Focus on Cardio to Tighten Up

Question
Hi,

About 4 months ago, I started exercising and eating at a deficit of 500 calories in order to lose weight. I lift weights 3 days/week, do an hour of cardio the other three days, and rest one day. I saw steady progress until just recently. I've stopped losing for about 2 weeks. I did take a break from weight lifting for a couple of weeks last month and did daily cardio instead, if that matters.

Also, I've dropped past my "ideal" weight, and though I'm now borderline underweight (height: 5'0/weight: 96 lbs), I've still got a belly and flabby thighs. I'm not necessarily sure losing more weight is the answer, but I don't know how else to get rid of that fat.

Any advice would be great, thank you!

Answer
Lily,
At this point I would definitely recommend going back to a 'weight maintenance' level of calories and focusing on exercise.  Cardio sticking to your 'fat burning' heart rate.  See this link for more details; http://exercise.about.com/cs/cardioworkouts/l/aa022601a.htm

As well as light weights, drinking lots of water, eliminating salts and sweets should help you to achieve these results though it will take time.  This is a lifestyle choice, not a quick fix.  

Best of luck, let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Lea

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