It's definitely real; looking at myself in the mirror sideways, I can suck it in to be mostly flat, but if I let go it's at least an inch past my chest. Seems to be more noticeable in the evening after I've eaten and less in the morning, but I'm not imagining it.At that height and weight I'd be surprised if you really have a belly even without any muscle. That might be a body image problem :/. Or alternatively you could have bad posture or a pelvic tilt that is giving you a belly look.
Anyway you shouldn't be trying to lose weight. Trying gaining a bit of healthy weight and diet after to lose the fat. Would be easier anyway.
By gaining healthy weight, you mean muscle? Like I said I already do a bodyweight routine and have some tone, but haven't gained any real noticeable size. I guess this is a function of what I eat, especially after workouts? Would adding something like protein shakes help?
Hmm, I do cook my own meals but they're usually kind of carb heavy (rice/pasta). Which nutrients should be I aiming for? Any good recipe sites geared toward this?The problem most likely won't be from how much you're eating but more of what you're eating. I get a similar issue if i've been eating a lot of sugary / fried foods. Just keep increasing calories but make sure they are nutrient dense and not snack foods and you will gain muscle and lose the fat.