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

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

Author: Brandon DaCruz April 22, 2026 Duration: 32:41

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 GAIN

WHY YOU CANNOT FORCE FEED MUSCLE GROWTH

THE RATE OF GAIN TARGETS I USE WITH CLIENTS IN A LEAN BUILDING PHASE

WHY I USE A RATE OF GAIN INSTEAD OF A BLANKET “300 CALORIE SURPLUS” RECOMMENDATION

THE RESEARCH COMPARING FAST VS SLOW WEIGHT GAIN AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR FAT GAIN

THE MOST RECENT STUDY BY HELMS ET AL. 2023 ON SMALL VS LARGE SURPLUSES IN TRAINED LIFTERS

If 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: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com


For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry


Brandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com


My Reading Recommendations: 

THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS 

https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw



Hosted by Brandon DaCruz, Chasing Clarity: Health & Fitness Podcast cuts through the noise of an often overwhelming industry. Instead of quick fixes, Brandon and his co-host Jeff build conversations from a place of genuine partnership, tackling everything from meal planning and workout splits to the less-discussed mental hurdles of a fitness journey. Their dynamic feels more like a dialogue between friends who’ve been in the trenches, making complex topics in nutrition, training, and body composition feel accessible and actionable. What you’ll find here is a practical blend of solid information and real-world application, designed for anyone who wants to move past confusion and build sustainable habits. This isn't about rigid dogma; it's about finding what actually works for you. Tune into the podcast for honest discussions that aim to replace frustration with understanding, one episode at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Chasing Clarity: Health & Fitness Podcast
Podcast Episodes
13 LESSONS FROM 13 YEARS OF ONLINE COACHING | EP. 198 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:30
In this solo episode, I’m sharing 13 of the most important lessons I’ve learned after over a decade of coaching clients across all walks of life from IFBB pros to lifestyle clients, corporate execs, entrepreneurs, and fi…
FEMALE FAT LOSS EXPLAINED: HOW I COACH WOMEN DIFFERENTLY | EP. 194 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:17
Most women don’t struggle with fat loss because they’re unmotivated or undisciplined. They struggle because they’ve been given the wrong strategy for their biology and they’ve been dieting from a suboptimal position wher…