2907: How to Clean Bulk Without Getting Fat (The Exact Formula)

2907: How to Clean Bulk Without Getting Fat (The Exact Formula)

Author: Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer, Justin Andrews, Doug Egge July 23, 2026 Duration: 28:31

In this episode the guys break down exactly what a clean bulk is, how it differs from a dirty bulk, and why most people do it completely wrong. They cover why increasing training volume during a bulk actually makes sense (because you have the nutrients to recover), why 500 calories above maintenance is all you need, why staying active with daily steps dramatically improves muscle building, and why garbage food is what separates a clean bulk from a dirty one. Sal and Adam both share their own dirty bulk horror stories — competing against coworkers and friends, gaining more fat than muscle, and how they finally figured out what actually works.

 

Mind Pump Nutrition Coaching: https://mindpumpnutrition.com

Code: MP50 for 50% off a coaching call with a Mind Pump certified coach.

 

MAPS Upper Lower: https://mapsupperlower.com

Code: LAUNCH for 40% off. Four day split with slightly higher volume — the ideal program to run during a clean bulk.

 

SPONSORS

 

Crisp Power (protein pretzels): https://www.crisppower.com/mindpump

Code: MINDPUMP10 for 10% off. Up to 28g protein, 6 net carbs, baked not fried, zero added sugar, vegan. 7.1oz variety pack bundle available

 

LINKS

 

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Maps Fitness Products: https://mapsfitnessproducts.com

Instagram: @mindpumpmedia



0:00 - Intro

1:53 - What is a clean bulk vs a dirty bulk (and why reverse dieting is the same thing)

4:04 - Sal's 60-day dirty bulk competition — how he gained mostly body fat and lost anyway

6:05 - Adam's bodybuilder off-season experience — watching dirty bulkers end up where they started

9:14 - How much body fat should you actually gain in a clean bulk

12:31 - Step 1: Lift weights properly and increase volume during the bulk, not the cut

16:25 - Step 2: Eat your target body weight in protein — not your current weight

16:45 - Step 3: 500 calories above maintenance is all you need

19:26 - Step 4: Keep daily steps high — why being sedentary is a muscle killer

23:12 - Sal's BMX bike summer — how moving more actually helped him build more muscle as a kid

25:16 - Step 5: Avoid garbage food — why junk calories kill protein intake and inflate the scale

 


Tired of fitness fads and conflicting advice that leaves you more confused than when you started? Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth cuts through the noise with a no-nonsense approach you can actually trust. Hosts Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer, Justin Andrews, and Doug Egge bring their combined expertise to every conversation, dismantling popular myths and calling out the pervasive snake oil in the wellness world. Instead of hype, they focus on practical, science-backed strategies for building muscle, enhancing performance, and-most importantly-sustaining long-term health. Their discussions are grounded in reality, often challenging even the most sacred institutions in the industry with a blend of sharp insight and relatable humor. Each episode of this podcast feels like an honest talk with knowledgeable friends who aren’t afraid to question everything. You’ll find clarity on nutrition, training paradigms, and lifestyle choices, all delivered without an agenda other than giving you the unfiltered facts. For anyone exhausted by the constant churn of gimmicks and seeking a sustainable path to feeling and looking better, this is an essential listen. The raw truth isn’t always pretty, but with this team guiding you, it’s undeniably effective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
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