What you describe is very normal. It's just your body doing what it was designed to do. Temporary inflammation is part of the healing process after stressing your muscles more than they're accustomed to. I don't mean to be nosy, but I was looking at your data and I see one change that might make a difference. If you added some protein to your daily total, without exceeding your desired calorie goal, you might see a real change. ...If your "ideal" weight is 120, a person wanting to weigh that should eat about 1200-1400 calories per day (or more depending on activity). If your "ideal" weight is 120, and you are over 50 years old, then your recommended protein consumption everyday would be about 1 gm of protein per 1 lb of "ideal" weight. So a 120 lb person needs about 120 grams of protein per day to preserve their muscle mass, especially during weight loss. Based on your food diary you are not getting that much protein as a portion of your daily calories. (I'm no authority, just another person trying to figure it all out, and just trying to be helpful. This is just a suggestion to consider as an option to recharge your metabolism.) 1. Consumed protein is not stored by the body. There is no mechanism in the body to store protein for later, if the body doesn't use it to build muscle, then it's passed on in the urine. Unlike carbs and fat which can be stored for later. 2. Consumed protein is very satiating, so you feel full longer and you're less likely to crave more foods. 3. Consumed protein helps preserve muscle mass, which is especially important during weight loss and for anyone over 50 years old. You might consider adding some Collagen, Egg white powder, Whey protein powder, or other Protein powder to your coffee in the morning. Anyway, if you make it your focus (as I am doing on mine, and I'm 66) and give yourself permission to increase your protein portion, within your normal calorie goals, you might see a fairly rapid response. Just a suggestion. Best wishes with your battle!!