Cardio or Diet?

[tiffany92]

I'm interested in getting my bodyfat percentage down a bit, making it a goal from now through the summer. I'm really new to all of this, though, so I just wanted to know what's more important for reducing body fat, cardio, or calorie reduction? I know a combination of both is probably best, but can I achieve results with less cardio, but regular weightlifting in combination with a healthy diet. Or vice-versa, is it better to forgo some of my dieting restrictions, but up the cardio in combination with weightlifting?

Thanks, and sorry about the newb question. :)

[Jeshi]

This should help :) http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=129247741

From what I gathered so far,
- diet is number one... there is a very informative sticky about it under female bodybuilding > nutrition
- weight training 3 times a week
- if you feel like doing cardio 2-3 times a week (20-30 mins)

I am still learning though.

[tiffany92]

Thanks. I've been doing as much reading on here as I can, too, since I'm also just learning.

[Jeshi]

Thanks. I've been doing as much reading on here as I can, too, since I'm also just learning.

I hope you find what you are looking for :)
Good luck with your goals


Edit:
Here I found this in a thread. It pretty much sums it all up. Emma-Leigh is very respectable around these parts.


best way to gain lean muscle:
eat more food.
train heavy with weights.
do a little cardio to keep healthy.
rest enough.


best way to lose fat:
eat less food.
train heavy with weights.
do more cardio to add to calorie deficit.
rest enough.

[britchick884]

It all starts with diet. If fat loss is your goal keep in mind that to lose 1 lb of fat you need to create a 3500 calorie deficit per week.

Once you've figured out your daily calorie intake for fat loss then work out your macro breakdown to help protect the muscle you already have and aim to build on.

Don't be tempted to go over the 20% daily deficit, slow and steady is the key. Good luck :)

[tiffany92]

Once you've figured out your daily calorie intake for fat loss then work out your macro breakdown to help protect the muscle you already have and aim to build on.


How do I go about doing this part?

[Jeshi]

How do I go about doing this part?
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=121703921
The one sticky I was talking about tells you how to calculate those things.

[tiffany92]

Thanks!