Maintaining---Replacing fat with muscle???

So I have lost a total of 7 pounds since starting calorie count---not great, but it's better than nothing. But here is the deal. I had checked light activity for my activity level when i first started, but lately i have begun to realize i should pick sedentary. My BMR is around 1600, and my burn meter usually says 1900. I do exercise 2-4 times a week regularly, but other than that the only exercise I get is walking up and down the stairs at home, and doing chores around the house. So I find I need to be eating less than I was before.

Now, I am not super happy with my weight, but I am alot more comfortable with it now than before. If I don't lose any more weight I will be ok with it (tho my ultimate goal is 11 more pounds).

So, here is my question: If I eat around 1700-1800 calories a day, with my current activity level, but still exercise 2-4 times a week, will I be able to replace my fat with muscle? Toning is really I want to do--like i said, if I don't lose any more weight I'd be fine, but I would like to tone. So if so, how long will this process take???

Thanks!

Hello,

First of all, lets clear this up....you can't replace fat with muscle.  You can shrink your fat cells and you can build up your muscles, but one cannot turn into the other.  Turning fat to muscle would be like turning lead into gold.

To lose fat you need to do cardio.  If you are burning 1900, you need to eat fewer than 1900 to lose weight.   Eating 1700-1800 you should lose weight, but it will be slow going, with only a 100-200 calorie deficit a day. 

The more intensely you exercise, the faster you will see results.  However, be sure not to cut your calories back too far, otherwise your body could go into starvation mode. 

Hope this helps.

-Kat