My portions are probably too large, but, as I understand, regardless of portion sizing, I should have seen some sort of results by now.

Then you do not understand (but I understand why you think this way.) Calories still matter. If you think you're overeating then you probably are.

Honestly I'd cut back on quantity and lose the nuts. They are problematic for many trying to lose weight. Try hard boiled eggs instead maybe?

I also think you need to consider that this may be an issue with perception. Not every woman is supposed to be a size 2.

I'm reading posts like this regularly on PH. Whilst so many people may say you can eat as much as you like on Paleo, I completely disagree. I think a lot of this stems from the fact that many "Paleo people" were not overweight to begin with - for them, I'm quite sure they really can eat as much as they like and maintain a sensible weight/ body comp.

I was stuck at the same weight for a year, on a strict Paleo diet (no nuts, fruit once or twice a week). It wasn't until I significantly reduced my portion sizes that finally the weight loss resumed. I've lost 7kg since Christmas, so I'm quite certain this was the missing piece of the puzzle for me.

I don't snack and I've literally halved my portion sizes. I don't think you need to count calories, just use smaller plates and bowls (it really works) and don't have seconds. I was really hungry for the first week, but now it's absolutely fine and I can see now I was eating far too much before.

I also IF sporadically, but again, I think this only helps if it reduces your overall intake - not if you just consume the same volume of food after.

Grace, I don't like to argue with people's perceptions of themselves, and you've said you're sure you should be around 135, and maybe you're right. It's hard to know without seeing a picture. So for whatever it's worth, here's my experience: I'm 5'6" and have a 10-pound range that I've wandered around in since losing my extra fat (down from 220), with 158 at the top. When I (briefly) dropped to 145ish, I was thrilled, but my husband wasn't -- he told me I was starting to look sickly. Hard to believe with the current standards, but he was right. My "lean" teenage weight was also 155ish (those few times that I was "lean"), and when I was that weight, I looked great.

If you're at all big-boned and well-muscled -- which it sounds like you are, since you used to row -- you might look awesome at 155. If you really want to lose a few more pounds, yeah, you might have to drop the carbs even more (I stalled at 190 for two years on VLC, and dropped to ZC to lose the rest, but I was deep in my forties when I started.) But I'm still nowhere near "skinny," even though I'm in great health with good muscle tone and not a lot of flab. But for someone with my body style, and maybe yours, to get to 135 would pretty much require starvation and heroics, and maybe drugs.

ETA this afterthought: Last year when your weight was lower, you were also younger, if only by a year. Women's bodies tend to accumulate more fat as the childbearing years go on. I know that 17 is still very young -- I'm not talking about middle-aged spread -- but 16, when you were 15 or so pounds lighter, was still much closer to your age of menarche, whenever that might have been. If this extra fat has accumulated in your hips and thighs, it's not unhealthy, IMO. On the other hand, if you've suddenly got a big belly this year, then maybe your concerns are right.

It's hard to tell from this, but I think it's a good bet that you are in SuppVersity's Stanley Smith's "imaginary chubby" category. This means you need to stop worrying about your weight in pounds and focus more on your measurements.

Most hard-core, original paleos will tell you to ditch the berries, nuts, and dairy. They would also tell you to maintain a 500 calorie deficit, per day, and start lifting weights and doing short, intensive sprints. Eat a sweet potato, every other day( NOT strict paleo, by the way). This is the standard advice. Let me know if it works for you.

I would suggest try eating more fat, and incorporate sprinting. Don't worry about cardio, and concentrate on weight lifting, heavier weights, lower reps.

In my experience, I didn't get anywhere eating Paleo and doing cardio. Cardio for me is really stressful for my body and I've noticed much better results eating High Fats in the form of Coconut Oil, Cream, Egg Yolks, then animal fat and avocados. I try to limit my fruits to Berries only and in the morning. I keep carbs under 50g per day. I also tried fasting 14/10 hours and have seen good results with that. I am going to stick with fasting, and incorporate sprinting after I get more adjusted.

Hope this helps!

• IF - Most studies on IF have shown little to no body composition improvements in the long term. The benefits people get from leangains and similar programs are likely more the product of calorie and carbohydrate cycling.
• Keto - Have you tried full keto? Strict <20g carbs/day? It essentially means no vegetables, or if you do eat vegetables, only very low calorie ones (squash, carrots, and onions all have significant carb content).
• What's your actual body fat %? You may be more muscular than most girls your age and actually have a healthy body fat level. Measuring body fat is tough, but calipers and scales that use BIA can at least give you some sort of range.
• Calorie counting - I (and most people here) are against calorie counting, since it a) sucks and b) shouldn't be necessary, but you may need to try it. If you cut calories below maintenance and still don't lose weight, then you may want to talk to your doctor about other causes (e.g. hypothyroidism).

There are lots of weight loss methods you can try; the trick is finding something that's maintainable in the long run. You say your portions are probably too large - you can gain weight on any diet, whether it's low-carb or paleo or SAD. I can't comment well on emotional eating (nor do I want to insinuate that you're doing that), but if you find yourself eating too much on a regular basis then perhaps there are bigger things to consider than diet.

You're on the right track by trying out new approaches. Sometimes the process of finding what does work involves discovering everything that doesn't.

Here we go...

1. Shoot for 50 grams of protein for break fast. Water and whey protein DOES NOT COUNT and is not optimal.

2. Stop working out 45 minutes every other day, limit to high intensity once or twice a week. (Sprints, weights, walking, 10-20 minutes).

3. Carrots, Zucchini and Squash are all maintenance foods (higher carb veggies), go with green LEAFY veggies (broccoli, brussle sprouts, kale, cabbage, etc.) Add cauliflower, and lettuces. Also, put some grass fed butter/sea salt on those unglamored veggies.

4. Eat 3 meals, 1 snack if necessary. Don't eat before bed.

5. Leptin reset is probably necessary if you are down to belly fat being the problem.

6. SLEEP, and REST are TOP PRIORITY

I can't advise on the exercise because basically, I don't. I walk and run after my kids, and I'm on my feet for my job all day and my family all evening, but other than that, I don't have anything.

That being said, I lose the best when I'm eating plenty of fat, especially coconut oil and avocado. My weight loss stalls when I eat too much fruit and/or nuts. I actually don't think it sounds like you're eating that much food, especially if you're exercising so much. Obviously, I don't know what your portions are.

Try keeping a food journal and log how hungry you are before your meal, then how you feel after you eat. A quick food tip from me is to incorporate leafy greens in a meaty salad full of fat, protein, and fiber. The salad will keep you full for longer and cause your diet to be lower carbed.

With the food log, you might reach a conclusion that the "carby" vegetables like carrots and onions make you hungry quicker. Good Luck.

I'm in the same boat as you, and have the same body type(I'm 5'6 though) and weight. I'm 19....I have A LOT of questions that may be good for you to look through. Go to my user profile and look through my questions, i have like 40. they should give you some good information

• 10 for Rose. Great answer.

I would eat breakfast every day.

What is the protein at night?

Look for a used rowing machine perhaps.

Sleep early and for 7.5 hours or more per day.

Skip Breakfast (only black coffee), then work out (strenght training) fastet in the morning, 2 hours later lunch. You´ll get used to the Breakfast skipping after a week or so!

There is evidence that if you over consume protein, your body turns the excess into sugar. How much protein do you eat in a meal? I have read that 25 grams per meal is a relative upper limit. I find that I do better with hunger and fat loss if I limit my carbs, moderate protein, and fill in the rest with enough good fat that I am not going hungry. Most days, I am eating around 70+% fat.

Cut soy out! It's just as bad as wheat! I have a thyroid condition and notice soy affects me negatively! And never eat gluten again!