Noob Gains?

I am no expert on this, but just happened to be reading an article on the subject today. From what I understand is the goal for the more experienced body builders is to maintain muscle, if on calorie deficits. However if new to body building you may be able to both be on a calorie deficit and gain muscle.

Within the first six moths-1 year or so of lifting weights for the first time your body reacts really well and adapts to the new stimulus (lifting). Normally to build muscle you have to eat in a calorie surplus (thus gaining some fat with muscle). New lifters can eat at maintenance or in a deficit and can probably still see some decent results (newbie gains). You might also think that your gaining muscle at the moment as you are loosing weight as the muscle mass that you already have is simply being revealed which gives the illusion of growth (looking more shredded etc).

I didn't do much strength training when I first lost weight and I wish I had. You can certainly add muscle and define the look of muscles while losing weight but have to find the right calorie deficit for it. You also have to realize the scale number would be the best indicator of losing/gaining weight. For example, over the last five weeks (where I did a pretty in depth workout and nutrition routine) I only lost a couple pounds but my clothes fit better and I can see more of a difference in the mirror than in the scale.