All @Buff:
Yeah, this is all true. Even then don't go nuts counting calories. Spend a little more time in the beginning figuring out what to eat and how it affects you, and then just play it by feel afterwards. Do what works. Do whatever has a measurable effect.
I didn't start gaining weight until I ate 7 meals a day and keeping track of my weekly weight change. But that was me. It might not work the same way for you.
Pick a reputable program and stick with it. Like I told you before.Is there any guidelines on the number of rep/sets that one should aim for?
Edit: MADCOW seems very similar to 5x5, which I did for over a year straight in the past. I like it but I'd rather be doing squats one day a week rather than every day.