Did I hit plateau or is there not much left to lose? (pics)

[newcomer]

I've been on diet and exercising nearly daily for 7 weeks.

Height: I'm 5' 10''. About 179 cm.
Weight: I was 174 lbs and now I'm 157 lbs loosing about 17 pounds.

During the first four weeks I lost most of the weight. My exercise was cardio only. I've only lost 3 or 4 pounds during the following three weeks when I started less cardio and more weight lifting.

The question is, judging from the photos and above info, do you think I've hit plateau or there isn't much fat left for me to loose? My rib bones are starting to appear and I almost see the entire rib cage yet there's still fat in the stomach area and the love handles. I wish to see six defined abs for the first time in my life but I'm afraid I'm loosing willpower before achieving that target.

I'm afraid I'm looking life a freak. A skeleton with a tire of fat around the waist. Is it possible that it's just extra loose skin?

I don't want bulky muscles. All I want is lean body with as little fat as possible. Should I continue doing cardio or am I actually hurting myself?

[tennisball]

Originally Posted by newcomer

I've been on diet and exercising nearly daily for 7 weeks.

Height: I'm 5' 10''. About 179 cm.
Weight: I was 174 lbs and now I'm 157 lbs loosing about 17 pounds.

During the first four weeks I lost most of the weight. My exercise was cardio only. I've only lost 3 or 4 pounds during the following three weeks when I started less cardio and more weight lifting.

The question is, judging from the photos and above info, do you think I've hit plateau or there isn't much fat left for me to loose? My rib bones are starting to appear and I almost see the entire rib cage yet there's still fat in the stomach area and the love handles. I wish to see six defined abs for the first time in my life but I'm afraid I'm loosing willpower before achieving that target.

I'm afraid I'm looking life a freak. A skeleton with a tire of fat around the waist. Is it possible that it's just extra loose skin?

I don't want bulky muscles. All I want is lean body with as little fat as possible. Should I continue doing cardio or am I actually hurting myself?

Lift some heavy weights, keep doing cardio, keep eating well. You won't get "bulky".

[NEdge]

x2 you need some muscle! You've done well so far, but it's time to increase calories slightly and continue to hit the weight room - hard!

If you get 'too bulky' or put on too much muscle in 3 months, I'll send you a check for $100.

[newcomer]

It's not that I'm afraid to unwillingly get "bulky" muscles. That's nearly impossible. What I want to say is that I'm willing to be thin and muscular than have larger muscles but less lean body. So I can do more cardio if that doesn't hurt.

[mattback]

you dont have any muscle to begin with.

th emost you will gain from a month is maybe 2 lbs a month. . you'll be fine.

lift heavy, you'll keep going

[Azure]

Hockey players train harder than most of us would ever dream of....all summer...and only end up gaining 10lbs max muscle.

[Allan]

If your bones are showing then you should eat more. I realize you said that you don't want to get bulky, If you don't want to get bulky then you want. People have to train to get bulky, if you aren't wanting that then I hardly believe you will become bulky.

[NEdge]

Originally Posted by Allan

If your bones are showing then you should eat more.

Err, OK. What about ribs, elbows, knees, hips, shoulders etc.. all might show at high muscle mass, low BF.

Any why exactly 'should someone eat more' in that case?