I say always eat real foods always! If you want to eat a quest bar here and there that fine. But I know a lot of people just eat quest bars and drink protein shakes haha. And don't get in there micronutrients lol.
I was like you bro! I was a hooper and couldn't put on weight because my metabolism was already fast as hell and then playing hoops just burned way to much. So limit that cardio. Eat a lot(count exactly what you are eating to see exactly how much weight you're gaining or not gaining)
Goodluck man!
Damn amazing words brotha! Im touched! Glad to help you be the best version of yourself. Plus you put that hard work it brotha! Ayyyeeee you know you aint ready for that JPhysique pause squat challenge! Haha. Im undefeated!