Skinny-fat but underweight, seeking advice on eating for LP

[bcorps]

Hey guys, new to the forum here. Some background: 18M always been kind of skinnyfat growing up, never very athletic, sitting at 6'2 145 at the moment. Numbers are (all 3x5 except for deadlift) B 75, S 105, D 115. I finished reading the blue book and I'm trying to figure out how to approach the program for my particular situation.

I have a small frame and I don't have a lot of mass all over but I'm not lean either, I would estimate 20-25 BF%. I know I'm seriously underweight for my height, but I am concerned about the resulting fat gain that comes with it as I am already by no means at a low BF% which I assume is how most skinny guys are starting out on the program (thus the common advice to bulk and not worry about fat gain).

I would like to know whether I should eat at maintenance while running the LP, or just say screw it and bulk. My goals are purely strength related though I'm not willing to go over 25% BF.

Would appreciate any input.

[Robert Santana]

Eat at maintenance until that does not work anymore then add calories. Your fat percentage checks out with your strength. Ramp that deadlift up faster, that gap between the squat is narrower than it should be at your stage. Be patient and enjoy the ride.