Why Quest for Health?

I'm a 24 year old, African American woman. I weigh 176 pounds, but then again, I am 5'9" - but my body fat percentage is about 29. I just got married in July of 2011, which was one of the most stressful, hectic, yet enjoyable moments of my life- at that point I weighed a smooth 160 pounds. Over the next two months, I encountered the next most mentally stressful and important moment of my graduate career to date - taking (and passing!) my A exam. Which involved hours and hours of endless studying, at least 7 all-nighters to complete a 25 page proposal, two written exams, and prepare for a 3 hour oral exam- doing what most people prepare for in 4 months or so, in 1.5 months because of the wedding. Anyway, I passed. But I didn't emerge unscathed.

I gained 10 pounds in that month and a half, contracted a re-occurring yeast infection, and had my previously dormant ringworm resurface. I had been eating whatever I wanted, and sleeping whenever I could, and I guess it caught up to me.

So after the exam, I vowed to get back on a healthier sleeping and eating schedule as well as begin to workout. And I did. For all of September and October I have gone to the gym at least 5 times a week, combining lifting weights and cardio workouts, and 95% of my meals have been homemade with 100% being vegetarian, and many vegan as well.

Sadly, what has normally worked for me in the past- hasn't. I didn't gain weight over this time, but I didn't lose any weight or inches either. Shut the front door! This sucks. But I have a few thoughts as to why I'm not seeing that scale budge just yet.

1. I'm living with my beloved husband who is 6' 3" and weighs the same amount as me- he is trying to put on weight. So when we eat together, I'm tempted to eat as much as him, or at least return for seconds when he does- that's got to stop. Now.
2. Also I'm lifting weights, so I assume I'm putting on a little muscle weight- which is fine, I'm not obsessed with the number on the scale, I am really concerned with feeling more comfortable with my body and in my clothes.
3. Lastly, I'm sick. Something about my immune system or body chemistry must be impaired. Because I'm growing fungus like I'm a dead tree (ringworm and yeast are both fungal infections, I also have a toenail fungus). So what can I do to not only she some excess fat and feel better about my appearance, but actually improve my health and feel like I'm supposed to feel at 24? I don't want to turn 25 feeling like I'm 50. I can't do it.