I am actually gaining weight and fat

Hi everyone. I've been trying to lose the last 5 lbs that I've gained since going on birth control. I'm by no means fat but I have gained weight in my stomach (some water weight the rest fat) which I never had before. I work out 5 days a week alternating strenght training and HIIT cardio. I eat b/t 1300-1600 calories a day and i'm 106lbs (I'm short).My question is: am I gaining fat b/c I'm not eating enough calories and my body is clinging to them? I eat a lot better than I used to before I decided to get fit, but it seems that giving up muffins has increased my body fat% lol.Any tips on how to lose the fat that I'm not already doing or some great workout routines? Any insights into why I'm gaining and not losing? How much should I eat and how much protein?I'm thinking of going off the pill once Im done this pack b/c I've read it contributes to weight gain and you can't develop good muscle.

What is your lifting routine?

The pill changes your body chemistry quite radically.  Any guesses as to what that does to your body weight and why are just that -- guesses.  Your weight was pretty low to start with and you are doing exercises that build muscle.  Perhaps you are gaining muscle rather than fat.  Or you may be gaining muscle and fat!

Suggestion #1 get an estimate of yoru per cent body fat.

Suggestion #2 don't worry about your weight gain unless and until it becomes a problem.  The first thing to consider is that, if you have to make a choice, being in good condition and overweight is better than be underweight and poorly conditioned.  The second thing is that you may gain weight whether you want to or not.  Deal with it.  Calorie Count suggested that I should weith 155 pounds -- that was my weight as a twenty-something varsity athlete -- good luck.  Last year, I rode 5000 miles on my bikes including a 500 mile/10 day trip across Virginia.  My weight hovered around 177.  This year I am down around 173 most of the time.  But 175 seems more comfortable and that is really not a bad weight.

Sorry to say, but it is probably the pill. If you are eating the proper amount of calories suggested by CC, and exercising, eating good foods- I think it's the pill.

My personal experience with birth control, it made me balloon, took months after going off it to lose the fat. It was mainly fat. Yuck!

Hormone birth control methods don't agree with everyone.