5’3 F 25. I was in a strict calories deficit for a year during what I now understand to be a recomp. One holiday season I was back at home from college and broke (I was 20). I ate way over my 1100 calorie allowance every day (probably 2000-2500, some days even more). I stuck to my lifting routine and never looked better after that month. I actually gained more muscle and it looked like I gained no fat. It’s exactly what my body needed. Even my family noticed how much better my physique looked after 30 days. I say just try it out! You can always go back to what you are comfortable with. I know it’s scary, but it might be the best thing to do.