Complete beginner to lifting, question about fat loss and eating at a deficit

rexroars

Hey guys! I do only cardio at the moment but I'm realizing after following peoples' progress on tumblr and Instagram that lifting is what I really need for reaching my bodyfat percentage goals!

I'm 5'10 and 151 lbs currently at 23% bf. I'll post my "before photo".

I have no idea what my weight goal is but I want my bf% goal to be 19%.

I just ordered "Strong Curves" but I have some general questions.

Right now I'm eating about 1500 cal a day (probably 1800 on weekends) and burning 300-400 about 4x a week. I lost 11 lbs from what I gained this winter but I'm still just "squishy".

How do I know how to adjust my eating for lifting? I'd like to focus on muscle gain later but for now I want to mostly lose fat. Will I hurt myself by eating at a deficit while lifting?

Thank you all so much!! I have been trying to google this but have still been so confused.

shadow2soul

You can lift while on a deficit. You just might find that it's easier to aim for 0.5-1 lb per week loss.

There is also the option of recomp. This involves eating to maintain. It's a very slow process. However supposedly you will slowly lose fat and slowly gain muscle while maintaining your current weight. Again though from what I've read it's a really slow process.

rileyes

Strong Curves is a great choice. I have seen and felt the best results from this program. Your butt will never stop hurting (in a good way). I like the rotation moves too. You can achieve a six pack along with a butt-lift if you stick with it. I added some compound lifts and circuit training for my goals.

slaite1

Go to the section of the forums on "maintaining" and check out the thread on recomposition. You look to be in a good spot for it and it is super helpful