Frustrated, but Determined

Howdy,

I'd like to take a moment to express absolute frustration by the conflicting information online about calories, exercise, dieting, etc. Using a variety of formulas and online calculators I'm supposed to be eating anywhere from 1200 (Livestrong) to 1400 (LoseIt) to 1700 (Some other- I forget) calories daily to average 2 lb a week loss. When I started counting calories I took the middle road between LoseIt and Livestrong and have been eating around 1300 calories a day. Usually between 1300-1350 plus exercising 2-3 days a week (30 min cardio and ~ 20 min of weights). I've only dropped about 5 lbs since I started adding exercise. Through some online research on a variety of "credible" sites (Livestrong, .gov sites, mayo clinic, etc.) I've found the following answers and suggestions:

• I'm eating too many calories- this could be for a variety of reasons. 
• I'm not logging my calories accurately
• I find this doubtful. I log EVERYTHING and when I log a food that I don't have a perfect count on I guess high after looking up the suggested calorie amount. 
• I've chosen the wrong equation for calculating BMR
• I'm eating my workout calories. 
• Again doubtful- I rarely meat more on workout days.
• I'm not eating enough calories, thus sending my body into a "starvation mode" that may or may not exist. 
• The inflammation in my muscles from working out is causing a gain of up to 5-10 lbs of water weight. 
• Supposedly after about a month of consistent workouts this is supposed to adjust and decrease. 
• I'm not working out enough to impact anything. 
• I'm not incorporating "cheat" days where I eat 500-700 calories over my limit in order to shock my system and prevent a starvation mode. 

UGH- and folks wonder why people get discouraged and just throw their hands up in exasperation. OK, that being said I'm feeling great (other than a little soreness after running days), and I really do love my new diet. I'm even looking forward to gym days. I'm not going to be giving up anytime soon... I just needed to vent. Perhaps Monday I'll look into seeing a nutritionist at a local hospital for more personalized help. 

I started taking a picture of notable (for taste, health, and variety) meals I've cooked lately. This was a great one. Oven roasted cabbage (Recipe Here) which has become a BIG favorite for me. Cooked mushrooms and onions in a splash of olive oil. Mixed baby greens with Newman's Own Low Fat Sesame Ginger Dressing (Product Link) another favorite- a little goes a long way. And finally a bulgur, corn, and black bean stuffed salmon fillet pre made from HEB- just stick the tray in the oven and cook. It was $5, and the bar-code scanned at only 280 calories. VERY filling, tasty and nutritious dinner that came in at around 422 calories.