What am I doing wrong?

I need help...I am getting so frustrated I am close to quiting! 

I am a 36 y/o female, 5'6" and weigh 158lbs.  My goal weight is 135 - 140.  In early November I started cutting my calorie intake to 1500 and eating healthier ( i was eating 2k previous to that and very bad foods :( ).  I also started a bootcamp program for 4x's a week for 1 hour each time which includes a mix of cardio and strength training.  The other 2 - 3 times a week I either walk or ride my stationary bike for 30 - 45 mins. 

When i started my program, I weighed 160 then went to 163 (fat to muscle I 'm assuming) before falling to 158.  And here I sit.  I do feel better physically and mentally.  I also dropped a few inches from my waist and hips and I've gone down 1 dress size.  My body fat% also fell 3%.

I do feel good knowing that I've lost inches and body fat and know that I should focus on that and not what the scale says.  But I can't help looking at the scale...not seeing the lbs come off is really really frustrating me! 

Are my calories in line?  I'm really nervous about eating too much but at the same time not eating enough.  I'm not looking to see a ton of weight lost at once but when i step on the scale every 2 weeks it would be nice to see 1 lb gone during that time frame to give me some hope :)

hello---you are not alone--i am in the same position and am really going to be watching for the reply you get. but it's nice to know i'm not the only one out there with this problem. good luck--but don't give up.

I feel your pain and frustration!

Do you wear a heart monitor to track the calories you burn at bootcamp?  Try not to have a calorie deficit of over 1000 daily - depending on my work outs sometimes I am up in the 900 deficit range and on those days I eat a little more

Are you managing a balance between fat/protein/carbs?

The nutritionist I am working with has recommended that 23% of my daily calories come from fat, 33% from protein, and 43% from carbs.  The analysis page will help you figure that out.

I am finding that my eating habits previously were very high in carbs, even though I didn't realize it!  I do have challenges getting my protein to that percentage, but am making improvements all the time.

So maybe its not how much you are eating, but what those calories are coming from.

I've just started researching heart rate monitors to find one that is not too pricey but at the same time good quality.  The plan is to get one this weekend.

My weakness is carbs!  I'm still working at bringing my carb intake down. Right now I generally have 53% carb/ 23% for fat and protein.  I'm working to reduce the carbs and increase my protein.  It is very difficult for me :)

It's great to know you guys are here for support!  My hubby doesn't feel my pain.  He just says that i look fine.  Which I suppose is good too that he likes me the way I am...but I need that push and encouragement to keep me working on changing my health and fitness!

I'm 39, 5'5 1/2" and reached my goal weight in December (139).  I've built muscle and so I'm a size 6 and fairly happy with my size. 

It looks like you're not eating enough.  I ate around 1700 calories for weight loss and had one day a week when I ate at maintenance or over (2000+)  I kept my goals at 25% fat, 25% protein and 50% carbs. I kept really active (cardio 3x week, bike riding) and aimed for 25grams of fiber a day.

Fat does not turn into muscle!!!   You can build muscle and it does weigh more and will burn more calories and use up more fat and take up less space.  I also feel your pain and I have posted pretty much the same frustrations.  So i took the advice others are giving - I am eating more.  1600 to 1900 calories daily.  I could not seem to loose one single pound to save my life and now I am actually loosing weight and inches.

Another great way to know if you are making progress is by your cloths.  They tell you  a lot.  Also you can go by measurements. The scale can only give you a number not a report on what is really going on with you.

 The fact remains if you want to loose weight you will have to eat more.  It jump starts  your metabolism and keeps it up there.  Try it for a while - and see what happens!!! Best of luck to you and don't let it get to you!

Hi. I'm the 5'6" and weighed 154 in Sept 08.  I just hit my goal weigh of 135 today!  I eat about 1,600 and do 50 mins of cardio at least 5 days a week. How do you do on the week ends? I found that on the week ends, I ate a bit more, so it would set me back. Now, try to realy watch my calories on the week end. Just stick to what you are doing, since you FEEL BETTER and the weight will come off. Give it more time. YOU CAN DO IT!!