HELP! Strict dieting, AM workout, and nothing to show for it!!

Hey everyone!

I'm new to this but feel like some people on here can really help me! 

I've been eating a very strict diet of low cal, low carb, high protein meals. Going to the gym every AM before 9am and before breakfast, taking either a cardio or pilates class twice a week, and have seen no results at all! 

Could it be that the once exception I make to this lifestyle is that I allow myself one treat a day?( example: 4 yogurt covered pretzels or some espresso granola or maple glazed cashews)

I'm the most desperate to loose 5 vanity lbs and gain some show stopping muscle tone but all my hard work is falling flat.

Any advice?

Original Post by missdiet:

Hey everyone!

I'm new to this but feel like some people on here can really help me! 

I've been eating a very strict diet of low cal, low carb, high protein meals. Going to the gym every AM before 9am and before breakfast, taking either a cardio or pilates class twice a week, and have seen no results at all! 

Could it be that the once exception I make to this lifestyle is that I allow myself one treat a day?( example: 4 yogurt covered pretzels or some espresso granola or maple glazed cashews)

I'm the most desperate to loose 5 vanity lbs and gain some show stopping muscle tone but all my hard work is falling flat.

Any advice?

 it depends on how much you weigh.. the less you weigh the harder it is to burn calories, and it also depends on how much you're eating.. how strict exactly is this diet?

How low cal and low carb? How many calories do you eat a day. There is nothing wrong with carbs if you are choosing the right carbs. Complex carbs. Don't go on a "diet" just change your diet to be clean and balanced. Severely restricting calories or cutting out food groups will not work and will only backfire in the long run. What kinds of foods are you eating? Do you strength train/lift?

Thanks for the advice!

I am 5'5'' at about 114-113lbs, and I lift about 3-4 times a week, cardio 6 days. 

I haven't cut out any food groups, just vary cautious when I eat what (ex: complex carbs in AM and Noon) Lots of leafy greens, protein shakes, boiled chicken, slowcook oatmeal, ect. Eating about 1500 cal/day

sophisticatedsista I think your right, it may be due to the fact that I am aiming to shed those last few lbs that are just so stubborn!

Are you getting enough fat and protein. Have you tried increasing your calories? I do cardio/HIIT 6 days a week and lift 3 and I eat 1700-2000 calories a day. I would be starving at 1,500.

Hi there, I'm new to all of this but just wanted to say you are not alone - I am trying to lose 20 lbs and having a rotten time!  I feel like I'm trying SO hard and doing my very best, but seeing very little results.  Stick with it and you are going to find the key to getting those last 5!

Good luck!

My advice is not to worry about the scale.  Who cares what you weigh, for water weight and muscle versus fat will always give you an inaccurate measurement.  Take pictures of yourself instead, or just look in a mirror.  After all, the only important thing is that you LOOK good.  If it's body recomposition then it won't matter if you weigh the same, but if you're down 10% bodyfat.