Inches? What does it all mean!

My weight has been fluctuating lately as I try to figure out what my calorie intake should be to lose. I have been as low as 205 a few months ago and now am 222. I eat between 1600 - 2300 a day with some higher (3,000) days on the weekends. I keep a weight chart and burn close to 450 calories in exercise four to five times a week. I run a deficit of 800 - 1,400 on most days.

I just did some measurements (not chest, hip or waist) and I have gained a total of 4.5 in the same amount of time - Thigh, Calf, Upper Arm and Forearm. I will hopefully do new chest ( was 46), waist (was 42) and hips (was 41) this week. Can a 4.5 inch gain add that much wieght to you? If we are told to track inches and not the scale, how come I should be in a losing mode, but am gaining? Inches should be a clear indication of body changes.

I do weights 3 days out of the 5 and cardio most exercise days. I also feel (even living in CA) my body goes into a "fat" conservation mode for the winter.

Any insight is greatly appreciated. I feel stuck in a body that wants to remain at 220 lbs no matter what I do. My goal is 190 from 245 about 2 years ago. I am a male, 5' 9" with a medium to large build. See my pics.

BUMP!!

It sounds like you have built up muscle mass.  Are you noticing definition in various parts of your body that you work out?  Also if you have loss some weight and are not toned then the loose skin will amount to gained inches (believe it or not).

Good luck!

Take care and God Bless.