OK that's it, I need your input, please!

I am 31 and 5'7, currently about 130-132 pounds.  I am trying to get to 125-127, where I was before I had my daughter (she is nearly 2).  I started working out this past May with the hopes of losing a few pounds, but since then I have not lost a SINGLE POUND!  I definitely put on more muscle and my clothes fit a little better, but I really want to get to my goal weight.  I took my measurements and they are on par with where I was 5 years ago.  I hit the gym about 5 days a week, and sometimes I walk or jog 1 day a weekend but I am active on weekends chasing after my daughter.  Generally my workouts are just under an hour long, I will lift weights for 15-20 minutes (usually 3 reps of 30 of 5-6 different machines) and then do 30 minutes of cardio - elliptical, running, walking, bike, something different each day, alternating between a "light" day and a "hard day."  My light days might just be the biking or elliptical, my hard days might be running 3-4 miles at 7:30 minute pace.

I do not count calories consistently but eat relatively healthy food, lots of veggies and proteins.  I don't like sweets so I rarely indulge in dessert.  My biggest "no-no" is probably a glass of wine or my weekend Margaritas.  What can I do to lose those last few pounds?  I know it is just a number on a scale but I would really like to get back to 127.  I just "felt" healthier and better about myself.  What am I doing wrong?  Am I destined to be 130 forever?!  Should I cut out the alcohol?  Start tracking calories better?

In my opinion, the tape measure is more important than an arbitrary number on the scale that doesn't consider muscle mass and overall health. If you really want to concern yourself with 3 pounds, than yes, you have to count your calories...weightloss is all about what we eat. But you are at a healthy weight according to your BMI:

Based upon your current Body Mass Index (BMI) of 20.4, you are currently classed as at a healthy weight.

A healthy BMI for your gender and age is between 18.5 and 24.9 and a reasonable weight loss rate is 0.5-2 pounds a week. "

Are 3 pounds worth the frustration?

Original Post by atomala:

 I definitely put on more muscle and my clothes fit a little better, but I really want to get to my goal weight.  I took my measurements and they are on par with where I was 5 years ago.  

  What can I do to lose those last few pounds?  I know it is just a number on a scale but I would really like to get back to 127.  I just "felt" healthier and better about myself. 

I think you really are fixated on the number on the scale and I dont think you really felt better or healthier based on the fact that you probably have a lower body fat % sense you weigh just 3 to 5 lbs more but ur measurements are the same and ur close fit better.  Its sounds like ur healthier and in better shape now.  Ur at a great weight I think if your hubby changed the scale and it showed that you were at 127 you would feel healthier magically even though nothing really changed I think your mind just really needs to read those numbers.  It could be that you haven't lost weight cause well you dont need too. Your body may not let you cause it wouldn't be healthy, you do look thin.

Original Post by atomala:

 I will lift weights for 15-20 minutes (usually 3 reps of 30 of 5-6 different machines)

May I recommend that you (a) use free weights instead of machines, and (b) lower your reps and increase the weight you are lifting...there is a lot of information on the benefits free weights vs. machines and low reps/heavy weight on the fitness forum if you care to check it out.  You also probably need more than 15-20 minutes at a time for results.

Also, if you don't count calories consistently, you don't know how much you are consuming, it's as simple as that.  Margaritas are pretty caloric and can add up quickly - and I know I snack more when I drink them, personally!  That said, you are at a healthy weight already and I think you'd get the results you want by building some muscle and losing fat than actually losing weight.

Thanks for the input everyone.  I guess I can live with being 130 and if this is my biggest problem in the grand scheme of things, then I should stop complaining!  I'll try the free weights and change up my reps.  I would like to convert some fat into muscle :)

If you want to concentrate on more muscle and less weight, try to alternate cardio and weight lifting. A full body program with compound lifts done every other day combined with cardio in between could help. Training each day may lead to over training and does not provide the body with sufficient recovery.

Just a suggestion if you're looking for ideas on a program that might help.

Good luck and as other said, don't be a slave to the scale. I use the mirror rather than the scale.