just a question. i have seen guys that are gaining muscle on a 2600 calorie/day diet.
1. They probably aren't sure what they're eating in terms of calories.
2. If they're not sure, you're definitely not sure.
3. What one will gain on, another will not. For instance, most people I know can gain nicely with 2700-3000 calories. I will not. Completely dependent on training, genetics, muscle mass, etc, etc.
4. Also, keep in mind that what's a deficit for some may be a surplus for others and vice versa.
[quote}That's what i'm on. I know while i am not getting extreme amounts of protien and carbs that i would need to gain alot of muscle wouldn't i still be gaining muscle while dieting?[/QUOTE]
I can't answer that.
What are your stats again?
When you're in a caloric deficit, especially when you're not overly fat and/or completely used to being sedentary, chances of gaining any significant/noticeable muscle are slim unless a) you're on drugs or b) you're a genetic freak.
I know guys on the Internet who supposedly can gain muscle and lose fat to a significant degree while dieting. I also think they're on drugs.
In my time as a trainer and a general 'gym rat,' I've known one guy who could. He was seriously a genetic freak. Even before getting serious with weights he had more muscle mass than me and was lean as all hell and ate whatever the hell he wanted.
Most people aren't that lucky, including me.