HOW BIG OF A CALORIE SURPLUS DO YOU NEED FOR MUSCLE GROWTH? | LEAN GAINS SERIES PART 4 | EP. 213 episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 22, 2026 · 32 MIN

HOW BIG OF A CALORIE SURPLUS DO YOU NEED FOR MUSCLE GROWTH? | LEAN GAINS SERIES PART 4 | EP. 213

from Chasing Clarity: Health & Fitness Podcast · host Brandon DaCruz

Most people still think building muscle is as simple as “just eating more.”So they push their calories in the name of muscle gain and then they wonder why they gained far more fat than muscle.In Part 4 of my LEAN GAINS SERIES, I break down the truth about calorie intake for muscle growth and answer one of the most common questions I get as a coach:HOW BIG OF A SURPLUS DO YOU ACTUALLY NEED TO BUILD MUSCLE?Because the goal of a productive Lean Building Phase is not just to gain weight. It’s to gain MUSCLE while minimizing unnecessary fat gain so you can improve body composition long-term.In this episode, I cover:THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTIONS AROUND CALORIE INTAKE FOR MUSCLE GAINWHY YOU CANNOT FORCE FEED MUSCLE GROWTHTHE RATE OF GAIN TARGETS I USE WITH CLIENTS IN A LEAN BUILDING PHASEWHY I USE A RATE OF GAIN INSTEAD OF A BLANKET “300 CALORIE SURPLUS” RECOMMENDATIONTHE RESEARCH COMPARING FAST VS SLOW WEIGHT GAIN AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR FAT GAINTHE MOST RECENT STUDY BY HELMS ET AL. 2023 ON SMALL VS LARGE SURPLUSES IN TRAINED LIFTERSIf you want to build a lean, strong, muscular physique without spending half the year dieting off a bad bulk, this episode will give you the framework.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: [email protected] Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.comMy Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

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HOW BIG OF A CALORIE SURPLUS DO YOU NEED FOR MUSCLE GROWTH? | LEAN GAINS SERIES PART 4 | EP. 213

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