losing body fat & inches over weight - cal q

justinegrey

Hi everyone!

I am looking to lose body fat % and inches, less concerned about weight. I am 5'4 and weigh 171 pounds, but my body fat is in the 40-46% range (online calculators to an omron scale) so very scary.

I only started on this "healthy living" program yesterday and want to make sure I'm on the right track with my calorie intake/fitness regime to really kick this fat to the curb.

My fitness plan is to do a weight lifting program 3x per week (full body, people have recommended "new rules" or "stronglifts 5x5" to start) and I will also be doing a 40 minute brisk walk to work 3-5 times per week, just because I love how I feel after. Initially I'll be doing weights (maybe 15 lbs. if that LOL) in place of a bar as my upper body/arm strength is currently non-existent.

Questions:

- I'm wondering how many cals should I consume per day when I do lifting? Without lifting, the system is telling me to eat back the calories I burn so I'm trying to net 1200-1300 calories (i.e consuming like 1600-1800 cals+)...would it be the same story for the lifting days or would I need more to help the muscles.

- Do you think this is the best fitness regime to lose body fat as safely/fast as I can?

Any advice you can give a fitness newbie for losing body fat and inches (rather than the weight number) would be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your advice and time!