Why am I gaining weight?

[musclestack]

Okay, so I took a long time off of dieting and training (about 2 years). Up until recently, I was eating very poorly (on average, twice a day, lunch and dinner). These calories were not always clean either. About 2 months ago, I drastically changed my diet with the help of the guys from here. My goal is mainly to cut bf; I am roughly 15-16% (when I compare myself to other guys' pics on here who have posted their body fat).

I calculated my BMR and TDEE, also with the hep of members from here, and planned my diet accordingly. In the past 7 weeks, I have made significant improvement in strength and many people tell me that I am getting bigger (more muscular). I have actually gained about 2 pounds as well.

Now, in no way am I complaining about this; I really like the results. But I am really confused as to why I am putting on muslce with a caloric deficit??? I also feel that, at the same time, I may have dropped a pound or two of fat in the process, which was my initial goal.

Here are my stats:
age 26
height 5'9"
weight 174 pounds
bf about 15-16%
TDEE 2700

I am consuming 2100 calories a day, give or take 100.

Is it that my body was shocked by the drastic calorie increase from my previous diet? That I'm eating cleaner foods? Will my strength and size gains cease after my body has adjusted?

Thanks!

[Damienm05]

I'm sure you have a decent physique but it's not like you're an experienced bodybuilder. Being 174 lbs. at 16% bf, you've got a lot of muscle to put on. That said, just eating plenty of protein and a better quality diet in general, you can make nice gains at a deficit. Now, wait until you've put on 6-8 more and you'll plateau and need to up the cals in order to grow into a beast.

[SamTHorn]

Keep it up for another month or two. Your body is just adjusting...