Weight lifting (noob) calorie deficent vs calorie surplus?

cebiginalaska

Hello. I am new to lifting and was was wondering if it is better to be in a surplus or a deficent when it comes to calories? For the most part when I started lifting (class so I am not going to post the workouts I just lift what the instructor tells me to) I have been in a deficent until this week. I have been drinking these past two to three days (stress) and have been in a surplus and this weekly calorie goal is going to be a surplus as a result. My ultimate goal is to lose fat but I know that I won't be able to do it in a surplus... What do you guys think is it better to be in a surplus while beginning to lift so I can gain muscle (and some fat) and then go back to a deficent? Or should I just be in a deficent till I reach my body fat percentage goal? Honestly right now I am okay with being in a surplus because I know that MFP will help me get to my goal. Just looking for personal opinions...

TavistockToad

it depends what your goals are?

do you want to lose fat while retaining lean mass? if so stick to a small deficit while you lift.

if you want to gain some muscle and a little fat at the same time, then have a surplus while you lift, and cut later.