New lifter—how do I decide whether to bulk or cut?

[nutrition_110]

I’m new to lifting and have seen conflicting advice online about whether beginners should bulk, cut, or eat at maintenance. What factors should I consider when deciding which approach fits my goals, and how should my diet change?

 

[jfigliuolo]

Whats your bf%... that is a huge determiner. IF diet and training are dialed in, you should recomp at first regardless... in GENERAL, if you can see your abs you can bulk. If you can't cut. If in between, knowing what i know now, I'd cut. Im sure @Smont will give you better advice.

 

[ironviking]

As stated, depends on where you are at BF wise. Rule of thumb >16% cut, <15% bulk and stay below 21% when bulking. That is over simplified but you get the idea.
If you are new to lifting and not obese I'd say eat at maintenance for the first year and take advantage of the ability to recomp (gain muscle while losing fat).
If you are really thin I'd say light bulk (250kcal surplus) at first then ramp up to a heavy bulk (500kcal surplus) for a few weeks then down to maintenance depending on where you land at after that.