When bulking in a slow pace, are occasional days (or weeks) with too low energy intake more forgiving than days with too high energy intake for body composition? Assuming that long-term weight gain goals are met.
Background: I was reading this article: https://www.strongerbyscience.com/bulking/
Let's imagine a scenario where the goal is to achieve slow weight gain in a modest surplus.
In table 2, it's estimated that <70% calories of TDEE is considered "aggressive cut", while >115% calories is considered "aggressive bulk".
Let's say my goal is 110% calories of TDEE. It's clear that it's easier to accidentally overeat into the aggressive bulk category than the aggressive cut category.
So does this mean that in general, eating too little food is more forgiving than eating too much food for body composition? I'm specifically thinking this from the lens where long-term energy goals are met, but there are occasional deviations like this due to everyday life.
Posted Apr 8, 2026, 1:15 PM UTC