Something Im Sure Everyone's Familiar With....

So I'm new to this site but have been working out for almost a year now (in August) and have always watched what I eat.
I am 22, currently weigh 153lbs and am about 5'6
I have been at about 150-155 range for about 8 months now and nothing seems to change. I was 10 pounds lighter (and noticeably smaller) this time last year, and back then I wasnt watching what I ate nearly as much as I am now or going to the gym. Im not sure whats going on, it seems to be impossible for me to lose any weight. I do cardio and weight training at the gym, and go usually 3 times a week, and I eat reasonably well. I just dont understand why nothing is changing! Im not so concerned about weight as I am about inches (cuz I realise you gain weight when you build muscle) But still nothing has changed! Nothing seems to work!
Anyone experiencing (or have experienced) anything similiar?!
I just feel like if I dont start noticing something soon Im going to give up!
Help!

You sound exactly like me about 2 months ago.  I had your same stats too - 5' 6" and 150 lbs.  I was working out like mad and thought I was eating well.  I was eating healthy foods, but my portions were out of whack.  And I wasn't taking my snacks into consideration.  The fix....start measuring out your food and count your calories.  I'm down to 140 after a month and a half.

Hey, I know how you feel! I was in the same position about 6 months ago (pre-CC). I am also 5'6" and had been holding about 150 through college. I did the elliptical 3-4 times/week and thought I ate reasonably well, but I just never seemed to lose weight from the exercise.

Anyway, in 2008 I decided it was time for a change and I started watching what I eat like a hawk and, more importantly, started spin classes at the gym. That alone made a huge difference; the elliptical just wasn't doing it for me. So I would highly recommend any kind of aerobics classes to you. It's great motivation and nice to be in a social atmosphere like that. Spinning is amazing--you might give it a try!

In terms of food, I always thought I was good at "eyeballing" things for their caloric value but man, this website proved me wrong. I log religiously now, even though I've hit my first goal weight (currently 128). It makes me feel more accountable for what I put in my mouth, knowing I'm going to log it!

Anyway, sorry for the novel-ish response, but I feel your pain and welcome you to message me if you have any questions or need some motivation. CC definitely worked for me, in combination with more intense exercise than I had been doing. Hang in there!

Oh, and Sarah has a great point with the measuring--this is key. Again, my eyeballing skills are not as honed as I'd thought and investing in a kitchen food scale made a big difference. Portion size is everything.

Thanks for the replies!
Its good to know there are people out there who have gone through the same thing (and gotten through it!) gives me hope! lol
I have tried spinning classes, I didnt really notice much of a difference, so as of this week Im trying swimming. I heard that doing laps is a good way to tone the whole body and it also burns alot of calories! So hopefully that will work.
As for portion size, I never really thought much about it actually. I just thought that if Im eating right then it shouldnt matter how much of it im eating, but I'll keep that in mind!
Thanks!

Are you drinking enough water?  I remember reading that we should have 8 glasses of water a day and an additional glass for every 25 pounds we are overweight in order to keep our bodies hydrated.  Sometimes if you aren't your body will retain all you do put in it and that can cause your weight to be at a stand still or even cause you to gain weight.  Not sure if that might be your problem or not, but I just thought I would suggest it.  Hope it helps.

I think the key in exercise-especially when you've been doing it for a while-is to change it around.  Your body, and especially your muscles, need a challenge or else they don't have to work as hard.  If your body finds the exercise "easy" or familiar, you won't burn as many calories. 

I'm so new to rigorous exercise (3 months) that everything is still new and I change it around a lot too.  I've been powerwalking, jogging, doing workout dvds (calisthenics and Tae Bo), started Zumba, and just started bicycling.  I also workout 4-6 days a week too. 

Thanks for the replies guys!

In reply to danielleeu, I drink TONS of water, about 8-10 bottles a day (if not more) I use it to keep me full so I dont crave sugary snacks lol
But my body doesnt retain it well, I am CONSTANTLY going to the washroom and when I went to my naturopath she said I was dehydrated! Which completely wowed me because there is no possible way that with all the water I drink that I could be dehydrated!

I took into consideration also the working out bit, I usually do the same thing all the time so I am going to try and switch it up!

But I have since started a new diet (only a couple days ago) so I will see how that goes!

Thanks again everyone!