lost some fat, time to bulk?

[lilchit]

im a compleat newbie. but have seen some great results thanks to this board (and the amazing search button)!

heres the deal. im 31 years old, 5'3" 113# and 19% bf. ( i sure dont look like yall, but it doesnt look as bad as it sounds)

im on the crumb diet with eca. im alternating between lifting and cardio everyother day. but i seem to be stuck!

should i try to bulk while i still have fat? thanks!

 

[Gladiola]

Depends what your own personal goals are. What sort of physique do you want from a visual standpoint? Is it more important to you to be able to have exceptional endurance, to be really strong & powerful, or just overall fit & healthy?

I wouldn't want to tell you what your goals should be.

 

[lilchit]

well, mostly im looking for symmetry. for me, that will mean larger legs, smaller waist.

hadnt really thought about endurance and strength. do you mean a long distance runners build vs a sprinter? that kinda thing? if so, definitely the sprinter.

it would be nice, though, to wear my swimsuit this summer without a t-shirt!

and gladiola, ty for responding.

 

[Gladiola]

do you mean a long distance runners build vs a sprinter? that kinda thing? if so, definitely the sprinter.

You're welcome (I'm bored at work!)

Yup, that's what I meant. If you're looking for a more muscular look - then we can definitely help with that! That's what I like too. I used to have a physique like Jenny Worth as a goal, & now I'm shooting more for Anja Langer. I love muscle.

Regarding 'bulking' vs. 'cutting' -> How long have you been eating "Clean"? It might be possible for you at 19% bf to keep adding muscle AND burning fat simulatneously, particulary if you're new to clean eating.

I say lift like mad (4-5 sessions a week, each body part 1X per week, 2X per week max) & eat clean, plenty of protein, a good split like 40%Protein, 40% carb, 20% fat & see what you can do. Total caloric intake will determine if you can add mass or not but what caloric intake is your maintenance level is largely unknown!!! There are formulas for you to use, but it's also quite individual.

I've always found that I can eat LOT if it's all clean, so focus more on CLEAN than total quantity of food & don't underestimate how much food you need (a common mistake for women). Play with the #'s & you'll discover what's right in time.

 

[lilchit]

ty! im on it right now.

oh, very new to clean eats. about 2 mos in, actually.

thanks for the help. love your quote! and if you think of anything else id love to hear it.

 

[lilchit]

ty, spatterson

 

[Gladiola]

go on a cutting type diet,

Isn't the only diff b/t cutting & bulking diets total calories??

For some ppl "cutting diet" can mean less carbs, but you don't have to go very low carb to lose body fat (particularly if you're not super lean already).

 

[Gladiola]

go on a cutting type diet,

Isn't the only diff b/t cutting & bulking diets total calories??

For some ppl "cutting diet" can mean less carbs, but you don't have to go very low carb to lose body fat (particularly if you're not super lean already).

 

[lilchit]

thanks ladies. great information! very helpful.