calorie goal for my womanly muscles?

squishycow7

I'm about 5lbs away from my goal weight. Originally I was going to wait til I hit that mark to start focusing on strength training (I've incorporated it for a while, but I've definitely done a greater proportion of cardio....I like zumba too much to stop just yet)

So, my question is, if I start more weights now, what do I put for my calorie goal? Should I go to maintenance, so I am eating enough to put toward my muscles? Should I stay at my deficit (I'm set for 1/2lb a week loss)? Should I set it for "bulking?"

My inclination is to stay at my deficit until I do indeed lose more fat, but I'm feeling confused...

yesthistime

I definitely would stay at a deficit until you have lost what you want to lose. But great idea starting strength training even while still losing weight.

And check out these groups:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/771-women-strength-training
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/102-new-rules-of-lifting-for-women-nrol4w

myak623

If losing fat is still the goal, you would want to stay at a deficit. You could move to 1/2 lb/wk. Strength training is better at fat loss (not trying to start an argument with the cardio folks). I would look at a heavy lifting program, Starting Strength or StrongLifts 5x5.