How do you know when it's time to start maintaining?

Eve_e
Eve_e Posts: 57
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi all.
I'm 18 years old, weigh about 100 lbs., and am 5'1".
I know I'm not overweight, but I can't tell if I should be eating at a calorie deficit to lose a few more pounds, or if it's time to eat at my maintenance calories and up my strength training. My goal isn't a number, but it's a flat stomach, and then eventually abs. If my stomach still isn't tight or flat, does that mean I should continue eating at a calorie deficit to lose a couple more pounds and lower my BF%?
I guess what I'm trying to figure out is if, for abs, I should still be looking at weight loss, or just body composition.

Replies

  • RebelliousRibbons
    RebelliousRibbons Posts: 391 Member
    If you're looking to build muscle, you'd probably best to eat around maintenance calories keep up the strength training.
  • mxmkenney
    mxmkenney Posts: 486 Member
    The only way you get abs is by your diet. You can work your abs out everyday, but unless you lose the body fat you'll never see the 6 pack you're dreaming about. Everyone has abs, but you can only see then on people with low BF %.
  • Eve_e
    Eve_e Posts: 57
    The only way you get abs is by your diet. You can work your abs out everyday, but unless you lose the body fat you'll never see the 6 pack you're dreaming about. Everyone has abs, but you can only see then on people with low BF %.

    Yeah, that I understand, but I don't know if I have fat to lose, or if I just don't have any muscle.
  • WhyLime113
    WhyLime113 Posts: 104 Member
    You probably don't need to lose any more weight, as you're already at the low end of 'healthy'.
    If your tummy isn't flat, it could be due to a couple things: You might be 'skinny fat' and have a body composition with high fat and low muscle. You probably want to gain weight, actually, and 'replace' muscle with fat. 1 lb of muscle takes up less space than 1 lb of fat.
    However, you might just have a pooch. Very few people can actually have a flat stomach without starving themselves. Some people just happen to have a persistent fat store there, and even those who don't have a muscular bump. A round tummy is nothing to be ashamed of. Just focus on building muscles, eating healthy, and getting stronger. See what happens. If you lose it, great, if not, also great.
  • RebelliousRibbons
    RebelliousRibbons Posts: 391 Member
    I clicked on your pics in another thread, and you honestly don't look like you have any fat to lose. You're probably just "soft" from not being toned. Eat maintenance (including eating your exercise calories) and focus on some strength training.

    There is nothing wrong with wanting to be strong. But you have to have realistic expectations of what your body should look like.

    Even if you got toned, you'd still have certain percentage of body fat because that is completely normal.
  • 19TaraLynn84
    19TaraLynn84 Posts: 739 Member
    You need strength training, not a calorie deficit!
  • JJJJ25
    JJJJ25 Posts: 37
    Very few people can actually have a flat stomach without starving themselves. Some people just happen to have a persistent fat store there, and even those who don't have a muscular bump. A round tummy is nothing to be ashamed of. Just focus on building muscles, eating healthy, and getting stronger. See what happens. If you lose it, great, if not, also great.

    This. I am in recovery from an eating disorder and can tell you - even when I was 87 lbs my stomach wasn't flat. Some of us are short-waisted and your "pooch" is actually just your organs. They have to go somewhere.
  • samrockrocks
    samrockrocks Posts: 251 Member
    You need strength training, not a calorie deficit!

    ^^Yep! Eat at maintenance, eat back your exercise calories, and do strength training! Are you on Pinterest?? I can post some workouts I've done for you. Or add me as a friend and I can share some exercises if you need any.

    You are gorgeous! Don't think about the number (as you said), but focus on getting strong and toned! You need food for that :)
  • Eve_e
    Eve_e Posts: 57
    Will eating at a mild deficit prevent me from getting toned?
  • Eve_e
    Eve_e Posts: 57
    Also thank you so much to everyone! You're all so helpful and kind(:
  • 19TaraLynn84
    19TaraLynn84 Posts: 739 Member
    Will eating at a mild deficit prevent me from getting toned?

    Why do you think you need to eat at a deficit? I'm just curious.
  • gigglesinthesun
    gigglesinthesun Posts: 860 Member
    Very few people can actually have a flat stomach without starving themselves. Some people just happen to have a persistent fat store there, and even those who don't have a muscular bump. A round tummy is nothing to be ashamed of. Just focus on building muscles, eating healthy, and getting stronger. See what happens. If you lose it, great, if not, also great.

    This. I am in recovery from an eating disorder and can tell you - even when I was 87 lbs my stomach wasn't flat. Some of us are short-waisted and your "pooch" is actually just your organs. They have to go somewhere.

    losing weight does not make you love your body with all it's faults more. Some of it is truly about self-acceptance. So your stomach won't look like the one of a photoshoped starlet, it's not an indicator for health or happiness. By all means work out more, lift some weights, eat well, but look at yourself and realise that you are just fine at the weight you are at
  • Eve_e
    Eve_e Posts: 57
    Sorry, everyone's been so helpful, but I'm still a bit confused.

    If I still have body fat to lose, a small amount, but still body fat, should I keep eating at a deficit? I don't want to lose muscle, but I don't want to ignore those last few pounds.

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