I'm underweight and hence trying to bulk up substantially. I can see results: a somewhat fuller chest, somewhat thicker arms, much thicker triceps, my butt fills my jeans better, etc. I do Rippetoes, and try to eat as much as I can. Also, about 1.5-2 liters of milk a day.

However, my midsection is getting too bulbous for my taste. I've always had a sixpacks because I was so lean, but now whenever I sit down in my jeans without my shirt, the first thing I notice is the overhang of fat around the waist. I understand that gaining muscles without gaining some fat is impossible. But am I gaining too much fat? Should I eat less? Or should I keep the course and slim down later?

I'm researching this now. There appears to be two ways to go about this: a distinct bulking phase followed by a cutting phase or to eat a light surplus each day (+200 kcal). I prefer the light surplus route, but it's difficult to regulate my caloric intake with any precision. I guess I can cut down on the milk. So maybe I'll go down to a litre a day (-300-600 kcal). But going this route has it's dangers ... due to the imprecision involved I might unwittingly have a light caloric deficit instead, and thus strangle all lean mass growth.

I think I'll try to ignore the fat for now.

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Added on May 10, 2009, 4:37 pmHave you guys also noticed your body hair growing absolutely wild since starting strength training? For the first time in my life, I had to trim back a strand of brow today! It was thick and ... about 2 cm long. Also, the hairs on my arms are all longer than ever before.

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Added on May 10, 2009, 10:16 pmWell I found this:

http://www.strengthmill.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2233


This post has been edited by kotmj: May 10 2009, 10:16 PM