Conflicted as to whether I should actively try to lose weight or not (F, 22)

algernon4231

The last time I got my body fat evaluated, I got 20.43% using the calipers and 17.1% using bio electrical impedance. The thing is, I really feel like my body looks a lot fatter than that. I've always wanted to be slightly-abs-showing skinny, but I haven't been that since 3 years ago.

I'm willing to cut and lower my body fat, but I feel like to get down to that low a body fat I'll definitely need to be fairly restrictive. I'm worried about what it'll take for me to maintain once I have a lower body fat. Will I need to keep eating clean and keeping carbs low-ish once I get to where I wanted? I just can't tell if it's worth it or not. I certainly am not looking to look like a fitness model, I just want to look like I actually work out. What was your thought process on all of this?

The other thing that I'm concerned about is having too little energy when I'm trying to lose weight. I have a fairly busy schedule. I feel sluggish as is without seriously trying to do anything to my diet! What are people's experiences with dieting and having enough energy to get work done?

Thank you!!

hina2398

The one thing I learned throughout my fitness journey was to never ban any foods from my diet. In fact, I'm eating a chocolate chip cookie as I'm writing this