Getting back into training...Diet advice...??

[driftu]

I've always trained on and off but last year I was training for around 12 months making some nice steady progress...then I had university exams and things went crap...

Just had my first session back after 7 months!! and I am truly regretting ever stopping for so long! I can just about lift 50-60% of what I could before but a t least now I'm determined never to stop, and hopefully muscle memory will help me a little

Question about diet...

I've gained a few unwanted pounds whilst being off training, but I've also lost muscle mass big time...so what do I do first? Bulking diet? or cutting diet?

Opinions/advice please

Thanks

[back2it]

I would just start lifting consistently and eat when your hungry, a balanced diet though not junk . But that's just me. Right now your will experience good gains in lean mass as well as strength and your calorie maintenance level will rise with the extra activity .I would say determine your maintence level of calories and add 200/day to start.
But it depends on your goals .If you go on a cutting diet you will likely lose the fat quickly but not gain mass at least not as quickly , going on a bulk diet you should gain the mass back fast but might not be able to see it other than you will get bigger because you will likley gain muscle and fat. Then you will have to go on a cutting diet to find it.

[JMillion]

I would just start lifting consistently and eat when your hungry, a balanced diet though not junk.

That's it right there. Don't think of it as a bulking or cutting diet, just think of it as eating healthy. Focus on eating clean foods, getting your fruits and veggies, etc.

[driftu]

so when should i start bulking/cutting routine again?? reckon i can burn fat and bulk at the same time during this period? or will it be counter productive?

i'm keeping it very clean and have increased my calorie intake slightly...also a lot more protein, and EFA/whey/multivits

[back2it]

You should be able to regain the lost muscle easily and if the lbs of fat you carry remains constant the BF% will drop , on a slightly above maintenance diet during this period. Once you "regain"the lean mass is when you should start the calorie drop to lose the fat if you feel you need to at that time.
I think you should concentrate on one or the other not try to do both similtaniously .If it happens, bonus but don't be disappointed if it doesn't work out.