See, you are making progress! Here are some things to remember: [My opinions of course]
You'll hit times when you don't think much is changing, just hang in there and get through those times.
Your body will also get to a point where you'll notice new things every couple days. You'll be saying to Hutch, "check this out"...abs, whatever.
Your body is going to react differently than Hutches to diet and exercise. Hutch is one of those naturally lean bastards.
You may have to do much more cardio than he did. Meredith was doing it first thing in the morning 45 min a weight session later...a meal or two and a cardio session before bed after her last meal. Just so you know, you are not alone.
I can see things changing. You've gotten the ball rolling, now hang in there. You'll find that you really enjoy competition, as Meredith does, or find that you DON'T like it. That would be me! lol. I've won and I've lost and I didn't like it either time.