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Is counting calories/macros destroying our enjoyment of food?
Replies
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xmichaelyx wrote: »Limiting something you enjoy should increase, rather than decrease, your enjoyment of that thing, because you look forward to it and savor it more.
But the question wasn't about limiting food, it was about counting calories. Those are very different things.5 -
A little but I don't care. When you consider that food is a way for you to fuel your body, not a form of entertainment, it kinda puts things in perspective for me.3
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leanitup123 wrote: »Interested in hearing your thoughts on this.
I'm learning to not focus on calories and focus more on what my plate looks like. I'm learning to go off these questions my nutritionist suggested to me
(1) is this the best choice I can make
(2) does it fit through the filter - WFs / sugars? / protein(s), fats & carbs
(3) how am I programming myself to feel and function - what's the biggest/loudest message on your plate
I'm not gonna count calories for the rest of my life because it's not realistic and calories doesn't tell you a lot about the nutrients of the food which is what I'm focused more on. But I enjoy food and make some super tasty dishes in the process and therefore look forward to eating.
I like this approach!1 -
Late to the game but, for me, calorie counting has enhanced my relationship with food. I'm a numbers guy and I love playing calorie Tetris. THAT ENCHILADA WILL FIT TODAY, DAMN IT. But I digress....
For me it's freed me up from the agony of the unknown. I know when I eat that enchilada, about how much it's going to cost me calorically. I don't eat blind anymore. I have more control over my health and my future with such knowledge, even given the built in 20% error rate on calorie counts.
I no longer eat mindlessly, but rather mindfully, and it's definitely a reassuring thing.12 -
SiegfriedXXL wrote: »Late to the game but, for me, calorie counting has enhanced my relationship with food. I'm a numbers guy and I love playing calorie Tetris. THAT ENCHILADA WILL FIT TODAY, DAMN IT. But I digress....
For me it's freed me up from the agony of the unknown. I know when I eat that enchilada, about how much it's going to cost me calorically. I don't eat blind anymore. I have more control over my health and my future with such knowledge, even given the built in 20% error rate on calorie counts.
I no longer eat mindlessly, but rather mindfully, and it's definitely a reassuring thing.
Same! Hate not knowing and not being in control of my diet.2 -
4'10" 119lb female = 1400 estimated net maintenance calories.... that is SO not happening unless I count those puppies (or run a marathon every day). (unless all restaurants and tasty calorie dense morsels and chocolate and candy and wine and <insert all tasty awesomeness here> all suddenly disappear- and I don't think that's about to happen).3
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snowflake954 wrote: »I find that I refuse to eat food that doesn't taste good. I eat less, but enjoy what I choose to eat. So, it's made my life better.
Me too.
I will no longer take my family out to a restaurant for a mediocre high calorie meal just because it's "convenient". If we're eating out, it has to be delicious to be worth it. And I still get dessert; I just share it with my husband and kids.
I've also discovered a few tasty foods that I never would have bothered to try if I wasn't calorie counting. (Who knew that lettuce wrapped burgers were actually delicious? Not better than burgers with really yummy sourdough or ciabatta buns - but better than burgers with plain buns. So, if the bun is amazing, I'll get the bun; otherwise, I'll save the calories for something else delicious.)7 -
OMG! I started a health plan 2 months ago. I am
Supposed to use MyFitnessPal to monitor calories plus do HIIT routines at the gym. The workout part is awesome, but the logging food is terrible. I need to lose inky between 10-15 pounds but it is more about decreasing body fat. I am 47 and perimenopausal and the weight is not dropping.
I have a lot of anxiety. I do not know what to eat anymore. I have developed a fear of food. I am constantly looking at the App checking calories and nutritional facts. I went to a restaurant with my husvnd husband and Just wanted to cry. I ordered a margarita and leafy it there because I almost had a panick attack thinking on the calories. I can't enjoy a meal anymore.
This morning I emailed my health oach and told her how I feel. I am about to go to a therapist because I feel extremely depressed by this process.2 -
OMG! I started a health plan 2 months ago. I am
Supposed to use MyFitnessPal to monitor calories plus do HIIT routines at the gym. The workout part is awesome, but the logging food is terrible. I need to lose inky between 10-15 pounds but it is more about decreasing body fat. I am 47 and perimenopausal and the weight is not dropping.
I have a lot of anxiety. I do not know what to eat anymore. I have developed a fear of food. I am constantly looking at the App checking calories and nutritional facts. I went to a restaurant with my husvnd husband and Just wanted to cry. I ordered a margarita and leafy it there because I almost had a panick attack thinking on the calories. I can't enjoy a meal anymore.
This morning I emailed my health oach and told her how I feel. I am about to go to a therapist because I feel extremely depressed by this process.
I'm glad to hear you're getting some help!
15 lbs is not worth a panic attack. One technique for dealing with anxiety is what's known as "catatrophising." Basically, you ask yourself, "What's the worst that can happen?" Then keep adding to it until it gets more and more ridiculous and you can't help but laugh. "If I drink this margarita I won't lose any weight and I'll be so fat my husband will leave me and I won't be able to get a job because I'm too fat and not even my own mother will take me in and I'll end up living under a bridge scavenging food from restaurant dumpsters!"
Yeah. So anyway, 15 pounds is very close to perfect. Losing those last 10 pounds is notoriously difficult, be patient. Logging gets easier as you go because you will have more items you usually eat in your recent foods. But if it's too stressful, you don't have to do it! It's better to be mentally well and 15 pounds overweight than miserable and 15 pounds lighter.6 -
I count macros. I am so used to it, I know the macros for about 99% of the most common foods off the top of my head. I never count calories as I eat extremely "clean".4
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The only negative side effect I experienced while counting calories is that I became stingy with my food because after I've already weighed and logged it I get peeved when I have to guesstimate and change it accordingly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96DDkJMZd-Q 10 -
amusedmonkey wrote: »The only negative side effect I experienced while counting calories is that I became stingy with my food because after I've already weighed and logged it I get peeved when I have to guesstimate and change it accordingly.
Yup. The other day I steamed some fruit, and I did not let me mom have a bite because I already weighed and cooked everything. I almost felt bad lol.
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I do not bother with Macros, only calories, but I would be lying if I said it was always easy. That being said, there is virtually no food item I can't have if I really want it. The only caveat being that depending on what it is my other meals during the day in question may either be light or non-existent.
Last Wensday I went to Fuddruckers with my friends and polished off a half pound burger, a basket of wedge fries, and a large side of hot jalapeño cheese for dipping. I doubt many of the employees there figured I was on a "diet". I was still under calorie goal for the day, but then the rest of my food day consisted of a nature valley bar at noon. The fact that I have to sacrifice in order to get it actually elevates the status of food for me if anything, as well as my enjoyment of it.
It can be as limiting as you make it I suppose. About once a month or so I tend to pull a day like the one I described above at Fuddruckers as it lets me satisfy my inner fatty and eat like a drunken teenager. This gives my psyche it's needed homeostasis.5 -
leanitup123 wrote: »Love reading everyone's opinions on the subject. Though many of you are saying that counting calories has no negative influence on your enjoyment of food, do you think it has had an effect on your relationship with food (example: looking at 2 choices on a menu and seeing only numbers, choosing the lower calorie option, etc.)?
Since I only use my calories on food I actually like now, I do enjoy eating more, but it has affected my relationship. I don't eat out nearly as much as I used to; and when I do, it's always the lower calorie option, since my version of portion control gets skewed where restaurants are concerned.1 -
For myself. Nope. I still eat out with my friends & family, try new recipes, enjoy a variety of food. The biggest difference I see with myself and others is that I am more focused on my macros and not calories. I know what my minimum daily protien and veggie requirements are and go by that. I also tend to eat clean. I had a nutritionist do a daily calorie requirement for me once to "maintain weight" and basically, I just have to stay under 2500/day. Hitting 2000/day is hard for me, especially when I don't eat any added fats or sugars. Not even salad dressing of any sort.3
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I pay more attention to my food and eat it slower. I do get fewer high calorie favorites though, saved now for occasional treats.1
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Bwahaha. .. same here. I find myself saying "hey, I already logged that" if the SO grabs a morsel.amusedmonkey wrote: »The only negative side effect I experienced while counting calories is that I became stingy with my food because after I've already weighed and logged it I get peeved when I have to guesstimate and change it accordingly.
Yup. The other day I steamed some fruit, and I did not let me mom have a bite because I already weighed and cooked everything. I almost felt bad lol.1 -
You can still enjoy food while taking distinct steps to change your lifestyle.1
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I think I now spend too much time with it vs sitting down and enjoying my meals.2
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Eating dinner with my husband I watched him pick a cherry tomato from the tray and pop it straight into his mouth. I felt genuinely jealous because I don't get to do that. The tomato goes on the scale first, then into my mouth. There was something so simple and straightforward about the way he enjoyed that tomato that I don't get to have.
So yeah, I think for me counting calories does detract from the pleasure of eating.5 -
Hungry_Shopgirl wrote: »Eating dinner with my husband I watched him pick a cherry tomato from the tray and pop it straight into his mouth. I felt genuinely jealous because I don't get to do that. The tomato goes on the scale first, then into my mouth. There was something so simple and straightforward about the way he enjoyed that tomato that I don't get to have.
So yeah, I think for me counting calories does detract from the pleasure of eating.
This is how I feel. You just can't eat a bite of something and just enjoy it. I have low enough calories that for 1 week I tried to fit in a hamburger patty - not the bun - just the patty - and I finally gave up because with only about 1400 calories a day, it just didn't work, so I ate chicken instead of what I really wanted. I'm constantly having to swap out what I really want for something I don't want as much, or "nope, can't have that snack because it would put me over my calories". I also have learned that I can't eat foods I "love". I have to eat foods I "like" otherwise I won't stop eating the things I love.2 -
I haven't even gone to a restaurant in over a month (since I started) because of calorie counting. But to me this is worth it. I've spent most of my life having an unhealthy relationship with food... I need to see it as nutrition for a while and not just comfort and enjoyment. I'd like to get to a point where I can enjoy it again but also be mindful of its purpose.2
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musicfan68 wrote: »Hungry_Shopgirl wrote: »Eating dinner with my husband I watched him pick a cherry tomato from the tray and pop it straight into his mouth. I felt genuinely jealous because I don't get to do that. The tomato goes on the scale first, then into my mouth. There was something so simple and straightforward about the way he enjoyed that tomato that I don't get to have.
So yeah, I think for me counting calories does detract from the pleasure of eating.
This is how I feel. You just can't eat a bite of something and just enjoy it. I have low enough calories that for 1 week I tried to fit in a hamburger patty - not the bun - just the patty - and I finally gave up because with only about 1400 calories a day, it just didn't work, so I ate chicken instead of what I really wanted. I'm constantly having to swap out what I really want for something I don't want as much, or "nope, can't have that snack because it would put me over my calories". I also have learned that I can't eat foods I "love". I have to eat foods I "like" otherwise I won't stop eating the things I love.
Yep. If I cycle hills as fast as I can for 2 hours, then I can make *half* the burger and fries fit (and I better have a long run/ride scheduled the next day for the other half). But it better be a place with a damn good burger & fries. Usually- I settle for a rum & diet coke and sneaking a few bites of a Clif bar when dancing at bar venues. 1400 estimated net maintenance calories. Athletic males usually have no idea how lucky they are (higher BMR + higher cardio burns = actually able to eat & drink restaurant food afterward on more than a rare basis).
But- the alternative is being fat (or completely barring high-calorie-density foods altogether)..so on with the calorie counting
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Hungry_Shopgirl wrote: »Eating dinner with my husband I watched him pick a cherry tomato from the tray and pop it straight into his mouth. I felt genuinely jealous because I don't get to do that. The tomato goes on the scale first, then into my mouth. There was something so simple and straightforward about the way he enjoyed that tomato that I don't get to have.
So yeah, I think for me counting calories does detract from the pleasure of eating.
A cherry tomato is about three calories. If you underestimated the size of the tomato by half, you would need to eat over a thousand tomatoes to gain one pound. If this is causing you stress, there's a simple solution - just eat the tomato and go on with your life.
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musicfan68 wrote: »Hungry_Shopgirl wrote: »Eating dinner with my husband I watched him pick a cherry tomato from the tray and pop it straight into his mouth. I felt genuinely jealous because I don't get to do that. The tomato goes on the scale first, then into my mouth. There was something so simple and straightforward about the way he enjoyed that tomato that I don't get to have.
So yeah, I think for me counting calories does detract from the pleasure of eating.
This is how I feel. You just can't eat a bite of something and just enjoy it. I have low enough calories that for 1 week I tried to fit in a hamburger patty - not the bun - just the patty - and I finally gave up because with only about 1400 calories a day, it just didn't work, so I ate chicken instead of what I really wanted. I'm constantly having to swap out what I really want for something I don't want as much, or "nope, can't have that snack because it would put me over my calories". I also have learned that I can't eat foods I "love". I have to eat foods I "like" otherwise I won't stop eating the things I love.
Yep. If I cycle hills as fast as I can for 2 hours, then I can make *half* the burger and fries fit (and I better have a long run/ride scheduled the next day for the other half). But it better be a place with a damn good burger & fries. Usually- I settle for a rum & diet coke and sneaking a few bites of a Clif bar when dancing at bar venues. 1400 estimated net maintenance calories. Athletic males usually have no idea how lucky they are (higher BMR + higher cardio burns = actually able to eat & drink restaurant food afterward on more than a rare basis).
But- the alternative is being fat (or completely barring high-calorie-density foods altogether)..so on with the calorie counting
But damn, did I ever enjoy the hell out of that burger and fries though.
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musicfan68 wrote: »Hungry_Shopgirl wrote: »Eating dinner with my husband I watched him pick a cherry tomato from the tray and pop it straight into his mouth. I felt genuinely jealous because I don't get to do that. The tomato goes on the scale first, then into my mouth. There was something so simple and straightforward about the way he enjoyed that tomato that I don't get to have.
So yeah, I think for me counting calories does detract from the pleasure of eating.
This is how I feel. You just can't eat a bite of something and just enjoy it. I have low enough calories that for 1 week I tried to fit in a hamburger patty - not the bun - just the patty - and I finally gave up because with only about 1400 calories a day, it just didn't work, so I ate chicken instead of what I really wanted. I'm constantly having to swap out what I really want for something I don't want as much, or "nope, can't have that snack because it would put me over my calories". I also have learned that I can't eat foods I "love". I have to eat foods I "like" otherwise I won't stop eating the things I love.
I am in 1200 calories and that's why it's been so stressful, but I finally made progress. 5 pounds of fat lost in a month and 1.3 pounds of muscle gained. I hope I continue making progress. It's extremely tough though.4 -
musicfan68 wrote: »Hungry_Shopgirl wrote: »Eating dinner with my husband I watched him pick a cherry tomato from the tray and pop it straight into his mouth. I felt genuinely jealous because I don't get to do that. The tomato goes on the scale first, then into my mouth. There was something so simple and straightforward about the way he enjoyed that tomato that I don't get to have.
So yeah, I think for me counting calories does detract from the pleasure of eating.
This is how I feel. You just can't eat a bite of something and just enjoy it. I have low enough calories that for 1 week I tried to fit in a hamburger patty - not the bun - just the patty - and I finally gave up because with only about 1400 calories a day, it just didn't work, so I ate chicken instead of what I really wanted. I'm constantly having to swap out what I really want for something I don't want as much, or "nope, can't have that snack because it would put me over my calories". I also have learned that I can't eat foods I "love". I have to eat foods I "like" otherwise I won't stop eating the things I love.
I ... how big exactly was this hamburger patty??
Most of the restaurant burgers around here clock in at 800-900 cals including the bun. Now personally, I don't have a problem making that fit in 1400 cals, but I don't have a problem eating only eat two meals a day if both are on the heavier side. I know a lot of people don't do well trying to follow that kind of eating schedule.
There are burgers that are more than that, but they'd involve cheese, avocado, pate, something additional that's also pretty high cal.
Fries, now - those are hard to fit in unless you're satisfied with oven-baked. I love fries, but I'm super-picky about what type and how they're made. They must be steak fries, must not be double fried or be seasoned with anything other than sea salt. And of course they must be piping hot and can't be greasy. For my tastes, restaurant fries are almost never worth it.2 -
musicfan68 wrote: »Hungry_Shopgirl wrote: »Eating dinner with my husband I watched him pick a cherry tomato from the tray and pop it straight into his mouth. I felt genuinely jealous because I don't get to do that. The tomato goes on the scale first, then into my mouth. There was something so simple and straightforward about the way he enjoyed that tomato that I don't get to have.
So yeah, I think for me counting calories does detract from the pleasure of eating.
This is how I feel. You just can't eat a bite of something and just enjoy it. I have low enough calories that for 1 week I tried to fit in a hamburger patty - not the bun - just the patty - and I finally gave up because with only about 1400 calories a day, it just didn't work, so I ate chicken instead of what I really wanted. I'm constantly having to swap out what I really want for something I don't want as much, or "nope, can't have that snack because it would put me over my calories". I also have learned that I can't eat foods I "love". I have to eat foods I "like" otherwise I won't stop eating the things I love.
I ... how big exactly was this hamburger patty??
I had the same question, especially since this seems to be in the context of an at home meal.
If you have 95% lean ground beef, a 150 g patty (raw) is only 200 calories. It provides 32 grams of protein, which is nice.
Even with an 80% lean ground beef patty, 150 g would be 381 calories (lots but not that impossible to fit in a day if you skip the bun and are pairing it with vegetables).3 -
If tracking calories is destroying your enjoyment of food then I think you are approaching it with the wrong mindset. If you are eating something that is going to tank your calories and/or macros for the day, life goes on. Log it, enjoy it, review your day, and figure out what you could have done differently to stay within your limits, and do a better job tomorrow.8
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Alatariel75 wrote: »The first thing that comes to mind on this is the growing demands for calorie counts at restaurants.
I love food, and have spent an appalling amount of money at some very, very high end restaurants. When I go out to eat, I want it to be an event, and I'm sure as hell not thinking about calories. But there are some people out there who believe that it should be mandatory for all restaurants to provide nutritional information, which I think would be the death of everything I love about fine dining.
I mean, I'm all for the chains and fast food places which operate a production line kitchen having nutritional info and when I am grabbing something while out (as opposed to going out for the purpose of eating out) I tend to pick the ones that do have the info so I can track.
But the restaurants I love, the ones where I don't even look at a menu and just let them bring us a parade of different food that the chef has whipped up for that morning's trip to the market, could never even try to give nutritional info without destroying that spontaneity.
So in that way, I despair of the calls for mandatory information at restaurants and believe it would destroy the soul of those places, and thus my enjoyment of them.
I agree about ruining the enjoyment of fine dining and treating yourself. I think the information should always be available for anyone who asks for it, but I don't think it's necessary to put it right there on the menu.
I'm pretty certain that just about everyone who is concerned about calorie intake knows that anything that is breaded, fried or smothered in cheese/gravy/whipped cream is a bad choice... and those people who want to eat that probably aren't going to care about the calorie intake.
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