Fat loss question

bpeters1989

I'm 175lbs and 5'4. My question is about cardio and weight lifting. I'm getting married in November and want to lose at least 40lbs to look my best. So I heard that I should wait to lift weights and do cardio to lose fat before I try to build muscle. Is this true?
My current routine consists of 45 to 50 min cardio on mainly eliptical 5x a week. Then I will lift light weights for my arms and do some about exercises as well. I've lost about 5lbs in a couple months.
As far as eating if been trying to eat high protein. I don't have a lot of money to buy food and I have to feed a family of 3 that don't like my healthy food especially my fiance haha.
Any advice?

StaciMarie1974

EAt at a deficit to lose weight. Whatever foods that fit your calorie budget, but yes focusing on enough protein is wise.

Cardio is great for calorie burn, heart & lung health, etc. Do strength training now to help retain as much muscle mass as possible while eating at a deficit and to tone the muscles you have.

MelissaPhippsFeagins

No guarantees, but try 5x5 stronglifts three days/week and cardio three days/week. You can eat inexpensive higher protein that tastes good - I make a three bean chili with either ground turkey or lean ground beef, for example. I eat Greek yogurt instead of other snack foods.

Keep your calories in less than your calories out and you will be fine. You may not lose all that you want to, but you will feel and look better if you stick with it.

Best of luck and congratulations

bpeters1989

Thank you.
I'll look into stronglifts.
As for turkey my fiance practically broke up with me when I made turkey. He was like " you expect me to eat this lol!" It's hard making meals for him because he mostly eats red meat and only boneless skinless chicken breast which I tend to think is really dry and quite expensive. But the lean beef might work and he won't know the difference haha.

FattieBabs

try him on venison! Very low fat but lots of protein.. I use it for a venison chilli version... also use 5% fat lean beef for meatballs with tomato sauce..

StaciMarie1974

Try turkey breakfast sausage in recipes. My family was skeptical but loves it. You cannot tell its turkey.

BUt in general, making substitutions here & there and portion control will help you cut calories without having to make meals for you/meals for them. On the other hand, I do like having some staples on hand that I can make an easy meal for myself as needed. Like I buy frozen salmon and tilapia that are individually sealed in ~4-5 ounce pieces. Easy to thaw 1-2 out in some water and have for dinner along with some baked or sauteed veggies.

bpeters1989

Turkey Breakfast sausage is a good suggestion thanks.

MelissaPhippsFeagins

bpeters1989 wrote: »

Thank you.
I'll look into stronglifts.
As for turkey my fiance practically broke up with me when I made turkey. He was like " you expect me to eat this lol!" It's hard making meals for him because he mostly eats red meat and only boneless skinless chicken breast which I tend to think is really dry and quite expensive. But the lean beef might work and he won't know the difference haha.

Buy the whole chicken, roast it in a crackpot if you have one until it falls off the bone. Use the stock for soups, feed him boneless chicken breast and yourself the rest. If he's not touching the bones, he likely won't know the difference.

You can do the same with a lean beef roast and make things like fajitas or casseroles with the leftovers.

jessef593

Eat in a deficit and get on a progressive lifting program. Strong curves, new rules of lifting for women, starting strength. Don't just wing it, that's how you make next to no progress.

extra_medium

It's true that you need to be in a surplus to gain weight (including muscle) and a deficit to lose weight, so you can't really do both simultaneously. But you can gain a bit of muscle and definitely see an improvement in definition while losing weight, especially if you're just starting out with lifting. You're just not going to be packing on pounds of muscle while losing pounds of fat. Which I don't think is your goal anyways.

sardelsa

bpeters1989 wrote: »

I'm 175lbs and 5'4. My question is about cardio and weight lifting. I'm getting married in November and want to lose at least 40lbs to look my best. So I heard that I should wait to lift weights and do cardio to lose fat before I try to build muscle. Is this true?
My current routine consists of 45 to 50 min cardio on mainly eliptical 5x a week. Then I will lift light weights for my arms and do some about exercises as well. I've lost about 5lbs in a couple months.
As far as eating if been trying to eat high protein. I don't have a lot of money to buy food and I have to feed a family of 3 that don't like my healthy food especially my fiance haha.
Any advice?

I am going to clarify this.
You should start lifting weights NOW while you lose. Lifting while losing weight is going to preserve the muscle you have now and have positive affects on your body composition. Can you build muscle in a deficit? Maybe a little bit but that should not discourage you from not lifting weights.
If you do only cardio while you lose, you will not only lose fat but muscle as well and you will have a harder time fixing that when you get down to your goal weight range. It sucks.. believe me (been there).
Once you do get closer to goal, and you think you could use more muscle, then you can either eat around maintenance or run a bulk to actually gain more substantial muscle.

Also as mentioned, following an established program is going to be best.
For healthy recipes I would check out Skinnytaste.com .. that is my go-to for quick, everyday family friendly recipes.

bpeters1989

Thank you everyone. Such great advice!