Do you plan on counting calories your whole life in order to maintain?

ysache13

ok this is weird, I thought I was responding on someone else's page with that title and now I come back on and it looks like it's my question, LOL (this site is SO HARD for me!) hahaha - oh well, that was just my answer to another person's post, sorry not sure how to take this one down? LOL

betty_veronica4

I think so, yes. Maybe not strictly each day, but I think I will need to for accountability.

Gutcutter500

I suspect I will at least try to log. It often helps me in deciding whether to add something on or just say no. It is not a bother as I am a numbers person. It also helps me with mindful eating and more significantly, P-O-R-T-I-O-N C-O-N-T-R-O-L!!!!!!! lol

The_Enginerd

Probably at this point. After a while it becomes a pretty ingrained habit.

The_Enginerd

And though using a food scale and logging can be a pain sometimes, it's remarkably effective if used properly and consistently.

kokonani

No way!

krael65

The_Enginerd wrote: »

And though using a food scale and logging can be a pain sometimes, it's remarkably effective if used properly and consistently.

Well done! I love your user name also.

Tugsandpull

I could stop but when I do I don't hold myself accountable and end up gaining weight so yes I believe I will count calories

nxd10

.

DamienAngelica

If I need to, yes. It's become such a habit now that it would feel strange not to. I'll also continue to weigh myself daily and adjust my calories as needed, because I've worked too hard to slide back into bad habits. I like where I am right now, and I don't want to go back.

lorrpb

I used counting as a learning tool the first few months of weight loss, 25 lbs. I went on to lose another 125 without daily logging . I've maintained for another 1.5 yrs with no logging. I've learned the calories and portions I need. I'm always estimating in my head. If at any time I cannot maintain within my range, I will definitely go back to logging until I get back on track.

krazy1sbk

I usually track my meals now and then wing it for snacks - but if I know I'm going somewhere (like the movies tonight) then I'll pre-log the popcorn or whatever. It helps me plan what kind of snacks I can have and what I should avoid for the day. I'm not super strict because I'm actually working on getting my 10,000 steps per day and that allows me to be less careful!

BethClicks

I will probably have to count for the rest of my life, I thought that after a year of consistent counting and logging that I had a handle on how much I could eat and be reasonable about it. Wrong. I gained 25lbs in 3 months! Mindful eating doesn't work for me, so count I shall.

GretaGirl8

The reality is I will have to. There is no wiggle room with me and my weight. If I am not diligent in tracking everything...I will gain. So I either count calories forever or accept a certain about of weight gain.

emilyofmysfamcottage

I'm a food addict, so yes. I will continue to count calories once I reach my maintenance goal.

KickassAmazon76

cwolfman13 wrote: »

I've been in maintenance going on 5 years...I haven't counted calories in 5 years...

IMO, it's a teaching tool...kinda like training wheels. Eventually you just learn to ride...

I fell off the bike again. I think I need the training wheels put back on for a spell, but they're so not cool! :laugh:

CarvedTones

goatg wrote: »

I also find that when I am dating someone and not weighing food, or go on vacation, I usually lose weight.

While losing, I usually was looking for things to eat at night like I was completing a jigsaw puzzle because I was being almost too careful early in the day. I have some pretty standard meals that worked with a lower target and when I have something I am not sure about, I tend to err on the side of caution, probably overestimating the portion and picking the most calorie laden entry that sounds about right for what I ate (like a homemade dessert that a coworker brings in).

2baninja

I'd like to think that I would, I think that once I stop, I'll start eating more then I should, but I've got a long way to go yet, so who knows, hopefully by that time, I'll be a great weight and and I'll love my body and I'll never want to gain weight again...if only life were that simple.

HowUdish

Not really sure it mainly just helps me understand how much I'm eating on a daily basis and what areas to improve on. I don't see why I would stop because even if my phone broke I can still log on my computer.

AuroraErratic

I think it's the only thing that will work. In the past I have just sort of estimated....apparently I am really bad at estimating, because the weight always crept back!