Hello everyone!
I've been looking to make a lifestyle change and get healthier. I've been struggling with my weight for a long time now and I'm ready to finally make a change. I'm looking to lose some excess fat but also to build muscle, as I know muscle helps with fat loss and overall health.
I know that diet plays a huge role in both weight loss and muscle gain, so I'm wondering what kind of diet would be best for achieving both goals simultaneously. Should I focus on high protein or cutting carbs? Or is there another approach that would work better?
For some context, I'm a 30-year-old female, 5'6", and currently weigh around 170 pounds. I work a sedentary office job but I'm planning on incorporating exercise into my routine as well.
Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Greetings!
Losing weight and building muscle simultaneously can be a tricky balancing act, but from my experience, consistency and moderation is key.
I like to focus on high protein meals and eat lots of vegetables to keep my calorie intake in check. I also aim to have a protein source with every meal or snack to keep me feeling full and satisfied while building lean muscle mass. For carbohydrates, I stick to complex sources like sweet potatoes or whole grains as they keep me feeling full for longer, while simple carbs leave me feeling hungry soon after.
In terms of exercise, I've found that weight lifting has been the best approach for building muscle mass, but I also incorporate cardio like jogging or biking for overall cardiovascular health. I usually have a rest day or two in the week to give my muscles time to recover.
Finally, I think it's important to remember that losing weight and building muscle takes time, effort, and patience. Don't be too hard on yourself or expect to see immediate results. Be kind and compassionate towards yourself, creating small but meaningful changes in your lifestyle to create permanent, healthy habits. You got this!