Is lower calorie, high protein possible for bodybuilding?

[RedBull]

Hey everyone,

I flipped the switch inside and decided to get serious about bodybuilding. I've already dropped from 233 to 193 in the past half a year from weightlifting and exercise and put on some muscle, but now I really want to bulk up.

I understand diet is a big part, but I would like to continue losing bodyfat while putting on lean mass.

At age 21, 6'1", 193, I figure I should have around 250g protein each day (or maybe more?). Now that I'm eating a lot healthier with foods found in this forum though, my caloric intake is a lot lower.

For example, yesterday totalled out at:
Calories: 1941
Fat: 51
Carbs: 113
Protein: 239

Is it possible to consume high amounts of protein, low calories, and still build muscle? Or are calories somehow important and if so, how many?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Mudge]

Yes its possible, it just gets more difficult. If you are willing to live with slower fat loss, then its easier to continue gaining muscle. Plus you are light enough now that you really can't have much left to lose, and it becomes unhealthy to change your bodyweight too quickly (for the heart).

You may want to up the protein a little at some point, but if its working right now dont "fix it." At around 1850ish calories you should be still losing bodyweight though as just a rough guess, but activity level/metabolism decide that of course. I wouldn't drop any more calories thats for sure.

I would just plan to slow things down unless you have your heart set on being 170 pounds etc

How easy is it for you to go down to 75g carbs, and add some healthy fats in? How is the sodium intake? Holding water can be mistaken for fat.

 

[Jodi]

At your height and weight I wouldn't be concerned about cutting. If you want to put on muscle then try going slightly above maintenance and do a CLEAN BULK! With a clean bulk you can put on muscle alot faster than cutting but at the same time fat gain will be very minimal if at all.

Don't be concerned about body weight. Look in the mirror, its about body composition.

 

[RedBull]

I just posted a similar message on another site (BB) to get a different perspective, but basically I'm still not really clear if I need massive amounts of calories to put on muscle. Or is hitting the protein sufficient?

 

[whysix]

Originally posted by Jodi
At your height and weight I wouldn't be concerned about cutting. If you want to put on muscle then try going slightly above maintenance and do a CLEAN BULK! With a clean bulk you can put on muscle alot faster than cutting but at the same time fat gain will be very minimal if at all.

Don't be concerned about body weight. Look in the mirror, its about body composition.

What exactly is a clean bulk?

 

[Jodi]

Hi whysix.

Welcome to IM!


Check out this Link and it will answer both your questions. Clean Bulk and EFA's (essential fatty acids)