pushups and pullups are only a good way to gain strength to an extent. just because you can do a hundred pushups, doesnt mean your stronger than somebody who can only do 30 or 40. it means you have more endurance. unless your doing weighted pushups/pullups, which should be incorporated into your gym routine, not used as a stand alone. Raw strength is measured in your three main olympic lifts. Deadlifts, bench press and squats. you can increase your strength without putting on mass of you really zero in on your diet. 6 pack abs are nothing to write home about if you weight only 150 pounds. your absolutely right about dieting though. it is harder than working out. and fyi, im not trying to put on tremendous mass, as i am training to be an athlete.