Calories question
 

Hi all

Simple question: if your aim is to build/define muscle but not gain body mass, do you still need to eat over the recommended daily intake of calories?

I have whey milkshakes twice a day to boost protein but the woman in the shop said protein can be ineffective for a while if you're a newbie because your muscles don't know how best to use it. Is this true and, if so, what can you do? Just accept it won't help for a while and hope it kicks in eventually?

Also, how much protein should you have if you're looking to build/define muscle? I'm currently on about double the recommended intake for a norma man (55 x 2 = 110) - enough or more needed?

Thanks in advance

Simple question: How do you plan on building your muscles without them getting bigger?

99% bullshit.

1.5-2g per pound of bodyweight is a good number

Go easy, I'm a newbie and I was just asking. For all I know you can turn existing mass which isn't very toned or defined, into muscle. If this isn't the case, fine.

I wasn't trying to be harsh, I was trying to get you to think. :) Try not to think about "mass" the way that you mentioned it above. It's easier to quantify "mass" in terms of muscle or fat. Starting out, a lot of your strength gains can be accredited to neural adaptations. After/along with that, you'll grow and gain lean body mass as long as the fuel for growth is there (an excess amount of calories).