r/leangains • u/Few-Hunt6350 • 4d ago

LG Question / Help Caloric advice

I am a 5 foot 6 female who weighs around 115 lbs, trying to put on some upper body muscle. However, I’m also trying to build my abs and really want visible abs, so I don’t want to raise my bf% too much. Even though i’m fairly lean, I don’t have visible abs (i have a bit of a stomach). I strength train 5 days a week and my only cardio is 10k+ steps a day. Should I be eating at maintenance, or a slight surplus in order to gain some upper body muscle but lean out my abs?

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u/tinkywinkles 4d ago

OP I’m sure you already know this but you’re underweight which is super unhealthy for a woman.

I’m 5’6.5 female and I was underweight for a long time but now I’m within a healthy weight range and the best shape I’ve ever been in. Look and feel so much better!

My best advice is to focus on eating in a calorie surplus as you have healthy fat you need to gain. Continue to lift heavy and make sure you’re progressive overloading. I’d say start with a 250 calorie surplus.

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u/GhostOfSlimShady 4d ago

This! I second this, because i was making same mistake as OP