Opinions needed on calorie intake

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Talan79
Talan79 Posts: 782 Member
Stats:
Female
Age 35
Height 5"2
Weight 117
Frame: Med
Body Fat at 128 was 18.4% (clippers)
Retesting soon

I started the year at 122. On top of cardio, I started to do lower body weights 3 times a week in Jan. My calories were on the lower end. About 1350 a day. Zone based. Three meals two snacks.
In March I added upper body weights.
I have been lifting 6 days a week since March 1st.
3 days legs. 3 upper body.
On leg days, 2 miles of interval running.
On upper body, 4.
I increased my calories on some days in March up to 1450-1550. I didn't think a 500 calorie deficit was needed for someone not overweight. Based on harris benidict and other calculations I'm burning 1700-1900 daily. I also have an UP24 band to track steps which give me a daily burn estimate.
Despite the deficit since the beginning of the year, I'm only down 5 pounds. Which is fine. My goal now is to lean out. Not to necessarily lose weight. Although I still feel like I have weight to lose, like belly fat. I know I can't gain muscle on a deficit. But how high do my calories need to be to lean out and not lose muscle mass at this point.
If my maintenance is 1700's, should my daily intake be that?
Thanks in advance.

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