Lookinjg for help/advice-NROL4W

I have been doing this training program for a while. Eating the meals, doing the workouts 3X/wk and 30 min lighter strength training on the other days. My first round with this program, I started out with too much weight and made no progress. I am now starting over at stage 1 with a little bit of calorie reduction. (I gained a significant amount of weight the first go-around). I am still eating the recommended meals but less (1500cals non workout/ 1700workout days). I am finishing stage 1 tomorrow and the weight keeps piling on in fat. I never had "love handles" even before I started. Now I have them. I am not worried about putting on muscle mass-in fact, I would love it. It just doesn't seem like that is happening. Can anyone out there offer up any good advice? Please don't say cardio.....but if that's what it takes, fine. Alwyn doesn't necessarily demand cardio ( I guess he's not a huge fan either). BTW- I am making progress this time in terms of weight increases.

Have you been to see a doctor?  If you're really only eating/drinking 1500/1700 cals on this program, you definitely shouldn't be gaining fat.  There could be an issue with your thyroid?  The only other thing I can think of is to ask how you're measuring portions (weighing? cup measures? estimating?), how often you eat out and if you're remembering to include drinks, condiments, etc.

There's a NROLFW group at Calorie Count where you can find lots of people doing the program.  If you're interested in joining, you can find us in the Groups under Exercise - Weight Training.

Thank you. I appreciate your help. I am going to check out the group.