I've been working a self-designed program for the past month or so and haven't lost a pound. I'm 5'7" and currently weigh 184 lbs.
What is this self-designed program? Its specific content, times per week, how long, etc.
Then I usually eat either a bowl of oatmeal or a whole wheat english muffin with hummus. I have a 300-400 calorie lunch, usually soup with an apple and a granola bar. Then a 500-700 calorie dinner, like whole wheat pasta with some sauce or some egg whites with toast and fruit.
The diet (at least) in what you posted, is primarily Carbohydrate based, and displays very little protein. Its my opinion, in the face of a calorie deficit (especially), proteins in the diet become paramount (not to undermine its overall importance in the diet in general). Therefore, I would suggest to increase your proteins in your diet. There is very little information reference "good" fat intake. And, if this is low, I would also suggest increasing this (if applicable).
Overall I've been eating 1,200-1,500 calories per day and doing my workout every morning (usually an hour on Sat & Sun too) but I haven't lost a single pound in 4 weeks. I feel better and can run longer/harder, but I'm not losing any weight (which is my goal).
This is what we know thus far (as much as your post allows):
1. Your diet is high in Carbohydrates.
2. Your diet is low in Protein.
3. Very little fat consumption information.
4. You are eating between 1200 to 1500 calories per day.
5. You do not display your approximated MT-Line of calories.
What we do not know:
1. Prior to developing your self-made fitness program, your activity level prior to commencement.
2. Your dietary habits prior to your new diet and fitness program.
3. Any health related complications.
4. Unknown if you are taking any supplements (such as Creatine Mono, which can effect water levels).
The weight scale can be a deceptive device--especially to one just beginning a training/dieting program.
Let me give you a rather brief example:
If you ate normally (so-to-speak) prior to your new self-designed program, and were basically inactive (for lack of argument), and then "suddenly" introduce some "brand new" stimulus to the body (such as your low-calorie consumption and fitness training), the body "can", "can" react rather strong (keeping things equal).
But, it can be a two-prong bodily reaction. First, the "probability" and "odds" of strength/muscle increase are rather high. Second, there is a comparable likelihood of strong fat reduction reaction.
Sometimes..........the disparity between the two is what causes some people problems..........when looking at the scale, rather than looking at their self in the mirror with educated eyes (like taking a picture when starting, and taking a picture at the end of the month).
For example, if the rate of strength/muscle increase and fat loss (are the same) hypothetically, the scale isn't going to reflect much weight change, when........in fact there has been.
There "can be" weight gain, for example, if the strength/muscle gain rate "exceeds" the rate of fat loss, the net result can be weight gain (which is a good thing).
In addition, it is quite "normal" for the body to gain/lose several pounds (
dependent) of "weight" during the course of a day (added feces in the colon, depleted feces in the colon [taking a dump], as examples).
Another potential possibility is that since (at least on appearance) you Carbohydrates are high, you could be carrying some excess water, which adds another variable possibility in your weight (displacement) equation.
I am not saying this is happening to you, but this is something to think about.
How have you calculated your calories. What "approximator" did you use?
When considering your MT-Line each day. What kind of calorie deficit does 1200 to 1500 calories bring you?
Have you seen any changes in your physical appearance?
Do not be discouraged yet.
Best wishes for your continued success,
Chillen
