How many calories does a woman need to lose weight while weight lifting?

I'm 5'7, 140 lbs, female and want to lose weight. I'm tired of running and doing cardio and read weight lifting is good for women to lose weight and tone up. I"m going to try to lift as heavy as I can.How many calories in a deficit do I need to do though? My dad has some dumb bells I can use and I've been looking up programs for women. In the past I've always just starved myself pretty much when I want to lose weight (stupid I know). Anyway how many calories do I need to have the energy to lift weights and lose weight at the same time? I've calculated that to maintain my weight I need a bit under 2000 calories. THANK YOU for any heplful answers.I'm not perfect I'm skinny fat. :/ I want to lose body fat and be toned.

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Recommended Answer:

YAY! First of all, I am so happy that you're choosing to do strength training. SO many women neglect it, even though it's a great way to get lean and toned- it takes work to get bulky! If you're trying to build muscle, you need to eat over your maintenance levels. (** You can't cut fat and build muscle at the same time...that's why bodybuilders go through cycles of cutting and bulking. However, you will experience “noob gains,” which are basically the fast muscle gains you get when starting to work out.)The very simple method is if you're lifting, your weight in pounds * 18 cal, which for you is around 2500 cal. This is a more complex post ( http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=121703921 ) but SO in depth, and from a really good resource. I would start with around 2500, focusing on getting in your proteins and complex carbs. Because you're starting out with lifting, this ( http://www.reddit.com/r/xxfitness/wiki/faq#wiki_12._what_are_the_basics_of_calorie_counting_and_nutrition.3F ) is probably the best free resource I've ever seen on fitness. Read it!Good luck!(: xx

Other Answers:

• Your 5'7 and 140 pounds?! Your Perfect! Don't need to lose any weight!