Unsure on what strategy to go for

SharpieV

I know it's a broken record, same topic, thousanth verse. Thank you.

I am happy with the number on my scale now. I've had this number before last year, but then when I was 123lbs, I was doing crossfit and making noticeable gains in my strength, this time it has been mostly diet. I also (correct me if my interpretation is wrong) think I was at a lower body-fat % then as my abs were much more visible- they were at the lovely 'soft' 6 and I couldn't have been happier. This time around, I am 123 and while my abs still exist, they're hiding in there somewhere.

How do I get to where I want to be? I don't really want to lose any more scale weight, but I do want to gain strength and lower my body fat percentage. Don't care one way or another about muscle size, though of course I understand that same weight minus body fat must mean more muscle. So, in addition to getting back to the weights, what I should I be eating? Maintenance? Surplus? Deficit?

If I eat maintenance and do my weights, will this 'body recomp' (new term to me) magically happen, or is bulking/leaning a reasonable (preferable?) option for women as well? Does it even matter? I can logic all three strategies, but have no idea if one is better or they're all equivalent: 1. Deficit to desired BF%, then gain up muscle, 2. Gain up muscle and strength now, then lean out later, 3. Attempt this 'body comp' change and just eat maint and work out and figure the numbers will work themselves out slowly?

mantium999

My instincts tell me all 3 options will get you where you want to be. I think the deciding factor has to be based on your mental state. Option 1, you will see progress in your midsection quicker, and you will become thinner and possibly stronger with the right training, but not likely to gain muscle mass. Option 2, you will gain muscle mass and get to your previous bf% at your previous weight, but not before gaining some first. Will you be ok seeing yourself get a little softer in the short term? Option 3 will accomplish the same goal, but could take quite a bit longer. Patience will be key here.

86_Ohms

If you're the exact same weight and are still pretty active -- lower your sodium intake? Could just be water retention but who knows.

You'll max out on strength w/o a calorie surplus. You could always eat more temporarily ('lean eating') then go on another weight loss cycle. A lot of professional body builders have annual cycles of doing the same thing. Discipline in a must.