Can you help a girl out?

VanderTuig1976

Hi,

I am looking for advice on how to approach the next phase of my journey (sorry, I couldn't think of a better word to use). I've been dieting since January and started working out in March (strength training and jogging). I have reached my goal weight but after having four kids my mid-section needs ALOT of work! I can tell the strength training is working because I've dropped 2 pant sizes and even when I weighed the same as I do now a few years ago, things fit differently. Anyhow, I don't want to drop any more weight or size....I just want to improve tone and get leaner. I plan to continue my workouts (I'm addicted) but I'm confused about caloric intake. Should I continue to eat at a deficit? I'm currently at a 500 calorie deficit....should I maybe reduce it to only 200? Or should I eat at maintenance and just work out?

I'm confused because everything I have read on here says you have to have a calorie deficit to lose fat in order to see the muscle underneath. Well, I'm doing that but I'm starting to get a bit scrawny. Is it time to shift gears and start a recomp?

Thanks!