More Cals = More Protein or More Carbs?

[imported_hangi24-7]

Hi, I'm an 18 year old only weighing 136 pounds looking to bulk hard. According to most diet articles, including on this website, I need ~140g of protein a day, the problem is that I need 3000+ calories to gain weight.

With 25-30% fat, this equals ~80-90g of fat meaning I will have to consume 400g+ of carbs. My bf% is a little on the high side (12-13%) so is it really necessary I consume this many carbs? Or can I trim it down to below 350g and make up the rest in protein, while still make good gains?

 

[Tcup]

Quote[/b] (hangi24-7 @ Sep. 20 2005,9:28)]My bf% is a little on the high side (12-13%)

You think that`s on the high side. Forget that if you want to bulk! There`s no point eating excess protein. Just check that you got enough good fats and rest of your diet you fill with carbs.

I know there are people on this site who say that you are able to gain muscle mass without putting any fat. To make it easier, just bulk normally and gain some fat.

 

[Joe G]

More calories = more calories

Which means more protein, fat, and carbs. And how is 12-13% a little high? I must have a warped view of bf because I know guys with 13% bf with ripped arms and good abs.

Joe G

 

[Totentanz]

The bodyfat percentage thing is a personal viewpoint, I guess. I felt fat at 13%... but when you were sub-10% your whole life, anything over 10 seems kinda fat.

Anyway, at your age, and at your weight (you didn't mention height) I would eat a little more fat than that so you can hit your calorie goals more easily. Also, I think 300 grams of carbs should be plenty... At your age, if you train right and eat a lot, you should gain muscle very well. Also, losing the excess fat that you will gain later on will be a lot easier than for someone a little older.

 

[colby2152]

Well, 13% can be skewed depending on how you perform your measurements. That's what I measure myself at right now, and I only have upper abs - so to me, I am fat.

In regards to the original question, with more calories, you can boost it any way, but if you have set percentages for your macronutrients, then try to keep them the same.

-Colby

 

[imported_hangi24-7]

I've been eating the same amount of calories in the past week but changing the ratios to include more carbs and fat and less protein (still >1/g/lb) and I've noticed a few things:

1) I feel much stronger. Lifts which appeared harder before appear much easier.
2) I look slightly thicker. The problem is my stomach looks thick as well, I have an annnoying "bloated" feeling most of the time! My abs are nowhere near as cut as a few weeks ago, is this fat or just carbs/water? It feels soft, and is quite distracting but my upper body looks much "fuller" though.

Of course, other factors could have contributed but what are your guy's thoughts on this? Should I cut down the carbs in favour of more fat/protein if I start feeling too "fat"?