I finally dropped the 20 pounds I wanted to lose, using a calorie deficit of about 600 in conjunction with between 300 and 500 calories burned per day in cardio, and have an estimated 2 inches remaining in terms of belly button bulk. I want to start building my upper body and and abs, and know that it will take a change in diet that will not suit a continued cardio burn.
Is it wise to start ramping up my calories NOW, heavy in protein, and begin focus on lifting? With only a bit to go, I figured the lifting would handle the remaining fat burn. Or is it absolutely necessary to trim to my goal fat % first, then move on to weight training? I really wanted to have a SLIGHT noticeable change in bulk by mid April, but another month of just cardio trimming would make that goal impossible. --The 3rd option I considered is mixing some moderate upper body training with my cardio, allowing for some fat burn, but eliminating the intake calorie deficit. Probably stopping weight LOSS, but continuing fat loss while adding some small mass and toning to my upper body.
Any thoughts on this complex balancing act? Thanks in advance!