lenny thanks for posting this up along with a real insight into how your doing things, its so simple if you think about it and thats the fuckin crazy thing is that what i have learnt is how over complicated everything is made when you just need to take your time and listen to your body along with other tools such as the mirror and scales from time to time.
I am now in my "pre-season" which will be in full swing once im back from holiday and i pretty much plan to do what you are emphasising which is a pre-planned diet is pretty crazy as your body has different needs everyday and i guess if you try and tend to those needs def you can make better muscle tissue gains, i was one of these guys who followed a plan in the off-season and even though i saw myself getting fatter its crazy to think i never stopped and though hang on im not that hungry, im forcing this down my throat my training is sucking maybe i should drop some cals switch things up in the gym maybe even add some cardio to increase my metabolism, any logical person would think this way but like every other bodybuilding zombie u know i just thought i got eat massive food thats how you get massive, so honestly thanks for your info...obviously i understand you cant go into "supps" but yeh im trying to do the minimum to get maximum effect...also so i can realistically grow into the show i do next year..