Strength training...confused

aubyshortcake

Hello, I searched and couldn't really find an answer to this question so if it's a repeat, sorry

I started using the You Are Your Own Gym app and I really like it so far. My question is..on days that I do the program (it is my only form of exercise, and I don't do any cardio) should I be eating more? Right now MFP has me set at 1280 (which is really only about a 200 cal deficit - again, according to MFP) and my goal is get just slightly lower body fat without losing much muscle. I'm unsure as to whether that small amount of exercise would make enough of a difference in terms of increasing my intake on those days, or if I should just keep doing 1280 all around. If anyone can help shed some light on this I would really appreciate it.

billsica

You look like you are very close to your goal.

I would first look at that 1280 number. First set mfp to .5 calories and just 0. 1280 just seems very low.

Then figure out TDEE and go with that. do a search here for TDEE.

As with any new program, expect to gain a few pounds wile your body adjust.

firstsip

First things first--how is 1280 only a "200 calorie deficit" for you? You're 26, look to be a healthy weight with not too much to lose if you're just working on body fat. How tall are you? I'd find it hard to believe 1280 is even your BMR, let alone a healthy amount of calories to eat + exercise.

Second things second--with any sort of strength training, or even minimal weight to lose, more calories is better than lower. This helps repair, maintain, and if in a surplus, build muscle... which in turn helps lower body fat.

aubyshortcake

Thanks for the replies.

In terms of goal weight I'm already there, I guess it's really body composition I would like to change (maybe eventually some abs even?? lol). My average TDEE based on several calculators is roughly 1500, and MFP puts my maintenance calories at 1480. I am 5'3", 102 lbs, very small bone structure and sedentary (desk job, then when I get home I sit around..lol.....so lazy :x).

Mokey41

If you're at your goal weight why are you eating at a deficit? Eat your maintenance budget and work on changing your body with strength training. You aren't going to accomplish anything but just eating less except being skinny fat.

1princesswarrior

If your goal is to gain muscle and lose fat then you should be eating at roughly 1500 a day even set at a desk job with little exercise. You may want to add some cardio, even a 30 min. walk a couple times a week to help burn fat, but that's just my opinion and we all know what those are like.

Leadfoot_Lewis

If you're at your goal weight why are you eating at a deficit?

Exactly.

Also, I'm a believer in eating the same amount of calories everyday, regardless if you're working out or not. Your muscles grow when they're recovering, not when you're in the gym working them. So why deprive them of the calories/nutrients they need when they're recovering?

aubyshortcake

Good thing I asked! :x As you can see, I don't really know what I'm doing.

In terms of eating at a deficit while being at goal weight, I guess I was just under the impression that I needed to do that to cut the last bit of fat I wanted to lose (especially around the stomach, that's where I hold it most), but perhaps that way of thinking would have been counterproductive, as I feel skinny fat is my current issue and I want to be more solid. Thank you for all the input!