[Chris]

I've said this before, but your question bears the response.....A lot of people get all worked up and confused over the whole bulking/cutting idea. It obviously comes from competitive bodybuilding where you have to get incredibly lean for a competition. But, if you don't have to do that and don't compete, there is no need to go through those phases. Because most competitive bodybuilders in their "off-season bulk" stage are still much leaner than the average gym guy. So for someone not competing doing a bulking phase will likely only mean putting on excess fat.

I personally think following the same approach every day year round is the best choice unless cutting for a show or shoot or whatever. If you take in too excess of calories you will add unwanted bodyfat and it will take you that much longer to shed it when the time comes. If you restrict too much as you would when getting ready for a show, you will certainly cost yourself the ability to add as much muscle. Instead I would recommned staying lean by eating clean year round. What works best will always work best, there's no need to have high and low carb days. A high protein, moderate carb, and low fat diet will always work best with high GI carbs & fast digesting protein in small frequent meals following your workout withen 3 hours, then low GI carbs and slower digesting protein throughout the rest of the day with plenty of fiber. That gives your body the nutrients and muscle glycogen it needs post workout for fast energy recovery, then gives consistent energy throughout the rest of day to allow yourself to pack on muscle without adding unwanted bodyfat. Then it's just a matter of learning the quantities that suits you.

You can and should be able to put on size while still maintaining a good condition, albiet not a competitive condition. Hope that helps