Glad to have you around phil, looks like you've been doing your reading. I know a lot of what you've seen here says its very hard if not impossible to lose fat and gain strength that the same time. But there is a stipulation to that.

THE NEWBIE EFFECT - often when someone begins his/her training it is common to see overall fat loss, and strength gain. This is also possible after a long absence from training were you put on some excess fat.

I'd say at this point your still fresh enough to see some of that newbie effect. Keep at it, keep reading, and good luck.

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I don't do this for my family, my friends, women, accolades, pride, or ego. I do it for me and no one else, its just part of who I am.