Hi Ellie,

If you're working out regularly with both cardio and weights, I've read that increasing protein has some very positive effects. Firstly, protein requires the most energy to fully digest and absorb. Secondly, with increased proteins--even if one diminishes calorie intake--it appears our bodies metabolism doesn't slow down, or otherwise known as "going into starvation mode".

Give this a try for a week, and see if it might work for you. Also, though calories aren't supposed to count, they do in the long run. With your activity level and weight, you should be able to easily create a calorie deficit on about 1300 - 1500 calories depending on the length and intensity of your workouts.

Good luck!