Thisx1000. Clean gains vs Dirty gains is a myth. Gains can only be achieved through caloric surplus. The amount you put into muscle vs fat depends on your exercise routine and to a lesser extent, the macro breakdowns. If you aren't an idiot, it's easy to get enough protein. Beyond that, EAT MOTHER FUCKER, EAT.
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Here's my progress pic. I weighed about 195 when I took that photo a few weeks ago. That's 9 months of working out regularly and eating like a fucking madman. I started at about 160-165. As you can see, healthy body fat, not super cut but it's a pretty low percentage given how much weight I have gained this year.
Are you a hard gainer? Then eat all the stuff everyone screams that you shouldn't eat.
Ice cream. Pizza. Fried chicken. Pasta. Milk. Whey. Beef. The higher the caloric density, the better. There are obviously nuances to this which can protect your long term health. If you care, you'll do the research and learn what fats are inflammatory, which sugar compounds are to be avoided, and the proteins which are most easily absorbable vs going to ferment in your gut.
I am just under 200 lb now. 6'3''. I anticipate I will be 215 and 3% bodyfat less than I am now before I reach my goal level of strength and aesthetic. Still a solid 18 months now that my babygains are finished.
Mead's chest program works. I don't follow it exactly but the important thing has been to increase weight and work to higher reps. Don't let yourself stall. I've cascaded that down into all other exercises except for ones where I historically injured joints. For those, it's better to do lighter weight, higher rep, slow and steady gains.
I am fortunate. I learned a lot about nutrition science and how to exercise while I was a sickboi. Makes it a lot easier as a healthyboi.
God speed. I'll check back here in a few weeks to make sure all elves are doing well.