New to the site and to muscle building, looking for beginners advice

I'm 17st 8lbs and do not pack much muscle, most of it is fat tbh. I've bought some weights and read some books and I'm ready to hit it hard. Most places I read say that pack on pure muscle, you have to eat a hell of a lot of calories each day, but I don't want to do that as I am wanting to lose body fat whilst building muscle and do not want to pack on anymore pounds of fat. Can anybody help me on where to start? Do I need to eat loads whilst training or can I reduce calories, increase protein intake and reach my goal? Cheers

As a new trainer you should be able to build some muscle whilst dropping bodyfat, just understand you're on a long road so be patient and don't expect miracles overnight!

Work out your daily calorie requirement and eat a bit less, see how you get on. If you need advice in what foods to eat post up in the diet section as redwing said.

Welcome to mt :)

Hi Nick!
 
As the other guys have said, it comes down to your diet. A simple idea of how a diet is important; If you eat small(ish) clean regular meals throughout the day (around 5/6) you will infact boost your metabolism naturally, this will make your body burn more calories.
 
If you are trying to lose body fat and also gain muscle, whilst dieting, keep doing your weight training. Again, same as a diet, you can get a decent workout plan too!
 
I would also add some cardio into your training.
A great way of burning the calories is 'Fasted Cardio', this is when you wake up, before breakfast, you go for a fast-paced walk. Not a dordle, nor a run. Just a fast walk where your heart rate has increased and you feel your body getting sticky. Do this for 40 mins, come back, have a protein shake and then your breakfast.
 
A little tip, with your breakfast, Porridge Oats is a good choice. It's a good clean carbohydrate, will provide sustained energy throughout the day and you can never put weight on with just oats.
For flavour, you could add a scoop of low carb/low calorie whey protein :)
 
Hope that basic information helps!
 
If you need advice as to Diet Plans, Workout Plans, General Nutritional Advice.
Take a look at Healthy Action, a great 1-2-1 service that helps you every step of the way.
 
Links:: http://www.healthyaction.co.uk/