Doing everything right..why aren't I losing weight?

Question

Just over a month ago I decided to lose 20lbs. I have a healthy BMI (I'm 23, 5'10", 165lbs and a lady) but I know I could look a lot better.

I read every single article on the internet about proper diet, exercise, all the things that stop you from losing like starvation mode, etc., and put it all into action.

I eat around 1200 calories a day, with a good healthy breakfast, moderate lunch and dinner mostly made up of vegetables and some protein, and I'm definitely not counting wrong. On the days when I 'fall off' the diet, I still never eat more than 1800 or 2000. I do sit at a desk all day but I have a 15 minute walk to and from work. I've also been jogging for at least 20 minutes 3 times a week.

However!

I've only lost 2lbs and I've been doing this for aaaaages! There were a couple weeks where I only got out to jog once or twice, but I was still restricting calories.

I know you're not supposed to go by the scale, but I don't think I've lost any inches either! My clothes all fit me exactly the same!

What's going on???

Answer 1

Well how long is ages? If it has been a long time, my guess is that you're losing fat around your internal organs or something. Just try restricting your diet even more. Or try doing the diet with someone else to make sure you always eat right and you exercise.  

Answer 2

Try to eat upwards of 1800 - 2000 calories for two or three days (continue exercising) and then go right back down to 1200 calories.

Sometimes your metabolism just slows down and you need to kick start it.  

Answer 3

For one, you're focusing too much on calorie intake. People tend to believe that lower calories equals weight loss. Usually though, it slows down the metabolism and thus slows down weight loss. Eating up to 2,000 healthy calories per day which includes fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and grains along with your exercise routine will help you lose you weight.

Stop focusing so hard on calories and focus on what you're eating more. It may also be your body doesn't feel it right to lose too much weight considering your height. If you already look decent, stop stressing so much to be better. We women try too hard as it is and it's simply unhealthy for our body image. Eat right, exercise, and you'll be fine.