I am a prototypical hardgainer, 23 years old and never weighed over 10 stone until recently when I started lifting weights again (lifted in the past and never saw any noticeable gains).
I read in an article that I should just overload my body with calories (currently taking in between 3300 and 4000 per day). Whilst this has worked for me so far (I've gained 14lbs in 4 weeks) I am worried that if I continue to load up on calories that my body will soon start to pack on fat rather than muscle.
I work out three times a week for approx. 40 mins, and have just started doing two sessions on the bike a week also (around 30 mins each session). I am taking Sci-MX Mass System twice a day currently, but am switching to Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass instead (will only take half the specified serving a day because I think 1250 calories a day is far too much for me given my workout). I plan to complement this with a low calorie whey protein also throughout the day.
My diet consists largely of chicken soups, tuna with low fat dressings, eggs, fruit (apples and bananas), yoghurts (not low fat), cheese and bagels.
The bottom line is, every article/workout I read says to burn calories to get leaner, but as a hardgainer I need to add a large amount of calories to my diet in order to grow in size. I'm gaining size no problem, but my abs are invisible and my general muscle tone is lacking. Is my diet incorrect and should I cut down on calorie intake?
I don't want to continue in the wrong direction and have a load of fat to try and shift further down the line.
EDIT: Example Diet for a Week Day
Breakfast (8:30am): Quaker Oats with 300ml Semi Skimmed Milk 1 serving (or half serving of Optimum Nutrition) Mass gainer 2 Apples Handful of unsalted and unflavoured red skin peanuts/cashews
Mid Morning (11am): Tuna Sandwich, or Bagel with Philadelphia and Ham
Lunch (1.30pm): Chicken Soup / Tomato Soup (600ml) with Cheese/Ham sandwich, or Tuna pasta salad with sweetcorn
Mid-Afternoon (4pm): Bagel with Philadelphia and Ham
Dinner (6pm): Steak, Potatoes, Carrots, Cabbage Muller Light (no fat)
Mid Evening (8.30pm) Toasted Bagel with philadelphia and ham, or Tuna sandwich
Before Bed (11.30pm) Mass Gainer shake (will be swapping this with a low calorie protein shake) Banana Tuna Sandwich