Calorie Confusion

FirecrackerJess

I am new to calorie counting. I am trying to lose 100+ pounds and need all the help I can get. I am a complete novice at anything healthy (eating) and I am a bit confused.

So I have no support in trying to lose weight, but plenty of nay sayers and people who put me down, one of which is my sister. She found out I was counting calories and every time she see's me entering my meal on my app and entering my calories, she says "you know counting calories don't work right." Along with a lot of other crap...

That brought me to google searching and I see so many people say that calorie counting doesn't help and is a thing of the past. This of course is a bit depressing and brings me down. Are calorie counting still a good way to lose? I am so lost.

Also the app after entering my info set me up with a daily intake of 1380, however I read many things stating you should do 1200. Should I go by what the app says? I changed it to 1250 which is harder than 1380 but if it helps more I'm willing to try. Is that bad? Changing the suggested calorie intake it gives me? Should I leave it at 1380? Should I keep it at 1250?

Thanks.

lincs_lass

I think if you've got 100+ pounds to lose then you should start at the suggested calorie intake of 1,380, you've to a long road, if you make it too hard then you are more likely to give up. Make sure you get as much exercise in that you can, even just starting with short walks as it all adds up but make sure that you also eat some of these calories back. Prove your sister and the others wrong and show them that calorie counting can work and that you can do it! Good luck

melimama2

When I started counting I thought of it as a bit "old-fashioned" but it definitely works for me. If for no other reason than it makes me aware of how much I'm putting in my face! That drive-thru meal I thought was a 'healthier' option...almost 900 calories! 3/4 of what I should eat in a day. No wonder I couldn't lose weight!

And I agree, if you have 100 to lose, you should probably stick with the higher calorie suggestion and definitely eat back your exercise calories.

orapronobis

Most of the fad diets that you are reading about on the internet will work, but only for a short period of time. They'll leave you starving, depleted of nutrients, your weight will rebound in a big way, and you'll end up heavier than when you started. Calorie counting can be boring, if you let it be. So here's how you prove your sister wrong. First, make the calorie counting interesting. Be a calorie and nutrient detective. Challenge yourself to get your calories right and your macros right every day. If you screw up on one day, just start again on the right track the next day. Calorie counting isn't a "quick fix" but it's more likely to be a life-long fix. By taking a measured approach to regaining your health, you'll learn how to eat in a sustainable, healthy way. Trust the calorie goal that MFP has given you. As you lose weight, it will recalculate for you. Set your goal for no more than 1 pound a week. You want this to be do-able, and not to set yourself up for failure. One step at a time...one calorie at a time...you'll get there.

TavistockToad

go back to 1380... MFP does work if you use it properly.

ignore your sister and other poeple, do what you want to do for you!

xxmarysmxx

I too have a sister. Add me if you want.

unFATuated

Weight loss (as a rule, with some exceptions) boils down to eating less calories than you burn. Counting calories was the 'done thing' back in the 70's and 80's, then a whole bunch of fads, quick fix diets and other methods came along. But most people find that watching their intake and doing some exercise takes the weight off. Done sensibly, it's a sustainable and effective way to lose weight. There are plenty of people on MFP who will tell you that.

I'm sorry you're not getting a lot of support. It's hard when you have people who constantly put you down and try to convince you that it won't work. I suggest you give it a month. Stay at the 1380 that you were initially set, if you are trying to drop 100+ lbs, going to 1200ish will probably be too much too soon. Log everything, weigh and measure what you eat so you're logging accurately. Do some exercise. You don't have to become a gym bunny overnight, as 1380 would put you at enough of a deficit for weight loss without too much effort on the physical side of things. See how you feel and monitor your results. Unless you have a medical condition which is hindering your weight loss, I reckon a month would be enough for you to see some progress.

harleygroomer

Who says calories don't count ?????????? Just tell your sister to live her life and you will live YOURS. And this isn't a diet--this is your LIFESTYLE CHANGE---because this is the REST OF YOUR LIFE. I had to change my thinking and now I am doing so good and I enjoy my change AND I enjoy exercising. This is for ME, not for anyone else. Just tell everyone this is about YOU no them and enjoy this--have the fun is watching yourself change in the mirror!!! Is not hard. Just enter your food and exercise and go with the flow. You can do this and you have a whole world here behind you!!!!!!!!!!

tigersword

Counting calories is the best, healthiest way to lose weight. Most people using other methods yoyo, bouncing back and forth between losing and gaining tons of weight.

Show me someone who says calorie counting doesn't work, and I'll show you someone who wasn't doing it right.

roverrowe

I too am doing this for myself without much support, but IT WORKS! Today I entered the normal weight/BMI band after being overweight for the past 30+ years. I only had 30-odd lbs to lose, but I did it in just over 6 months by purely following MFP and building up my exercise as I felt able. Have faith in the app, weigh your food (get some nice accurate digital scales) and record everything that goes into your mouth ... you will see the results you want to see!

lauren3101

So what does your sister think works? Fad diets and pills?

The basics of any diet falls down to calorie counting. Weight Watchers is points (calorie) based. Slimming World may have 'free foods', but they are classed as 'free' based on their calorie to satiety ratio. Every diet pill you can buy says 'must be taken alongside a calorie controlled diet and exercise'. Every fad diet out there only works (temporarily, I might add) because it involves a calorie deficit. Your sister is mis-informed.

I also think with over 100lb to lose, even 1380 is too small an amount. Does that include your exercise calories?

People with a larger amount to lose are ok to eat at a larger deficit in the beginning, but anything too drastic and you will lose willpower and give up. Have a read of this thread, it may help.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/912920-in-place-of-a-road-map-3-2013?hl=road+map+2013

FirecrackerJess

1380 is not counting the calories I get back from working out. Which adds to my confusion, if you lose it, why does it want you to eat then back? Might be a stupid question but I don't have much experience with this.

Thank you everyone.

runninghealthy

1380 is not counting the calories I get back from working out. Which adds to my confusion, if you lose it, why does it want you to eat then back? Might be a stupid question but I don't have much experience with this.

Thank you everyone.

Here is a great post that breaks down the "eating back" idea:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/713460--eating-back-exercise-calories-simple-breakdown

MexicanOsmosis

Just wondering, if you have 100+ pounds to lose, why are you only at 1380?

MexicanOsmosis

I also think with over 100lb to lose, even 1380 is too small an amount. Does that include your exercise calories?

People with a larger amount to lose are ok to eat at a larger deficit in the beginning, but anything too drastic and you will lose willpower and give up. Have a read of this thread, it may help.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/912920-in-place-of-a-road-map-3-2013?hl=road+map+2013

QFT

taylan14

Do what the app says - just STICK TO IT - You can lose weight by counting calories!!!!!!!!! I have done it. You don't have to exercise at all to lose weight. Exercise is best for your overall health - good for your hearth, muscles, etc.....but calorie DEFICIT is what makes the weight come off - just as too many calories is what put the weight on! People in third world countries without enough calorie intake are sure skinny- huh? God bless them - but we can SEE that it works! Just STICK with it!

gg0502

I agree counting calories worked best for me. I lost 57 pounds took one year and it was 1 lb a week or so. I have mantained weight for over 6 months now. I still count calories everyday, I am 64 and it is the only time I have kept weight off after losing weight.

Frankii_x

I'm not so great on the advice for what calories you should have BUT the 28lbs I've lost (so far) from counting calories definitely prove your sister wrong. Going back to basics work Good luck :flowerforyou:

2moonNback

Stick to the 1380 the MFP has set for you. Counting calories does work. And most important ignore the naysayers. You can do this!

bceltic

I am also new to counting calories. I have been on every diet out there. MPF makes it very easy to keep tract, Im on week 2 and so far I love it, and it keeps me accountable every day. Don't worry about others, they don't live in your body! YES, stay at the higher calorie count! Good luck, your welcome to add me

chezjuan

Counting calories definitely works. I lost all my weight by following the MFP guidelines.

I do recommend getting a food scale and weighing/measuring as much as possible, so that your calorie counts are as accurate as possible. Also, you may want to invest in a heart rate monitor (if you do steady state cardio such as treadmill, elliptical, biking, etc.) to get a more accurate idea of how many calories you burn for exercise.

You generally want to eat back your exercise calories if you are following the MFP method as they already built your deficit in a way that would allow you to lose without exercise. If you don't eat them back, you could end up not getting enough calories to properly fuel your body.

kev32uk

1000% Counting your calories counts, but not only that it completely changes your attitude to food, i'ts ruined pringles for me with like 1000 calories in a tube and we all know once you pop....it's game over i used to think the same about it thinking it was a bit tedious but it has changed my style of eating, cooking due to the fact you are having to watch what you eat, i started in Jan 2013 and lost 51lbs so far and thats with a few weeks off for study stress, it's a long haul but it's soo worth it just wish i did it earlier to be honest. but the key to it all is start off slow and gradually let your body and mind get used to it, you really don't want to sicken yourself with it quickly and undo any good work you've done. Good luck

aszwarc

You can do this!

I started out in November with 90 pounds to lose, and as of this morning, I have 18 to go. I followed the MFP calorie guidelines, eating back anywhere from 1/2 to nearly all of my workout calories each day, depending on how hungry I was on a given day. That said, 1380 does seem pretty low, unless you have your goal set to 2 pounds per week (I used 1 pound, but my weekly losses have ranged from .2 lbs to 3.6 lbs). MFP will also ask to recompute your calorie goal as your weight goes down. Stick to the calories it recommends and change them as you lose. That will allow you to gradually reduce what you eat so you don't make sudden cuts (which I found makes me crave things, but your mileage may vary).

kluvit

It does work, and it works for the long haul. I've lost weight more quickly on some other "diets," but I always returned to "normal eating" which led to gaining it back. Counting calories helps you learn to make better choices and eventually develop a "new normal" which will help you to be successful for life.

tekwriter

you are going to get a lot answers. There is no right or wrong way. What works best for you is what works. I have lost 48 pounds on Weight Watchers which is essentially counting calories. I have a new Dr. and he has me on restricted carbohydrate to lower my blood sugar and I am losing weight.

Do what is best for you. Try more than one way if you need to. Never let a naysayer stop you from your goal. Has she tried it? Probably not. You are taking control of your problem and soon it will not be a problem. Look at the success stories on MFP. Tons are from eating reduce calores. some are exercise and some are by reduced carbs. Just stick with something and keep moving ahead. You can do this.

maQmIgh

Ive done all the fad diets, i can think of, through my youth just cos I was hoping for a quick fix.

There is no such thing as a quick fix

Ive only been calorie counting for the last 60 odd days and have lost 22lbs.. Calories counting is definitely the way to go.. Keep with it and you will soon see results

If you find that you are struggling on 1300 calories a day then work out your BMR and TDEE and work out your daily calories from there.

Good luck with your journey

We're all here for the same reasons, and we are always willing to help with motivations

kingcrystalg

Yes, calorie counting does work! No matter how "old-fashioned" it may seem to some people, you MUST go back to the basics because numbers don't lie. If you find the right combination of meals for a week, then you can switch them up and never get bored while still achieving your goals. For example, I found 5 breakfast options, 5 lunch, 5 dinner etc. I wrote them all down along with the calorie count for each meal. That made it easy for me to just pick meals from my list of options without having to think about counting each time because I'd already done that from the start.

Also, choose a modified version of things that you like so that you can hit your goals. A prime example would be my love for tuna sandwiches. I used to add tons of mayo when I didn't know any better. I quickly learned that I could still enjoy it but, I needed to modify my preparation. Instead of adding mayo, I decided to try the Lemon Pepper Starkist in the pack. It's delicious with mustard instead of mayo. Small modifications like that made a HUGE difference for me. You'll find your own way but the key is to still have a little bit of what you like so that you're more likely to stick to it. You can do this!!!! Stay focused!

One last thought, I printed out pictures of people who fit my ideal body goals. If you print pics and stick them on your mirror, trust me, it will help you anytime you think of falling off. It may be different people at different stages. Find what works for YOU. I always look at those pictures on my way to work out. Also, make sure you have an awesome music playlist for your exercise time. It works!!!

shannashannabobana

Also the app after entering my info set me up with a daily intake of 1380, however I read many things stating you should do 1200. Should I go by what the app says?

With a 100 pounds to lose, i would absolutely not go lower than 1380. Stick with that and exercise so you can eat back those calories and I guarantee you'll have an easier time of it.

I think what some of the 'calorie counting doesn't work' people are getting at is that if you restrict too much you might rebound and gain back.

Personally, I think two things.

1. Calorie counting is vastly useful when you are starting out because it will give you an understanding of what the foods you're eating contain. I would also look at macros, although people differ on this.

2. Anything you are going to do to lose weight, you need to be able to do your whole life. I gave up cokes, and I knew that was something I could live with. I believe in building good habits one at a time so it is easy. If you say 'i will eat 1200 calories' and you are starving, you will not do that your whole life. There is also a theory about satiation but I don't want to bog you dow. Here is an interesting article if you want to read it: http://www.gnolls.org/tag/satiation-vs-satiety/ The basic point is to eat foods with nutrients, not just 1200 cal's of crap. Again, people differ, but I think you will be much happier if you go this way.

Good luck on everything!

conniemaxwell5

I am new to calorie counting. I am trying to lose 100+ pounds and need all the help I can get. I am a complete novice at anything healthy (eating) and I am a bit confused.

So I have no support in trying to lose weight, but plenty of nay sayers and people who put me down, one of which is my sister. She found out I was counting calories and every time she see's me entering my meal on my app and entering my calories, she says "you know counting calories don't work right." Along with a lot of other crap...

That brought me to google searching and I see so many people say that calorie counting doesn't help and is a thing of the past. This of course is a bit depressing and brings me down. Are calorie counting still a good way to lose? I am so lost.

Also the app after entering my info set me up with a daily intake of 1380, however I read many things stating you should do 1200. Should I go by what the app says? I changed it to 1250 which is harder than 1380 but if it helps more I'm willing to try. Is that bad? Changing the suggested calorie intake it gives me? Should I leave it at 1380? Should I keep it at 1250?

Thanks.

Calorie counting does work! The best way to prove it to your sister is to do it, lose the weight and show her just how well it works. 1380 sounds low if you have 100 pounds to lose. Read this and do the calculations to see how much you really should be eating:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

Using this approach has kept me from feeling deprived while losing 50 pounds. I eat 'normal' food, but count my calories and make sure I stay within my allotment 95% of the time.

Scubanana7

I, too, (in all my infinite wisdom---lol) seriously think 1380 is too low for starting point. If you gained 100 pounds (like me) then your body is used to eating a lot more most likely. Please don't think I'm rude because I am only speaking from common sense and because I am YOU too! Maybe a good starting point would be 1800 calories. My daughter in law lost 60 pounds eating 2500 calories without exercise! That would NOT have worked for me...but the hardest thing you will discover about this journey is that we are all UNIQUE in what it takes to lose. Yes, there are 'methods' that work. I had to play around with carbs, protein, fat to keep losing. It was almost a cruel game at times! But it CAN be done. There are thousands on here who have done it.

Seek out and find good supportive friends. We are here. We are losing, and We care about you.

Again, back to my 'suggestion'....start at 1800 for a few weeks. If you are losing, then stay there a while. When you stop, drop 100 calories and try that for a couple weeks. And so on. Your body will rebel and you will starve and give up if you cut down too fast. Eat sensibly ahd MOVE. I don' t care if it is 10 minutes today. Tomorrow, do 11 minutes! No matter what abuse we have done to ourselves, we have MIRACULOUS bodies and they do respond to exercise and improve each and every day. Don't overdo it--don't get hurt. Just move. Walk, Dance. Swim. Swimming is wonderful if you have access to a pool. I could not swim ONE SINGLE Lap when I started. I swam a mile a few weeks ago. Havent done it since, but I DID IT and I could if I wanted...just haven't had the 63 minutes it took to do it. heehee. But I regularly swim 35-45 minutes along with weights, treadmill, and elliptical. Don't feel self conscious about joining a gym, if you can. No ONE is judging. In fact, anyone that actually 'sees you' will be impressed that you are there and either ignore you or give you a smile and a nod. Most folks are just in their own exercise zone and ignore you. Just DON"t FEEL threatened! If you can't or don't want to do gym yet, then walk. I found exercise videos at resale shops--or ebay too. Just move. and Don"t STOP. Move every day. It will speed the loss and make you feel so much better on this long journey--cuz it don't happen overnight. But it WILL happen if that is what you desire.

Make sure you get some good fats, protein, veges & fruit. Do lots of research. Read the forums on Motivation and Success (at least one a day). It really helped me to SEE others lose. There are groups for women of certain ages, folks who have that 100 or more pounds to lose. Join a group. If you see someone inspiring, send a note and a friend request. I thought the whold online friendship thing was stupid and wouldn't help. Boy--was I WRONG! I have met wonderful, beautiful,, and very inspiring Friends for life on here.

There are wonderful recipes here too. I am sure you can find a healthy version of something you love to eat. If not here, then google low calorie or low carb versions of you favorite foods. That really helps so you don't feel like you are in the prison of dieting with hothing you like to eat.

GOOD LUCK honey--and keep MOVING and NEVER EVER EVER GIVE UP. The many winners here will keep you inspired.

"GREAT POSSIBILITIES COME WITH CONTROL"

Establish a plan, move, and stick to it until it no longer works...then move to Plan B.

l911jnt

Sounds like your sister envys you trying to do something about your weight. ignore her. I just started counting calories too. it helped me realize all the bad things I was eating causing me to gain weight. I have 50 lbs to lose and am well on my way by counting calories. its already working. just keep doing what your doing. drink lots an lots of water. it really helps flush out what calories you are burning quicker.