Wanting muscle mass but susceptible to weight gain

laurengleaves123

I am very susceptible to weight gain, most likely because I messed up and slowed my metabolism down when I was losing weight because I ate such little calories. However, I would like to start building muscle and toning my body. I understand that you must eat in a surplus to gain muscle mass, but if I eat that many calories my weight shoots up and my stomach sticks out. I am by no means fat (5'7" 120lbs) but if I drastically increase my calories everyday I will gain fat and it all goes to my stomach. Any ideas how to find a balance?

TavistockToad

Are you currently eating at maintenance?

You only need a small surplus of 250cals to gain muscle slowly, but you will also gain some fat.

lorrpb

We are all "susceptible" to gaining weight if we eat too many calories. You wouldn't need to "drastically" increase your calories, just a little bit. At 5-7 and 120 you are on the extreme low end of BMI and could stand to gain some healthy weight. I'm 5-7 and 155, which is at the high end of the BMI range and people tell me I look great. You find the balance by doing weight training along with increasing your calories.

sardelsa

To reduce fat gains, keep your surplus minimal around 125-250cals and follow a lifting routine for best results. Keep in mind that more cals/more food can bloat you by the end of the day. You should see me before I go to bed.. ha.

I agree you are at a good place to bulk at your stats.. about where I was when I started my first bulk. Now I am quite a bit heavier and definitely am happier with my body composition.