Recomposition advice

Hey everyone,

I’m 27F, started around 190 lbs and currently down about 12 lbs since January 13.

My goal isn’t just weight loss. I want to change my body composition. In the past when I lost weight, I ended up “skinny fat,” so this time I’m focused on building and maintaining muscle while losing fat.

What I’ve been doing:

-Around a 300 calorie deficit for about 12 weeks

-Protein at least 130g daily, usually around 140 to 150g

-Strength training 3 times per week (upper, lower, full body)

-Active job with about 8k steps per day, 5 days a week

Plan going forward:

-6 weeks at maintenance through the end of May

-Then another small deficit around 300 to 400 calories

-Increasing to 4 lifting days per week (2 upper, 2 lower)

-Continuing multiple phases of small deficit and maintenance back to back

Long term, I would like to lose around 40 to 50 pounds, but I’m more focused on how I look and feel. The number is more of a general ballpark, not the main goal.

Goal physique is fit, toned, and athletic. I don’t want to be overly lean or jacked lol I just want to look like I work out and avoid the “skinny fat” look.

Questions:

-Does this approach make sense for recomposition

-Should I adjust my training split or volume

-Anything I should be doing differently to better preserve or build muscle during these phases

Would really appreciate any feedback or suggestions!