Q: I started on Jan. 1 to count calories and exercise.  I'm trying to stay around 1,400-1,500 calories per day.  I eat the same things every day for breakfast and lunch - a bowl of Special K Red Berries, skim milk for breakfast, apple, v-8 juice, Yoplait fat-free yogurt, Quaker 90 calorie granola bar, 25 almonds.  I usually eat the almonds for morning and afternoon snacks.  For supper I have various foods that I'm very careful do not go over the calorie limit.  Usually something like chicken and veggies, egg white omelet with veggies or salsa, or something I've made from my Light and Tasty magazine.  I honestly have not been cheating.

In addition, I try to do at least 20 minutes of cardio at least 3-4 times a week, and also do weight training.  I've been doing the cardio and weight training for about 9 months.  I can tell that my clothes are somewhat looser, but I am not losing any weight and am getting very discouraged.  I weigh 190 lbs. and had really hoped to lose at least 6-8 lbs by now with the calorie counting.

I am taking 800 mg. of ibuprofen every day, along with Allegra, Allegra D, plaquenil every day.  I began taking the plaquenil about 1 1/2 years ago, and have not had any luck losing weight ever since taking it.  I hadn't really been counting calories until Jan. 1, 2007, though, so did not blame it on that.  But since counting calories I haven't lost weight either, and am getting very discouraged. What should I do? – Carol

A: Judging from your food choices, your diet is not the problem. The fact that you have only been counting calories for two months may have something to do with, depending on how much your portion sizes and caloric intake has changed. It is important to remember that muscle weighs more than fat. If you exercise regularly and notice that your clothes are feeling loose but you are not losing much weight, you may be gaining muscle. The number on your scale is not always important. If you are dropping clothing sizes and are feeling healthier, I would do away with the scale.