Bulk vs Cut: Which One?

Nutrition comic · April 10, 2026 · 6 slides

Deciding whether to bulk or cut depends primarily on your current body fat percentage. Individuals with over 20% body fat should focus on a calorie deficit to cut, while those under 15% should aim for a calorie surplus to bulk. Alternatively, body recomposition at maintenance calories allows for simultaneous muscle gain and fat loss.

The GainFrame mascot is shown in two states: on the left, sitting and eating a large plate of food representing a bulk, and on the right, running on a treadmill representing a cut.
GainFrame Guy. Bulk vs. Cut. Which one are you? VS. Bulk. Cut.
The GainFrame mascot sits happily with a large plate of food next to a scale showing weight gain, illustrating that bulking requires a calorie surplus of 300 to 500 calories to fuel muscle growth.
1. Bulking = Surplus. Eat 300-500 cals above maintenance. Fuel muscle growth. +300-500 calories. 205 lbs. Up. Calorie surplus.
The GainFrame mascot eats a smaller plate of chicken and vegetables next to a scale showing weight loss, illustrating that cutting requires a calorie deficit of 500 calories to lose fat while keeping protein high.
2. Cutting = Deficit. Eat 500 cals below maintenance. Keep protein high. -500 calories. Calorie deficit.
The GainFrame mascot stands next to a balanced scale and looks into a mirror reflecting a muscular physique, illustrating that body recomposition allows you to lose fat and gain muscle simultaneously by eating at maintenance.
3. Or... Body Recomp. Eat at maintenance. Lose fat AND gain muscle (slower). Body recomp.
The GainFrame mascot points to a whiteboard flowchart showing that individuals with over 20% body fat should cut, those under 15% should bulk, and those in between can choose either.
4. How to Choose. Above 20% BF? Cut first. Under 15%? Time to bulk. Start. BF% > 20%? -> Cut. BF% < 15%? -> Bulk. 15-20%? -> Your choice.
The GainFrame mascot stands proudly holding a smartphone displaying the GainFrame app, highlighting the importance of tracking your body fat and weight trends during a bulk or cut.
5. Track Your Phase. Bulk or cut — see the difference. Use GainFrame.

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