How to gain muscle while losing fat (skinny fat)

[aman]

Currently 6'0, 165 lbs, 20 years old. I was 220 lbs about two years ago, but I lost the weight due to strictly intermittent fasting, and so I look really skinny but I have belly fat. Currently, going to the gym 5 times a week, doing PPL, and was wondering what should my diet be to look more toned and build more muscle. Should I be at a caloric deficit or surplus?

 

[newsboys23]

@aman I think you're less "skinny fat" and more "don't have enough muscle". I'd eat at a little surplus and hit the weights.

 

[dcarrera]

@aman At 165 and 6' you could stand to have a controlled bulk.

 

[cfitz]

@dcarrera This is the best answer.

 

[simondesimone]

@aman High protein (around 1.5g per kg)diet running at a calorie deficit overall.

 

[elministro50]

@aman WE wrote an article on this you might find helpful!

https://peakperformancefitness.net/...mprehensive-roadmap-to-a-leaner-healthier-you