Weight lifting, help?

AshleyMertes

Hello! I just have some questions if anyone can help me out, that would be great!
I've been doing MFP off and on over the past couple years....def back on the bandwagon as on 2 weeks ago. I'm down 6.3 lbs....I said enough is enough. My weight is very terrible and no one believes I am the size I am. Maybe cuz I'm kinda tall?

I am almost 23 yrs old.
I am about 5'6"-5'7"
I started out at 278.8lbs
I am currently at 272.5lbs
My first goal is 250, and then 225, then 200...etc.

I have cut soda completely and junk food. I occasionally allow myself a 100cal snack pack of cookies or
Something. I have been trying to run lately and love it! This darn weather here in Iowa isn't helping! (May 3 and snow?!!)

I read alot of people say weight lifting helped them loose! My question is how does weight lifting help lose weight? I kno it's a given, but will it really help me?! I don't want the numbers on the scale to rise cuz I plan to NEVER want to see them again. What kind of weight lifting should I do?! And how much?! I'd love to loose my arm fat, love handles/tummy (running) and legs. I have been doing the May squat challenge and some extra hamstring/flute exercises. I unfortunately broke my tailbone a couple of months ago so sit ups kill-crunches are alright

Thanks guys!!
-Ashley

michellekicks

Weight lifting will burn calories first of all. Secondly, it will signal to your muscles that they are required and must be retained while the body is existing in a caloric deficit. i.e. you will not lose as much muscle while dieting than you would if you don't lift. Also, if you're new to weight lifting, you will be able to add some lean mass while losing if you have a lot of weight to lose... so lift those weights and try and eat maybe 130g of protein each day.