3 questions..low calorie, weight loss, strength gain?

phred_52

Uhm, how to start. Started exercising 6/24. Since then I've lost 14lbs. on avg. Calorie intake, well, it's "bad". I've also had increases in amt. of weights I lift.

I understand all about proper calories, and if not proper calories then low metabolism. Where i'm getting extremely confused is how did I accomplish the above, and yet I still feel good.

Don't know if needed, but I'm 5'8", 172lb at present, small frame. Workout 5 days/wk cardio at appx 85% max hr. for 2 hrs. Weights for 40 min. every other day.

Thanks
Fred