Transition Phase

So, in the last month, I've moved from weight loss to more focused on lifting progressively heavier weights. I am not doing as much cardio, still running short, light runs (1-2 miles).

By the scale and measurements, I've not made progress. By my pants...they are getting looser somehow.

Feeling discouraged at the lack of other measurable progress. Hard to know how much to eat. I am eating more and more. More protein, trying to keep it clean (er).

Well, just sort of looking for other women who have been through the transition from weight loss to body shaping. I read to eat more, to lift progressively, but to lose body fat. Many websites say to lose more weight to get to ideal body fat. But, then, you can't gain muscle well running at a deficit. So, it's hard to know whether I should have lost a few more pounds, or whether to just keep lifting and eating and let it level out.

I'm currently using sandbags at 20 pounds and that's a big enough challenge. On arms, 8 pounds for most things, up to 10 pounds on biceps. When I pass that, I'll have to figure out how to build. Gyms aren't really my thing. Just looking for good conversation and insight on others who've been here.