Cutting vs. Clean Bulk

Hello everyone,
 
I have lurked the forums for a few weeks now gaining some great information. Really appreciate all the advice & knowledge everyone shares here daily. I have been out of shape for a long time and have never really "lifted" before in my life until recently. (3-4 weeks ago) I have a friend who has been giving me insight towards a good diet and a routine @ the gym. I basically have a 3-4 day a week plan currently. A basic: Chest//Tri, Back//Bi, Shoulder//Arm, Legs type of setup. My diet is reduced to the right things to eat, meats, veggies, brown rice, etc. I am also trying to eat 5-6 times a day. Supplements include ON whey + ON caseine + animal pak.
 
My question is. My current body is very high in bodyfat. I am 6’1” 177lbs but definitely mostly chub. Is continuing my current plan going to cut fat while gaining muscle or do I really have to commit a few months to cutting this fat before going for big muscle gains? I would really like to continue lifting I just don’t want to be going about this the completely wrong way. I have attached a picture to give you an idea of my current condition
 

 

Definitely need to cut a little before you bulk..
 
But then again, if you cut, you may look scrawny like me, so..
 
Just cut about 12 pounds.
 
I followed a hardcore diet called the meat and veggies diet for my cut. Think of it as this: if a caveman can't eat it, you can't eat it. Watch the fat peel away.

saying that ive managed to find a perfect equilibrium of cutting and bulking, but as perry said id cut first if unsure.
 
if your interested you'll need to do very specific calculations with you caleric intake and how much protein you need and carbs and fat at specific times of the day and stick to it no matter what! even then , nothings perfect...

ORIGINAL: dr j
I even found one site asserting that eating soy makes people gay. psaw.

So I absolutely have to cut before bulking? I can't smoothly transition? I mean everyone talks about muscle burning fat, so why can't I just keep to a very clear diet while lifting to burn fat? Detailed: If I am eatting brown rice, chicken//fish//beef, and veggies 4-5 times a day with workouts 4 days a week. Am I really just going to be piling muscle underneath fat and digging myself deeper? Anymore insight on this gang? Thanks in advance.

thats what im saying. what you put in, you willl get out.
 
so its up to you in what road you decide to turn down, we can only guide you.
 
if you are only going 4 times a week, then i suggest cutting first. its very very hard for someone who has not been lifting for years to gain muscle say 2lbs a week AND loose fat. its certainly not impossible, but very hard and takes a lot of concentration.
 
if you want to build muscle seriously then bulkin is what we do, altho you DO put on some fat.
 
if you want to gain muscle but look good whilst doing it, then cut first. i hope im not too confusing. im sure theres lots of other people on here with other points of view that may be able to suggest something else that your more comfortable with, but thats basically it.

ORIGINAL: dr j
I even found one site asserting that eating soy makes people gay. psaw.

been a few weeks of eatting right seeing some definition in my arms and hoping i can cut more fat after building muscle. any other opinions?

buy a cloth tape measure. measure everything. after 2 weeks, measure again.
 
if you get newbie gains, your chest, arms, and legs should be bigger, and your waist around your navel should be smaller.
 
don't check for definition in your arms only. i know bodybuilding is an asthetic sport for the most part, but being strong all over will get you far in life and help you with any task at hand.
 
if you are 177, cut out rice and all that jazz. you look like an endomorph, so kill the carbs that add to your body fat. the only carbs you should get a ton of are vegetables and a fruit before/after your workout.
 
buy animal pak. and if you really jumpstart fat loss by listening, buy a good fat burner on down the road.
 
be prepared for changes, if you are motivated and strong willed enough.

If your new at bodybuilding and have good intentions of spending time of hard work :  Don't try to cut, just build muscles, these will burn most of your fat.
 
Eat healthy, lots of protein , 6-8 meals a day. You'll see good results within months.
 
 
work

Jeff : The Man, The Legend

Cutting and Bulking
28 years old
6'
march 2007 218 lbs
june 2008 198 lbs