Noob Question.....

[jash]

I started working out not to long ago.I was wondering, If I really want to lean out or gain muscle at all.It is a must to count calories.I heard this from a buddy of mine and didnt know at all, Do any of you guys count your calories?

[Zodiac82]

I wouldn't say it's a must....but definitely a great way of keepin an eye on what ur intakin throughout the day....a lot of guys on here do as well as their macros for the day

[austinite]

Yes. Otherwise how would you achieve a goal if you're eating random calories daily?

You have to know your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure) in calories. You use that number to figure out how to bulk. If your TDEE is 3000 calories, you would need to eat a minimum of 3500 calories to bulk. If you eat 3000 or less, you will not gain anything. This is why you must watch your caloric intake, but it doesnt stop there, otherwise it would be easy You must also mind your macro-nutrients (fats, protiens, carbs). There are sticky threads explaining this in detail.

Good luck.

[MuscleInk]

Yes. Otherwise how would you achieve a goal if you're eating random calories daily?

You have to know your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure) in calories. You use that number to figure out how to bulk. If your TDEE is 3000 calories, you would need to eat a minimum of 3500 calories to bulk. If you eat 3000 or less, you will not gain anything. This is why you must watch your caloric intake, but it doesnt stop there, otherwise it would be easy You must also mind your macro-nutrients (fats, protiens, carbs). There are sticky threads explaining this in detail.

Good luck.

^^^ Perfect answer!
Everything, bulking or cutting, come down to how and what you eat. There is no way around this.

[GirlyGymRat]

I started working out not to long ago.I was wondering, If I really want to lean out or gain muscle at all.It is a must to count calories.I heard this from a buddy of mine and didnt know at all, Do any of you guys count your calories?

Myfitnesspal is a great free app. You can customize your macros also. Jump owner to the nutritional forum for help with diet.

[GirlyGymRat]

Myfitnesspal is a great free app. You can customize your macros also. Jump owner to the nutritional forum for help with diet.

My bad. Thought I was in q & a!!!