Bulking Macros for a 140 lb Female (Mediterranean)

A practical starting target is 2438 calories/day — a 222-calorie surplus above your estimated TDEE of 2216. This provides a meaningful signal for muscle growth without being aggressive enough to risk significant muscle loss or excessive fat gain. Adjust in 100-calorie steps after 2–3 weeks of data.

At 140 lb, a daily target of 133gm of protein (0.95g per lb bodyweight) supports body composition goals whether cutting, building, or maintaining. Protein has a higher thermic effect than carbs or fats, keeps hunger lower than either, and directly determines how much muscle your body can build or retain. Distribute across 3–5 meals for best use — a single large protein serving has diminishing returns compared to spread intake.

Realistic natural muscle gain is slow — typically 0.25–0.5 lb of muscle per month for trained individuals, more for true beginners. Scale weight may increase faster than that because the surplus adds glycogen, water, and some fat alongside muscle. At a 222-calorie surplus, expect to track body composition (measurements, how clothes fit, strength progress) rather than relying on scale weight alone. Strength gains are often the earliest and most reliable signal that the surplus is working.

A mediterranean split at 140 lb adjusts the carb-to-fat ratio to align with your dietary preferences and activity. The overall calorie target (2438) and protein floor (133gm) remain the primary drivers of results — strategy primarily determines how those calories are distributed, which affects food choices and adherence.

At 140 lb, total calorie targets are lower, which means every macro gram matters more. Protein is the priority to protect — at 133gm, you are targeting 0.95g per lb, which leaves little room to reduce protein without consequences for muscle retention. If you need to reduce total calories, trim from carbs or fats, not protein. The lower absolute calorie target also means tracking accuracy is more important: a 200-calorie tracking error represents a larger percentage of total intake at 2438 calories than it would at 2,800+.