Question on which direction to take

[Bscull13]

Robert,

I have been following your nutrition advice through various podcasts and articles you have written and find them very valuable and informative, so thank you.

I am a bit confused and was hoping you could point me in the right direction. I am a 34 y/o male, 5-8, about 182lbs, BMI of 27, 37 inch waist (belly button measurement), and approximately 21% bf (from Army calculator). I am early intermediate on squats and deadlifts but still trying to eke out some progress on presses. Gaining strength is still my goal but I am trying to do so with a reasonable body composition.

Should I still be bulking or is recomposition or leaning out more reasonable? Thank you so much for your time.

[Robert Santana]

Lifts?

[Bscull13]

355x5 squat, 410x5 deadlift, 160x5 press, 200x5 bench

[Robert Santana]

Are you still adding weight to the bar on these PRs and if so how often?

[Bscull13]

I was progressing my lifts weekly with the 4 day texas method before stalling out at these numbers, but I know I can make quite a bit more progress with some of the programming modifications from the book.

I assume since I think I can continue to make more progress at a reasonably fast rate, I should concentrate on doing so since my bodyfat levels are not out of control. I will just try to do so in a more reasonable manner then eating whatever I want.

The past week I have been focusing on eating approximately 3,000 calories with approx 200g protein, 250g carbs, and 130g fat.

[Robert Santana]

I'd cut the fat down to 90 g/d and see what that does to you. That's a 270 calorie drop, with no change in carbohydrates. You are at a point now where you are no longer weak but you can still get stronger. I wouldn't lose a ton of weight but 5-10 lb would be good as you are working back up on the bar.

[Bscull13]

Thank you, your advice is much appreciated.

[Robert Santana]

You are very welcome.