods in their own right. I avoid all junk foods and liquid calories. If I eat junk food, I'll go buy a box of healthy carb smart fudge sticks and down the whole box. nom nom nom!
From my short experience with Epistane/Pro-Hormones, it seems eating less keeps you from taking advantage of the full benefits they offer. IE. Increased protein synthesis and nutrient partitioning. I'd say, use these fu*kers to bulk. The more you eat, the better you will respond. Focus on loosing the fat later down the line. Remember....you'll have PLENTY of new muscle to help you burn that fat faster. And if your a fat person at heart like myself, you'll love how your NEW caloric deficit is pretty damn high.
