We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Build muscle or fat loss dilema

princesslea
princesslea Posts: 5 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I've been lifting weights for about two months now and can see some noticeable changes which I'm ecstatic about. I'm not technically overweight but would like to lose about 10lbs, and I'm currently losing about 1lb a week now I've read if I put myself in a calorie deficit I will lose weight but my hard earned muscle will also be lost. I'm hoping to lose weight for my works Christmas party in December so what's the best way to tackle this.

Replies

  • Habiteer
    Habiteer Posts: 190 Member
    princesslea wrote: »
    I've been lifting weights for about two months now and can see some noticeable changes which I'm ecstatic about.

    I'm currently losing about 1lb a week

    I say keep doing what you're doing, seems to be working great. I tried to do more weightlifting and ate a little more last week and I'm sore as hell today - legs, back, arms, everywhere. Needless to say, my energy level is extremely low today and I wish I could get knocked out and just fall back to sleep. Plus I gained a little weight for the first time in 2 months - all in hopes that I'll have more muscle for my next workout. So... it's a trade off for sure, but gaining muscle while losing weight is tough, I say go with one or the other for your sanity.
  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    Well, if you stay at 1lb loss per week, you will have lost 10lbs by Dec. 9. However, your rate of loss will most likely slow down as you reach your target, unless you recalculate your deficit with each loss. I would say to keep up what you are doing since it is working for you. Just remember to be diligent through Thanksgiving! You can always increase cardio in the few weeks before your party if you haven't made it to your goal. You might be surprised that you don't even have to lose as much as you wanted to. Lifting creates a great physique!
  • littefish2018
    littefish2018 Posts: 96 Member
    I'm in a similar situation. 35, F, Just lost 8 of the 10lbs I wanted to and very close to goal weight, just have a few more to go to get the jiggle down and then am interested in this recomp thing so I don't feel like I look like such a weakling (definitely not weak it's just weird being 'skinny'). I definitely think I lost muscle even though I've upped the sit-ups, pushups etc. and must have built some, right?? I'm ready to build additional muscle now that I've lost as in my experience it didn't happen while I was losing, although I'm not complaining as that wasn't my original goal. I'll check back in a month and let you know my buffness level after I eat at maintenance and go harder with strength training. Please add me if you'd like a buddy :)
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    You won't lose muscle if you're lifting & eating enough protein. You will retain muscle & lose fat. You can continue building strength & shape to muscles, you just won't add muscle mass. You'll look great after losing 10 lbs.
  • princesslea
    princesslea Posts: 5 Member
    Thank u for your input, I think I will carry on as I am but increase my protein, can't believe how good I feel at the mo, eating fresh whole foods and watching my body change, it's amazing!
    Little fish0108 tried to add u but it's not giving me the option??
  • johnward2015
    johnward2015 Posts: 1 Member
    Agree that it is a fine line between losing fat while gaining muscle, but it is possible. I've lost 22kg this year (97 down to 75) but gained muscle. My program include 4 x weight sessions and 2 x cardio (running) sessions each week. I increased my protein intake and use creating as well. Good luck and enjoy.
  • dancing_daisy
    dancing_daisy Posts: 162 Member
    I've been struggling with a similar situation. I'm 31, female and would like to lose another 7 - 10lbs. I joined yoga/thai chi/pilates class and discovered to do some core strength training. Immediately I found that strength training, plus cardio plus my class made 1200 calories unfeasible anyway - I kept defaulting I was so hungry.

    I already have higher than average protein consumption as my macros are Low Carb/High Fat adjusted. I've up'ed my calories to 1400 and am happy to lose more slowly but I worry about muscle building under fat. I read a few threads (not necessarily MFP) which said gaining muscle around the stomach without losing the excess fat will only push the 'bulge' or 'spare tyre' out further. Any one know if this is true?
This discussion has been closed.

Categories