[jsewell0203]

It sounds like you are doing all the right things. However one thing you seem to lack to truly trim the fat is a low-carb approach. Your diet is essentially low-carb but it doesn't sound low-carb enough to get radical results. You should not be afraid to push the envelope a little by reducing carbs.

Oatmeal, Banana, Strawberries, all must go if you want to really drop the body fat. Focus on egg whites, tuna packed in water, no sugar whatsoever. Use Splenda in your Coffee or Tea if you want a sweet drink once in a while. For a normal meal try the following;

6 ounces Sausage, Beef or Chicken
4 ounces Broccoli
1 or two eggs (depending on appetite)

I do not strip out the yolks. If you are getting the Cardio you say you are the extra cholesterol won't hurt you at all. You also need to ingest fats and proteins to burn body fat. It sounds worng - but it is exactly right. It works.

This is a Spartan diet but here is why it works so well. The Broccoli has the dietary fiber you need with a minimum of net carbs. The meat of course provides you with necessary protein as do the eggs. You can supplement also with protein shakes but you have to be careful about how you mix them. If you use milk it can be a lean diet buster because milk is loaded with sugar.

So be careful because you are doing everything right, it just happens to be frustratng when the little mistakes cost you as far as gains. I have lost about 35 pounds of body fat and gained about ten pounds of muscle eating essentially the following foods in moderation. Portions need to be small or you will not see any gains.

Sausage (great to cut up and steam along with broccoli, green beans, squash - all high fiber veggies).
Beef - I do a little, not a lot.
Tuna - Fantastic high quality protein that is good for you. You can even mix it with mayonaise which is pure protein and fat. Remember I beleive wholeheartedly in Atkins approach and I am walking proof that a high protein diet with moderate fat intake will not prevent you from getting lean.
Broccoli, Green Beans, Squash, Cabbage (fresh never frozen)
Eggs
Cheese - It is delicious, Most varieties has almost zero carbs and relatively high amounts of protein. I do not eat it regularly but when I feel like I need a snack I treat myself.
Peanut Butter - Is a great pre-workout snack as it gives you a small blood sugar rush but it has good quality fats and protein and I love it so it is one of my snack foods - mostly pre-workout so I can burn the carbs right away.
Coffee - Is my lifesaver. Quality strong coffee for flavor with a small amount of cream and sweetened with Splenda.
Shakes - are a great way to supplement your diet but avoid using milk to mix them. I use whey protein and water. To sweeten it, give it a creamier texture I add raw eggs, raisins and Splenda. It is delicious. Again you cannot eat this frequently but some carb intake is necessary to support an active excercise routine.

To drop the body fat however you have to reduce the carbs to almost zero, especially during inactive periods such as during the workday.

Best of luck!