Keep bulking or start cutting? (Pics attached)

[MeetP]

Hey everyone,

A short history first. I weighed around 108 lbs when I started lifting in May. I got on a good program and have been eating clean ever since. I haven't faltered and am very strict about my eating habit. In seven months, I have gained a good 28 pounds. I like to think a good amount of it is muscle since my strength has gone up pretty well.

I have been quite stressed about my shape, however. In pictures, you can see I have a gut. When I put on my clothes, I get complimented a lot about how I have gotten big and look in shape blah blah. On the inside I know there's a bloody pot stickin' out. I have also heard people say that skinny fat guys can never be aesthetic, will take forever to cut whilst losing all the muscle along, there will never be those little cubes of abs, etc.

Makes me think if all of it is worth it. What do you guys suggest? Should I keep bulking as I have been or should I get rid of that gut first? I wanna keep bulking while I can take advantage of those noob gains. Hell! I was planning to go up to 180 and then cut. Darn! those clothes that won't fit after. I just don't wanna take forever to cut when I reach 165 lbs (my bulk goal). I want to be at 148-9%BF. My guess is I am 19% atm.

Is it true? Will I never get those blocky abs? I have worked hard and come a long way. I see people around me eat all that tasty food while I eat the same thing as each day goes by. I just wanna see all of it amounting to something at the end of everything.

TLDR-
Started as skinny fat with almost no muscle.
Decided to bulk because I had no mass whatsoever.
Now torn between the choices whether to keep bulking or lose the gut.
Wanna know if I will have abs.

Pictures herewith.. Only constructive criticism please.

[MeetP]

Bump

[MeetP]

Really?? Am I supposed to decipher that or something?

[Rodman1]

Just lose the belly fat, bulking is always good choice!

[MeetP]

Just lose the belly fat, bulking is always good choice!

Thanks for your advice man. Appreciate it. Do you suggest losing belly fat after my bulk is over?

[MeetP]

No one to help?

[ExpatAussie]

Your pictures load sideways, not going to get many comments. And there is no definitive answer to your question.

I'd cut slowly or just aim for recomposition (keep scale weight the same while increasing lean mass) if I were you because during noob gains it will never be easier. Also, I think that getting too fat will leave you with problems losing later, I think it's easier for those who've never been particularly fat to be lean. In general I would look to cut towards 12% then bulk to 18% slowly and repeat. 28 pounds with that gut looks to me like you bulked a little fast.

[MeetP]

Your pictures load sideways, not going to get many comments. And there is no definitive answer to your question.

I'd cut slowly or just aim for recomposition (keep scale weight the same while increasing lean mass) if I were you because during noob gains it will never be easier. Also, I think that getting too fat will leave you with problems losing later, I think it's easier for those who've never been particularly fat to be lean. In general I would look to cut towards 12% then bulk to 18% slowly and repeat. 28 pounds with that gut looks to me like you bulked a little fast.

Thanks for your reply. I know my pictures are sideways but everytime I upload pictures on this website, they go sideways. I don't know how to correct them.

If you look at the average, I have gained 4 pounds a month. I had a gut before in May, albeit small but in similar proportion.

I will go with cutting slowly as you recommend. How many pounds a week defines slow?

[ExpatAussie]

I'd say 1-2 pounds per month.

[MeetP]

I'd say 1-2 pounds per month.

That's about 300 cals below maintenance, eh? Long journey but I'll tread. You think it's possible to lose that pot though?

[stingray72]

Cut mode for sure.

[MeetP]

People still bulk? Tht method is completely outdated and futile, go read about Lou Foriggnos experience on bulking and cutting. (he basically said by the time he lost all the fat he hadnt gained hardly anything after bulking up past 300lbs)

Its better to gradually add lean mass rather than quickly add a load of fat and muscle and then strip it back.

My advice is cut back the caleries till the gut is completely gone, then gradually add lean muscle mass by gradually increasing the calories.

Keep working out as you cut back. Your calves need serious attention. (Mine too)

I know what you mean. Eat 300 cals above maintenance and minimize the fat gain so that whatever you gain is mostly muscle. Respect that approach. Guess I was too desperate to get out of that scrawny category and ended up gaining a whole lot more than just muscle. Thanks for the advice though. That's the plan. I am gonna get rid of that gut before I move any further.

The calves? That's one muscle group I hate man! **** doesn't grow. They have gotten a lot better than before though. I had some serious chicken legs. Was scared to go out in shorts.. that bad

[MeetP]

Cut mode for sure.

I see the pattern now. Cut is confirmed then. 3 more weeks (waiting for BCAAs) and cut mode after

[treefiddy1031]

You don't need BCAAs to cut. You don't need them at all really. You bulked too quickly. I believe the generally accepted maximum amount of muscle you can build per month is 2-2.5 lbs. Anything above that is going to be unnecessary fat gain.

[MeetP]

You don't need BCAAs to cut. You don't need them at all really. You bulked too quickly. I believe the generally accepted maximum amount of muscle you can build per month is 2-2.5 lbs. Anything above that is going to be unnecessary fat gain.

I wanna minimize the muscle loss while on a cut. BCAAs will come in handy, won't they? Would hate to lose any significant amount of muscle after all this time. And I am a total beginner man. I have a feeling those noob gains played out pretty well. I am thinking 3 lbs at least. But you might be right, eh.. Like I said.. I am a total beginner.

[dipatel13]

I wanna minimize the muscle loss while on a cut. BCAAs will come in handy, won't they? Would hate to lose any significant amount of muscle after all this time. And I am a total beginner man. I have a feeling those noob gains played out pretty well. I am thinking 3 lbs at least. But you might be right, eh.. Like I said.. I am a total beginner.

BCAAs are in the proteins that you eat. If you get your minimum protein needs met, you won't need a BCAA supplement.

[MeetP]

BCAAs are in the proteins that you eat. If you get your minimum protein needs met, you won't need a BCAA supplement.

Yeah but I wanna follow the IF protocol. When I go for my cardio in a fasted state, don't you think I'll need something?

[MeetP]

What is your workout routine?

And what are your macros?

Something here isnt right if you are only gaining 4 lbs a month.

I am doing strength meets size by Justin Woltering. My macros as follows:

Carbs- 327
Protein-176
Fats-77

Wait.. are you suggesting I should be aiming at more than 4 lbs a month? It's more of a planned thing. I was aiming at 3 but desperation pushed me to gaining 4

[broteinbro404]

I wanna minimize the muscle loss while on a cut. BCAAs will come in handy, won't they? Would hate to lose any significant amount of muscle after all this time. And I am a total beginner man. I have a feeling those noob gains played out pretty well. I am thinking 3 lbs at least. But you might be right, eh.. Like I said.. I am a total beginner.

If you are a total beginner I would not worry about muscle loss, gaining muscle is easy at this stage, the important thing is to not end up in a permabulk. Just keep losing about 1-2 pounds a week until you're around 10% body fat. Once you're there, then you may want to consider upping your calories to achieve a slight calorie surplus.

[MeetP]

What is your workout routine?

And what are your macros?

Something here isnt right if you are only gaining 4 lbs a month.

Mirin' your gains.. 165 is my bulk goal. Sh*t you're damn cut at that size

[MeetP]

If you are a total beginner I would not worry about muscle loss, gaining muscle is easy at this stage, the important thing is to not end up in a permabulk. Just keep losing about 1-2 pounds a week until you're around 10% body fat. Once you're there, then you may want to consider upping your calories to achieve a slight calorie surplus.

1-2 lbs a month sounds very tempting I'll be done with my cut pretty fast. What do you recommend BCAA or no BCAA? I have to get something for my fasted cardio in the morning. I have whey which has trace amounts of sugar if that can replace BCAAs?

[MeetP]

If you are a total beginner I would not worry about muscle loss, gaining muscle is easy at this stage, the important thing is to not end up in a permabulk. Just keep losing about 1-2 pounds a week until you're around 10% body fat. Once you're there, then you may want to consider upping your calories to achieve a slight calorie surplus.

Also, is it true people my body type seldom lose their pouches? Do you think I can get rid of that belly in 2-3 months if I eat extremely right?

[dipatel13]

I am doing strength meets size by Justin Woltering. My macros as follows:

Carbs- 327
Protein-176
Fats-77

Wait.. are you suggesting I should be aiming at more than 4 lbs a month? It's more of a planned thing. I was aiming at 3 but desperation pushed me to gaining 4

4 days a week, one main muscle group per day? Not a good plan.

All Pro's Beginner Routine
Stronglifts 5x5
Fierce 5
Starting Strength
Push/Pull/Legs

[broteinbro404]

1-2 lbs a month sounds very tempting I'll be done with my cut pretty fast. What do you recommend BCAA or no BCAA? I have to get something for my fasted cardio in the morning. I have whey which has trace amounts of sugar if that can replace BCAAs?

You don't need to worry about BCAA's, BCAA's = what protein is made up of, so if you are getting at least 136g of protein then don't worry about a separate bcaa supplement. The most important things for you at this point is: 1) Calorie deficit 2) Continue with resistance training if you're losing a pound or two a week then you're all set. If not you can up the cardio or reduce calorie intake.

[broteinbro404]

Also, is it true people my body type seldom lose their pouches? Do you think I can get rid of that belly in 2-3 months if I eat extremely right?

The first place you put fat on is the last place that it will come off, but yes, if you are consistent with diet and exercise you will lose the pouch.

[Watsonm5]

From what I have read and seen first hand I believe most experts might suggest you double check your TDEE for starters. You have way too much fat and not enough muscle for sure.

With that said I would seek advice on a beginners/novice workout program like Fierce 5. Do a search for it and start there. This will get you started in the right direction. Are you measuring your food? If so, what are you eating exactly?? I believe your diet me be off and too much of a surplus. Check out the Nutrition section of this website as well. Have you tried HIIT exercises? Much better calorie burn but don't over do it. BUILDING MUSCLE is most important here along with getting your MACRO's dialed in for sure. Good luck and keep us posted. Great progress so far!!

[TravelinJhwkFan]

Hit those calves 4-5 times a week. They're like abs and need to be constantly hit to get gains. I know, I'm a victim of small calves genetically. They aren't huge now, but hitting them that often, I've seen nice gains.


I'd say continue a slow bulk and enjoy the nuby gains. After a year or so, start a slow cut to keep the muscle mass. I cut too early myself, and although I got lean, I should have kept bulking for more mass.

Edit: P/P/L is a nice routine as well. Been on that for almost a year, and I'll never go back to the bro-split.

[MeetP]

I was more thinking that for gaining 4 lbs a month it looks like there is too much fat gain but I'm no professional and if you say you are measuring everything accurately then I trust you.

I think I have gained fat as well. But then I also feel all the muscles in my body, literally feel them when I flex. And yes, I do measure every single thing that goes into my mouth.

Strength meets size looks like a good program, I'd personally add some accessory work but thats not here or there. Make sure youre pushing it hard in the gym and keep upping those weights when you can.

I do have some accessory work here and there. Like I have thrown in shrugs, upright rows and bicep curls on three separate days for traps and biceps respectively.

I weigh only 150 in that picture.

You're gonna make it man, keep it up. I'd say lower the extra calories from 300 a week to 200 and see if it effects strength/recovery?

No matter what you do, youre on the right track.

Extra cals is more like 400-500 a day at the moment. I am assuming you meant 300 a day. I was on 300 a day but then it would take ages for my strength to go up so I increased.
Thanks for the inspiration pal it means a lot. Really makes me wanna keep going.

Grapes and greek yogurt?

I would try that but IF protocol doesn't comply with it.

[MeetP]

4 days a week, one main muscle group per day? Not a good plan.

All Pro's Beginner Routine
Stronglifts 5x5
Fierce 5
Starting Strength
Push/Pull/Legs

I have a history of spinal injury. I have tried All pro and I had to take a week off due to the amount of stress it was putting on my spine.

Strong lifts works your strength. I want both. Strength meets size has worked out nicely so far. I have been enjoying the workout I get from it.

[MeetP]

You don't need to worry about BCAA's, BCAA's = what protein is made up of, so if you are getting at least 136g of protein then don't worry about a separate bcaa supplement. The most important things for you at this point is: 1) Calorie deficit 2) Continue with resistance training if you're losing a pound or two a week then you're all set. If not you can up the cardio or reduce calorie intake.

It is confirmed then.. BCAAs have been ruled out. Thanks all for saving me a lot of money.