* don't try and lose
too fast (i.e., don't literally run your ass off — skip most
cardio, especially steady state medium intensity — and don't cut calories more than 15 - 20 % of your
daily expenditure) * weight train to maintain muscle, but only 1 - 2x / week depending on intensity * consider having a one - day - per - week calorie spike post-lifting to encourage muscle growth / anabolism * expect stalls and plateaus but stressing about them will probably hurt your cause.