losing body fat while gaining muscle

[AJ hungry]

I just began this diet a week and a day ago and have lost 4 pounds so far. I am 5'11 and weighed 181 pounds (now 177).  I started out at the third stage. I'm not quite comfortable starving myself during the day, while in the second stage, especially since I work out 5-6 times weekly. An average day of eating would consist of a banana, apple, a few nuts and a ground turkey breast patty throughout the day. At night I eat a ridiculous amount of food usually a steak, green beans, asparagus, some carrots, a bowl of fruit. Ever since starting this diet I go to the gym very often. I lift for about an hour or so  and then hop on the treadmill for anywhere from 40-70 minutes (70%-80% running and the rest walking). Although my weight has gone down i don't see much difference in my appearance. How can i lose that layer of belly fat while gaining muscle mass? Should i change what I currently eat? Should I run or lift longer? I need help!

[houmax]

Patience, it's only been a week, it will happen, your diet sounds fine.

[AJ hungry]

This is true thanks.

[Falcon]

Cut out the green beans and make sure you don't eat too much tropical fruit, but as Houmax says, it's only been a week, and 4lbs in a week is really good!!

Falcon

[Lilnicki]

You could try exercises that specifically target the stomach area?......ask a trainer at the gym.

[unicaveman]

dude, sounds like you are working out TOO MUC!
Rather than the long sessions on the treadmill, try out some high intensity interval training (HIIT). 20 minutes of short sprints will do you more favours than plodding away on the treadmill for an hour. Be sure not to be training the same muscle groups on the same day to allow for recovery, and get adequate rest days throughout the week. Stick to the diet and the results will come.

[AJ hungry]

thanks for all the support and advice.

Im trying to cut down on my large tropical fruit intake. any suggestions on other good fruits.

As for the abs, I work on them every time I go to the gym. I guess I just expect big results to happen fast.

And I'll try out the HIIT. I work on different muscle groups everyday I go to the gym except for abdominal exercises, which I do every day. Is that not a good thing? and I make sure to take a recovery day after every three days of working out.

[Joybug]

Im trying to cut down on my large tropical fruit intake. any suggestions on other good fruits.

I'm in the middle of week 2 myself. Summer being cucumber season have you tried any? Surprisingly I found that chilled and peeled it's almost as sweet as an apple when you haven't been taking in a lot of processed sugars. You don't have to peel them of course, I just don't care for it. The larger ones tend to be sweeter.   http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/cucumber.html

Here's a note about fruits on marks daily apple: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/best-and-worst-fruits/   

[SidheDraoi]

it took me 6 months to get abs (actually visible and muscular) and I was starting out with a flat belly. It takes a lot of time and hard work, but its so worth it!!

also, I would do more weight training and less cardio. Cardio can cause muscles to lean out instead of bulking up so if you want that strong abdominal look then try more weight lifting and toning exercises. 15 mins of treadmill should be more than enough.

Remember that the more muscle you have the more calories you burn!!