Bulking Question

[Mjorgen]

If I up my calories so I'm gaining about 1lb a week, can I still work towards muscle definition? My abs are just starting to show and I want to continue on that path.
I weight train 3 times a week (HGM phase 1)
HIIT 3 times a week when I'm not lifting

[Mjorgen]

I should also add that I'm working towards a very clean diet, with a macro split looking something like 40/30/30 (Protein/cabs/fats)

[Paradigm]

When you are bulking, you will gain fat as well. The point of following a very clean diet while bulking is so to *minimize* this fat gain while training. You might not notice the fat gained because you're happy with the extra muscle put on, or simply because you did so well that not enough fat was put on to make a difference. Still, if you put on enough muscle, your basal metabolism will rise, and you should be able to get rid of that with a cutting phase later.

[RipStone]

^^ he nalied it. If you are adding weight, some of that is gonna be fat, however, since you are eating clean most of the weight gained should be muscle. Having said that, I wouldnt expect to get more defined abs when you are bulking.

[Lost Dog]

If you've got the patience/diligence for carefully planning what and when you eat, you could try a plan like this one.
Kelly Bagget Thread on losing fat while gaining muscle

It proposes a carefully planned schedule to burn fat and build muscle.

There are similar plans/suggestions from others, as well. Most involve eating relatively high protein/high fat/low carb at most times, and eating higher carbs, lower fat around workout times.

Here's Berardi's version (it's the last Q&A in the article). Appetite For Construction, Dec 5 2003

Other than something like this, you're bound to gain some fat along with muscle, like the others have said.

[CtA318]

If you got to the point where your abs are showing once, then you can certainly get there again. Get some meat on that frame and worry about definition later.