So I'm fairly new to lifting. Started a little at the end of last year but would say I started properly around January this year. I can only get to the gym 2-3 times per week and so I have just been doing a combination of compound lifts: overhead press, bench press, pull ups, dips, dead lifts and squats. I will also add in some lat pulls. I do the 5x5 program.

My first question is: now I am around 6 months into lifting - where do I go to make more progress getting bigger? I have made some progress and can definitely tell I have put on more muscle and strength. I started, for example, lifting around 40kg on dead lift and now do around 70kg. On bench press I started on 20kg (the bar) and now do 55kg. Do I start changing up my program to specific body areas like back/shoulders etc.?

Also with the diet - is a 'clean bulk' the best way to go for me right now?

Essentially I want to get as strong as possible and get bigger with staying as lean as possible. What dietary tips do you guys have for this?

I am currently 5"5 and weigh around 62 kg. Dont' know my body fat but basically I can see abut the top 1-2 rows of my six pack (if that makes sense)