decent nutrition, lots of exercise. STILL Gaining weight!

I'm actually starting to wonder if its really weight I need to lose or if I just need to tone up what I already have. I am down already 30lbs over the last two years so I have a pretty good understanding of portion size and calories intake. Could my diet improve? Probably, I'm sure I could cut carbs out and increase protein but would I feel good or have energy? Probably not. I don't think eating less than 1200 calories is good for my health. My BMR is 1450 and eating less than that is called starving yourself, no matter how we like to justify it. Add in the desire to work out harder to build muscle and I'm really toeing a dangerous line. I've decided to continue making healthy choice in my diet while staying around 1500 calories a day, continuing my goal of reaching 500 calories a day In exercise and to eliminate any dinner outings until I get in to my groove again. Some people do wonderfully on a low carb constricted diet but it just makes me feel sick and sluggish and since cutting down my carbs I've been too sick to get outside and work. I just feel like throwing up. I felt much better eating a little more and burning off the access with exercise. Thank you to every one for the really great advice.

Excuse me, back up. There's no need for your last post or the attitude. I'm sorry that you have a hard time eye balling your own portions but you and I are different. It is by no means "impossible" to know your portions with out a scale. That's just ridiculous! . I use my measuring cups and do a great job. Last night I had some grapes, grabbed a handful figured it was a cup, and what do you know it was... Amazing. Yes, a food scale would be best but right now I'm unable to purchase one. I disagree that weighing food is more important than exercise, and last I checked thats ok. i asked advice yes, but no one said i had to agree with everything, every one said. I have received and have taken in a lot of the advice given on this thread so I do not appreciate your acting as though I am not taking it seriously. That being said I would suggest not taking these things so personal, judging from the last sentence you wrote you need a serious attitude adjustment. I wasn't "complaining" I was frustrated and reaching out for help... Isn't that the idea of this forum? Or do you think it's a place to go around being rude and condescending?

Thank you, I'm about 155lbs and 5'6" I used to weigh 180lbs and I lost most of it just cutting back and doing cardio but after listening to a lot of people I think I need to start strength training and different work outs. Thank you for the advice!

My shoes are about a Yr old and causing pain in my shins when I run. This is why I feel it's more important right now.

That video is misleading, the maker obviously doesn't know how to cook or use measuring cups. I can only imagine the nightmare that goes into following a recipe and forget about baking! Who fills the cups up above the rim any how? I was taught at an early age how to cook and use measuring utensils the proper way.