Do you ever just get tired of thinking about calories?
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I really, really think you might want to take a step back and re-evaluate your relationship with food. You should not have to feel like you need to avoid social situations for fear of eating something you feel you shouldn't - you should not stop living your life because of food! Also, I personally don't like the phrase "cheat meal" some of us are referencing - if you have something you want, I don't think the connotation between food and guilt or something taboo should be made, if anything, call it a celebration meal. Now, when I only focused on calories I felt the same as you - I felt angry, tired, and very constricted and felt like throwing my hands up all the time and eating whatever I wanted only to feel even worse at the end of it. However, the way I've been handling my diet lately is really not focusing on calories at all. I make smarter choices throughout my day (whole, unprocessed foods and things with short and pronounceable ingredient lists) so that if I want to have a little something like some chocolate or a few chips, I have them without the guilt. I don't weigh my food, and I pay more attention to the quality and content OTHER than calories (like carb, protein and fat grams) and just watch my portions and stop eating when I'm not hungry and it's really helped. Honestly, I think it's better to take some focus away from how many calories you're eating and focus more on how food makes you feel and what benefits it's going to provide you. I know if I eat cookies and candy all day I don't feel very good, and I'm certainly not full and will probably eat more crap to essentially feel like crap. I know I'll feel sluggish, tired, and still hungry even after eating a whole container of Chinese food, so I typically don't eat it because I know it wont do anything for my body. If I really want something I'll have a bite or two of it instead of eating a whole bunch of other things that might be better for me but wont curb the craving (and in the end will be eating more than if I just had the food I wanted in the first place). Other times if I'm out and I really want the whole enchilada like a burger and fries or ice cream (my guilty pleasures) I just have it, provided I stay within my macros because I know it's not going to ruin my whole day or week or body in general if I celebrate from time to time. I also definitely agree with other people though that you should really think twice about if you really want something or if you're just bored or actually need water and are mistaking it for hunger. All in all, I live my life and I don't let food get in the way of it. Have a healthy relationship with food - don't see it as something that could ruin you but as something that can fuel you and make you feel great about your day in reaching your DV's. Start cooking more, explore farmers markets with your husband, fill your fridge with color and things you've never tried! Try alternatives and see what you like and don't like - food can be so much more than a limiting factor in your life and instead be a creative outlet and very fun to experiment with.0
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Every.freaking.day.0
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Yes, although when I don't do it is when things go awry. Some days I just say screw it, and eat whatever and am not mindful of my budget, but I still log it just to have the data. Seems to break the monotony somewhat.0
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I lost 25 pounds just by exercising a lot and paying some attention to what I ate, but not counting. Then my weight loss stalled, so I joined MFP and started counting calories and logging exercise, and I've lost another 32 or so. I'm close to my goal now, so I've set myself to lose half a pound a week, which gives me more calories. I log most days, but not every day. If I eat out, sometimes I just say the heck with it; other times I'll make my best guess and log a restaurant meal. On the occasional day when I'm way, way over, when I hit the button that says "Done logging this day" or whatever it says, I'm always pleasantly surprised. It says something like, "If every day were like today, you'd weigh X pounds in 30 days." And X is something like four pounds over what I weigh now. I don't take this as license to make every day like today. Rather, it helps me to realize that one day of going way over doesn't wreck everything. If I've really gone hog wild, it means I won't lose my half pound that week, or I might even gain a half pound. But that's all right because I'm close to goal, and if it takes me eight weeks instead of six to lose the last three pounds, I'm ok with that. I imagine it's a lot different for someone who's maybe only half way to goal. But I have been logging for quite awhile, so I do know what you mean about logging fatigue.0
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I only log most of what I eat to keep tabs of where I'm at--I don't log everything. arya8 has it right; just have a knowledge of what you are eating (and how much). If you've been dieting for a while you kinda know abt how many calories are in an item and abt what a serving size looks like. It is abt making it a lifestyle not a diet or project with an end date.
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I have the same problem OP. In fact there have been multiple times in the past where I've been successful with weight loss for long periods of time (3-6 months with 20-30lbs lost) which ends up all coming back and all my work undone because I start to resent the fact that I'm not able to gorge myself on brownies and ice cream. I have figured out that I have a very unhealthy relationship with food and it's a matter of trying to come to terms with the amounts of those things that I eat vs. the amounts that I SHOULD eat.0
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I'm grateful for things I've learned from logging. For example, I had no idea how many calories are in tortilla chips, one of my go-to snacks. Just 9 chips is 140 calories. By contrast, three Oreo cookies are 160 calories. It's so easy to mindlessly eat half a bag of chips. I never do that any more. If I really want chips, I'll count out and/or weigh a portion and just eat that. Before logging, I'd've guessed that Oreos would be more of an impediment to weight loss than chips, just because they're chocolatey and sweet. But two or at most three Oreos is enough to satisfy me, whereas I used to eat chips without any thought as to how satisfying they were. Oreos are more worth the indulgence than chips to me.0
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I haven't gotten tired of it yet, because each day I log is a day I am closer to my goal0
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cparsons_60 wrote: »I'm grateful for things I've learned from logging. For example, I had no idea how many calories are in tortilla chips, one of my go-to snacks. Just 9 chips is 140 calories. By contrast, three Oreo cookies are 160 calories. It's so easy to mindlessly eat half a bag of chips. I never do that any more. If I really want chips, I'll count out and/or weigh a portion and just eat that. Before logging, I'd've guessed that Oreos would be more of an impediment to weight loss than chips, just because they're chocolatey and sweet. But two or at most three Oreos is enough to satisfy me, whereas I used to eat chips without any thought as to how satisfying they were. Oreos are more worth the indulgence than chips to me.
I've never really thought about that either. I guess I've never paid attention to the calories in oreos...but that is interesting. Maybe when I'm craving something sweet a few oreos isn't a bad idea if I can fit them into my day.0 -
abetterluke wrote: »cparsons_60 wrote: »I'm grateful for things I've learned from logging. For example, I had no idea how many calories are in tortilla chips, one of my go-to snacks. Just 9 chips is 140 calories. By contrast, three Oreo cookies are 160 calories. It's so easy to mindlessly eat half a bag of chips. I never do that any more. If I really want chips, I'll count out and/or weigh a portion and just eat that. Before logging, I'd've guessed that Oreos would be more of an impediment to weight loss than chips, just because they're chocolatey and sweet. But two or at most three Oreos is enough to satisfy me, whereas I used to eat chips without any thought as to how satisfying they were. Oreos are more worth the indulgence than chips to me.
I've never really thought about that either. I guess I've never paid attention to the calories in oreos...but that is interesting. Maybe when I'm craving something sweet a few oreos isn't a bad idea if I can fit them into my day.
I'm a chip person but have found that sweets fit into my day better. Also, oreos can be used as add ins to greek yogurt, frozen yogurt, protein fluff, a more basic low calorie ice cream. I've gotten away with eating ONE at a time and for a little over 50 calories they can really add a lot to a snack.0 -
I agree with the poster who said they feel more free now. When I was gaining and not counting, I felt guilty about food all the time. I knew I was over eating. Now I can plan for my dessert and enjoy it.0
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I've been in maintenance for 5ish years and haven't counted calories in that time. I stay very active, pay attention to how I feel and how clothes fit. I eat cheeseburgers and cupcakes when I want.....I just don't have four cupcakes or the triple cheeseburger! I don't think about calories, I'm in the habit of having well rounded meals, I plan and prep meals ahead for time management sake, not calorie sake. We don't eat out much, I don't buy chips or soda, don't really crave them ever anyway. I would be miserable not having what I wanted or avoiding time with my friends because there might be food. I'd say bump up your workouts so you can fit more in, you'll get other benefits as well from it.0
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TimothyFish wrote: »There are ways to control one's weight without weighing everything or counting calories. Some people love to weight stuff and they feel like counting calories gives them control, but if you really hate it, find a method that you like.
Got to comment on this - I don't think it's possible to lose weight without thinking about calories. I think it's what OP meant... not necessarily the counting, but the fact that, well, you're very aware of how many calories are in things and that you just can't eat too many brownies or too much ice cream or you will gain weight. And that has nothing to do with calorie counting.
Heck, I'd argue that if anything, if you don't count calories, it's even harder not to think about the calories in the brownie you really want to eat, as you have no way to know if it actually fits in your day or if it's going to set you back. I'd guess that people who don't count calories eat less sweets than I do.
My opinon only, but I don't think this above ^^ is true for everyone. I have never counted calories (not saying thats always a good thing though - I could've probably saved myself a lot of weight gain had I done so). However, I lost 17 without counting calories once. I just eat clean breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and mix in 3 protein shakes or bars throughout the day. I am never too hungry and eating clean makes me feel better and actually helps me NOT crave unhealthy foods.
I know this site is all about it, but I use it for tracking other things/results. To each there own though. If counting calories is what you need to do to stay consistent and accountable - then by all means do it!0 -
I usually like to read the success stories and I have not read yet that they've deprived themselves. You can still lose weight and have a yummy pancake breakfast or a late night ice cream. It's about balance. You want to be able to enjoy your food as a part of your lifestyle, its not a life sentence of deprivation.
Good Luck and hang in there.0 -
TimothyFish wrote: »There are ways to control one's weight without weighing everything or counting calories. Some people love to weight stuff and they feel like counting calories gives them control, but if you really hate it, find a method that you like.
Got to comment on this - I don't think it's possible to lose weight without thinking about calories. I think it's what OP meant... not necessarily the counting, but the fact that, well, you're very aware of how many calories are in things and that you just can't eat too many brownies or too much ice cream or you will gain weight. And that has nothing to do with calorie counting.
Heck, I'd argue that if anything, if you don't count calories, it's even harder not to think about the calories in the brownie you really want to eat, as you have no way to know if it actually fits in your day or if it's going to set you back. I'd guess that people who don't count calories eat less sweets than I do.
My opinon only, but I don't think this above ^^ is true for everyone. I have never counted calories (not saying thats always a good thing though - I could've probably saved myself a lot of weight gain had I done so). However, I lost 17 without counting calories once. I just eat clean breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and mix in 3 protein shakes or bars throughout the day. I am never too hungry and eating clean makes me feel better and actually helps me NOT crave unhealthy foods.
I know this site is all about it, but I use it for tracking other things/results. To each there own though. If counting calories is what you need to do to stay consistent and accountable - then by all means do it!
I think the point though was that you are thinking about calories just based on the foods you choose to eat. Maybe not specifically "X vegetable has 30 cals per serving so i'll eat that instead" but more just along the lines of "X = healthy because it's lower calorie and nutritious" even if that is completely subconscious.0 -
Yes, I get tired of it a lot. But now that I know, I can't un-know. Even on those days that I ignore calories, they're always still nagging at the back of my mind.
It's like.. eating will never just be easy again. I mean there are techniques to use to make it easier than full blown counting. But it's never going to be as easy as before I knew better.0 -
I got tired of it and I gained about 25 lbs back. I will never not count calories again. Yes, it is a pain in the rear, but the disappointment of gaining all that back and the crappy way you feel when you do is not worth giving up.
This. You either think about calories and lose weight or think about what to wear when your clothes don't fit.
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tammylee57 wrote: »I've had a hard day. I'm usually ok about the counting and the avoiding the sweets or snacks. For past few days i have found myself resenting fact that I can't just eat what I want. That my husband can eat cupcakes and ice cream every night ... And that I get an orange. That I want fudge and brownies ... And am starting to avoid social situations because of the whole "food" issue... What will be there , will I be hungry... Will I want all the good tailgate food etc. Just venting
@tammylee57 I think most of us know what you are talking about. Once I learned why I needed to count calories and addressed that then it was life changing health wise in my case. Best of success.
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TimothyFish wrote: »There are ways to control one's weight without weighing everything or counting calories. Some people love to weight stuff and they feel like counting calories gives them control, but if you really hate it, find a method that you like.
Got to comment on this - I don't think it's possible to lose weight without thinking about calories. I think it's what OP meant... not necessarily the counting, but the fact that, well, you're very aware of how many calories are in things and that you just can't eat too many brownies or too much ice cream or you will gain weight. And that has nothing to do with calorie counting.
Heck, I'd argue that if anything, if you don't count calories, it's even harder not to think about the calories in the brownie you really want to eat, as you have no way to know if it actually fits in your day or if it's going to set you back. I'd guess that people who don't count calories eat less sweets than I do.
My opinon only, but I don't think this above ^^ is true for everyone. I have never counted calories (not saying thats always a good thing though - I could've probably saved myself a lot of weight gain had I done so). However, I lost 17 without counting calories once. I just eat clean breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and mix in 3 protein shakes or bars throughout the day. I am never too hungry and eating clean makes me feel better and actually helps me NOT crave unhealthy foods.
I know this site is all about it, but I use it for tracking other things/results. To each there own though. If counting calories is what you need to do to stay consistent and accountable - then by all means do it!
You've lost because you eat 'clean', whatever that means, but I'm guessing it doesn't include what the OP is talking about (chips, brownies, etc). Just the fact that people claim to eat 'clean' pretty much implies that they are mindful of calories too.
Again, OP wasn't talking about counting calories, but thinking about calories. You're talking about 'unhealthy' foods. Same thing. It's high calorie stuff we pretty much have to limit when we are mindful of our weight, and from what I hear, it's what OP is getting tired of (not being able to eat what she wants).0 -
tammylee57 wrote: »I've had a hard day. I'm usually ok about the counting and the avoiding the sweets or snacks. For past few days i have found myself resenting fact that I can't just eat what I want. That my husband can eat cupcakes and ice cream every night ... And that I get an orange. That I want fudge and brownies ... And am starting to avoid social situations because of the whole "food" issue... What will be there , will I be hungry... Will I want all the good tailgate food etc. Just venting
Do whatever you want as long as you're willing to live with results. I've given up unhealthy processed foods for smarter choices. The "I want to do whatever I want to do" attitude is what got most of us in trouble to begin with.
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I find it a relief not to have to track and count, for instance, if I travel where I don't have consistent internet, or have a couple busy days of workshops, teaching, and catered meals. However, after about 2 years of counting, I do have a constant awareness of what's in my food and what are reasonable portion sizes and am making better choices. I think that if you have any issues with weight, that awareness and vigilance must always be there, even if you're not counting.0
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Yes. I just take regular breaks.0
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I got tired of it and I gained about 25 lbs back. I will never not count calories again. Yes, it is a pain in the rear, but the disappointment of gaining all that back and the crappy way you feel when you do is not worth giving up.
I have to agree wholeheartedly. I lost 7st had a baby (found 3st), lost 1 and found 5lb. Its killing me at min but I think (hope) Ive found that turning point.
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I think of it more in terms of tracking what's important. You keep track of everything else important in your life, monitoring your health is just another data set. Once you get used to this it becomes habitual, so you become a little lenient, but if you start to get back into your bad habits, just tighten up on the logging and get back on the right track.0
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Well I don't know about you all anyway, but even if I stopped tracking now, I'd still be thinking about calories. There's just no way around it anymore.0
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I look at it like a budget. I mean I could splurge on the most expensive home theatre, but then I would be left with nothing for other more important stuff. If I want said home theater, there is nothing wrong with "saving" a few hundreds here and there until I come up with the needed money and enjoy my home theater guilt-free.
Sometimes having something extra is worth the exercise effort or trimming off other meals to make them lighter, other times it's not.
Sometimes a few squares of chocolate are a good replacement for an orange, other times they aren't.
Sometimes it's worth skipping breakfast or having a light lunch in order to have a substantial dinner, other times it isn't.
It's really just a balancing act of what you deem worth it. It really doesn't mean cutting out all the things you love... it only means that you need to use your judgement on how much of them is worth it and how often.
As for calories, with time it will become a second nature. Even when you aren't specifically counting you will be sizing up meals by mental estimates.0 -
So don't do the whole food diet every day, or just make your own "clean" brownie (http://amyshealthybaking.com/blog/2015/02/04/clean-fudgy-dark-chocolate-frosted-brownies/). There's nothing wrong with the occasional brownie while trying to lose weight as long as it fits into your calories.
I knew that I could never cut favorite foods AND calories at the same time so I work treats into my daily allowance and I've lost at least 25 pounds (41 total, don't know the number of when I started counting) doing that.0 -
MarziPanda95 wrote: »I know it's hard - if necessary have a few days off calorie counting and just eat real food - nothing from a packet. You can eat however much you want (be prepared to not lose any weight) but as long as you're paying attention to your appetite you should really just maintain. Then pick it up again in a few days!! x
If I did that, I'd gain. It's very easy to go over calories on things like fruit, nuts and meat.
Well yeah, because calorie by calorie a pack of nuts is worth what...6 apples?
Easy to eat a pack of nuts but I think most people would feel a bit sick after 6 apples (There's actually an apple diet and most people can't see apples after it).
I think the Op's issue is that she FEELS she is restricting herself. You need to remember this is your CHOICE. Sometimes we need to break the cycle and enjoy life a bit - if you're in maintenance there's even more reason to do so. I waited until I went into maintenance and started enjoying food again - I just have less of it.
We had a party at work today after completing exams = most people were gorging on shortbread and sweets but I made a decision to have ONE shortbread for the day. Three little chocolate balls - that way you don't feel deprived, you can still enjoy it but just in moderation
When I really feel like having more of a treat, I make sure I have lighter food throughout the day and a workout so it works as a gratifying gesture. No one wants to live on a diet forever, you know?!
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Sure, I think almost all of us get tired of thinking about calories from time to time. Losing weight takes significant thought and mental energy.
Having said that, one of the things I decided early on in this process was that I wasn't going to give up foods I like, and I wasn't going to force myself to eat things I didn't like, in order to lose weight. So, I eat cake, cupcakes, brownies, chips, pizza, etc. I just figure out how to fit it in my calorie allowance.0
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