Q: MIKE, how many calories above basal metabolic rate to consume when going on a bulk? I've calculated my BasalMR, to be 1800 KCal or there about, judging by the foods i eat and not putting on any weight. Would 1.5 kg a month be good for someone like me with a slow metabolism? (23 yo male, average physique - used to be fat)

A: 1.5 kg/month is a good aggressive bulk pace. For that pace you will want to overeat by around 250 calories/day. Keep in mind that even the slowest metabolism will rev up when bulking with weight training so while 2000 calories may be enough for you to start the bulk it's quite possible that in just a few weeks you'll be needing 2500 calories to just keep gaining weight at the same slow pace.