discouraged

Sorry you are feeling discouraged. When you don't have as much weight to lose, it usually takes longer to lose. Also, it might help to open up your food diary so we could give you some pointers there.

I will tell you this right off the bat....the SCALE is your enemy!! Just because you are not losing pounds doesnt mean you are not slimming down. I have lost almost 4% body fat and can wear clothes I havent had on in 2 years yet I have only lost a half a pound. So dont let the scale scare you away. Take measurements more then weight. Also take some pictures of yourself now and again each week and see if there are changes in the way you look. Stick with it also upping your protein and fiber will help. Increase your protein to a gram per pound of weight a day that will help you lean out.

GOOD LUCK! and CONGRATS!

If you make your food diary public to friends it will be easier to see if you have some dietary things going on (because the exercise part sounds great!). Before I started MFP I totally overestimated my calorie burn and overate to compensate what I thought I had burned off.... maybe this is you, too?
Don't be discouraged! You will reach your goal, there is a ton of support on this website :flowerforyou:
Jennie

Muscle is more dense than fat! Did you happen to take any measurements before you started? If not, do you notice any changes in the way your clothes fit? With adding more exercise you may see a difference there before you see it on the scale.

I've been watching what I eat. I don't snack anymore, I eat breakfast and drink only water. I've cut out all junk food and only have one helping at meals, never take seconds. I don't really take the time to fill out the food diary on here!

I strongly recommend taking the taime and logging all of your food and exact amounts. you say you cut out junk food etc but you will be surprised how many calories you are still consuming in those one helping meals.

What KIND of exercises are you doing? Most women have a fear of any type of weight or strength training because they're afraid they'll bulk up and look manly so they only do cardio...and that is SO wrong!! You're heart will be in perfect condition, but you won't see the physical results you're wanting. Weight/strength training builds muscle which WILL add a few extra pounds, but your muscle is what really burns the fat. I would recommend taking a look at your exercise routine and maybe do 3 days of running and 3 days of weight training on alternate days, then rest one day. Also look at your diet and make sure you're getting enough protein and fiber. Your muscles will need protein as you strengthen and tone them and the fiber will help your digestive system to stay on track and flush out all the unnecessary stuff.

Since you don't really have a whole lot of weight to lose, it is going to be harder for you. Try looking at Bill Philips' Body For Life website...I think you're a good candidate for his method of working out.

I've been watching what I eat. I don't snack anymore, I eat breakfast and drink only water. I've cut out all junk food and only have one helping at meals, never take seconds. I don't really take the time to fill out the food diary on here!

You are missing the main point of the website. Perception and what you really eat are often off. If you are not logging your intake, you have lost 2/3 of the tools here to help you. It's more about food, what kind of food, and calories than you might imagine until you start putting it in regularly.

Try it for a couple weeks. I think you will find that you aren't eating like you are thinking you are. It gets easier because it remembers your foods, you can put in recipe's. It's a pain, but it's really pretty important.

You don't have a lot to lose. Just do the best you can, but remember, your overall health will improve, skin, hair, etc. when you eat a healthy diet. Nobody that comes to your wedding will see the number on the scale, but they will see how beautiful you are cause you take care of yourself. They'll remember your glow, so don't stress out. When things don't go perfect at a wedding, the only ones who know are you and a few family members, but so what, the guests never knew and they had a fun time celebrating your day. And when you get to be 53 years old like me, you'll look back at your wedding pictures and say, wow I looked pretty great that day, what was I worried about. This is a special time, enjoy it!!!!!!!!!!!!