Need Strength Training Advice!

MarisaShickel

Like most women I've always believed that in order to lose weight I needed to eat at a deficit and do cardio. Yet, doing this never made me look like I wanted.

I've learned through MFP that in order to look toned like I want I need to focus on strength training.

I've found a routine I like, I'm on the hunt for a good tasting and lower calorie protein powder (the kind my husband uses is 200 cals a scoop), so I'm on my way.

My question is... Should I increase my calories or stay at a deficit? My ultimate goal is to lose weight but I know I need to eat enough protein to build muscle. I've eaten as much protein today as I can fit into my current calories set by MFP (I had previously selected the goal of losing a pound a week). My husband is very knowledgeable about strength training but he was no help with calories, he eats big to be big. Except I don't want to be big, I want to be lean. Help!

I would appreciate any help and go easy on me, I'm just starting out!

If it helps.... I'm 5'4" and 158.5 pounds (::embarrassed:: :blushing: but that is elevated a little because I ran a 10 mile race on Saturday so I carbo loaded a few days before and my body is still recovering plus I'm getting bloated because that time of the month is coming).

rogerOb1

For most people it makes sense to cut before going on a bulk.

ON gold standard is a respected brand that has a lot less cals per scoop than your current protein powder. I currently like Musclepharm's combat powder - cookies in cream. More cals but more flavor.

Sarah4fitness

Like most women I've always believed that in order to lose weight I needed to eat at a deficit and do cardio. Yet, doing this never made me look like I wanted.

I've learned through MFP that in order to look toned like I want I need to focus on strength training.

I've found a routine I like, I'm on the hunt for a good tasting and lower calorie protein powder (the kind my husband uses is 200 cals a scoop), so I'm on my way.

My question is... Should I increase my calories or stay at a deficit? My ultimate goal is to lose weight but I know I need to eat enough protein to build muscle. I've eaten as much protein today as I can fit into my current calories set by MFP (I had previously selected the goal of losing a pound a week). My husband is very knowledgeable about strength training but he was no help with calories, he eats big to be big. Except I don't want to be big, I want to be lean. Help!

I would appreciate any help and go easy on me, I'm just starting out!

If it helps.... I'm 5'4" and 158.5 pounds (::embarrassed:: :blushing: but that is elevated a little because I ran a 10 mile race on Saturday so I carbo loaded a few days before and my body is still recovering plus I'm getting bloated because that time of the month is coming).

Continue eating at a deficit, increase the amount of protein you're consuming (40/40/20 is a good spread), and lift heavy weights in addition to your cardio. You'll continue to drop fat and preserve if not create more muscle on your frame. You won't get big from lifting weights, you will become more compact and stronger.