Anybody not count calories?

kluvit

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I've been in maintenance for about 1.5 years, and quit counting when I found myself eating just because I had calories left over. Now, I only count when I know I'm starting to get off track and want to focus for a short period of time to re-train myself or reinforce good habits. Once I've met my short-term goal, I stop logging and continue with what I know works.

I started logging exercise today to get my focus back on regular workouts, but I'm debating whether or not, I'll also log food.
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Update: I went about my day as usual yesterday then logged food & beverages this morning (even the spontaneous afternoon run to sbux and the key lime cookies found in the break room at work), and I found that I actually ate right at maintenance calories (under if you count the exercise calories burned). Had I logged yesterday, and known I had those exercise calories to eat, I would have eaten something I didn't even want. Without logging, those extra calories not eaten each day throughout the week makeup for the crazy splurge dessert or meal I'm apt to have on the weekends. So, all of that said, I've talked myself out of logging food unless/until I need to focus on calorie intake.

Harrisonsauntie

I've been in maintenance for about 1.5 years, and quit counting when I found myself eating just because I had calories left over. Now, I only count when I know I'm starting to get off track and want to focus for a short period of time to re-train myself or reinforce good habits. Once I've met my short-term goal, I stop logging and continue with what I know works.

I started logging exercise today to get my focus back on regular workouts, but I'm debating whether or not, I'll also log food.
[/quote]

Update: I went about my day as usual yesterday then logged food & beverages this morning (even the spontaneous afternoon run to sbux and the key lime cookies found in the break room at work), and I found that I actually ate right at maintenance calories (under if you count the exercise calories burned). Had I logged yesterday, and known I had those exercise calories to eat, I would have eaten something I didn't even want. Without logging, those extra calories not eaten each day throughout the week makeup for the crazy splurge dessert or meal I'm apt to have on the weekends. So, all of that said, I've talked myself out of logging food unless/until I need to focus on calorie intake.
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I guess after a while you just get use to the amount you can eat

eat_run_play

i think the biggest thing for me was it got to be a chore and then i alternated between feeling great for reaching my goal and feeling bad when i was slightly over. Just can't live like that. I pretty much know what i need to do at this point after being on here this long . i do focus on protein and avoiding sweets as much as i can (during the week). but i do not call anything "forbidden" because i find that this labeling increases the desire to have this food. i allow myself what treats i really want, but only a few times on the weekends. that way i'm not overdoing anything. it really has helped with avoiding overeating. i think for some people counting calories really works for them and they don't get obsessive. but for others it can be detrimental, possibily leading to obsessive thinking and eating disorders. then, when we dont' see exactly the results we want, we are even harder on ourselves. no, don't need to live that way.

soupandcookies

i think the biggest thing for me was it got to be a chore and then i alternated between feeling great for reaching my goal and feeling bad when i was slightly over. Just can't live like that. I pretty much know what i need to do at this point after being on here this long . i do focus on protein and avoiding sweets as much as i can (during the week). but i do not call anything "forbidden" because i find that this labeling increases the desire to have this food. i allow myself what treats i really want, but only a few times on the weekends. that way i'm not overdoing anything. it really has helped with avoiding overeating. i think for some people counting calories really works for them and they don't get obsessive. but for others it can be detrimental, possibily leading to obsessive thinking and eating disorders. then, when we dont' see exactly the results we want, we are even harder on ourselves. no, don't need to live that way.

This is exactly how I feel. When I count calories and weigh and measure my food, I feel like I am giving all the power to the food, and I don't rely at all on my intuition... and I end up making myself crazy. I also feel like at this point, I know what I have to do. If I start gaining, I will reevauate whether or not this is working for me. Also, I have considered weighing/measuring treats, so I don't overdo it, with things like ice cream or other indulgences. I am taking it one day at a time. This is new to me.

Harrisonsauntie

i think the biggest thing for me was it got to be a chore and then i alternated between feeling great for reaching my goal and feeling bad when i was slightly over. Just can't live like that. I pretty much know what i need to do at this point after being on here this long . i do focus on protein and avoiding sweets as much as i can (during the week). but i do not call anything "forbidden" because i find that this labeling increases the desire to have this food. i allow myself what treats i really want, but only a few times on the weekends. that way i'm not overdoing anything. it really has helped with avoiding overeating. i think for some people counting calories really works for them and they don't get obsessive. but for others it can be detrimental, possibily leading to obsessive thinking and eating disorders. then, when we dont' see exactly the results we want, we are even harder on ourselves. no, don't need to live that way.

This is exactly how I feel. When I count calories and weigh and measure my food, I feel like I am giving all the power to the food, and I don't rely at all on my intuition... and I end up making myself crazy. I also feel like at this point, I know what I have to do. If I start gaining, I will reevauate whether or not this is working for me. Also, I have considered weighing/measuring treats, so I don't overdo it, with things like ice cream or other indulgences. I am taking it one day at a time. This is new to me.

Sounds like a wise idea. I am not calorie counting next week but I have planned my meals and snacks.

alisonlynn1976

I do not count calories because that's too obsessive for me and I seem to be doing fine without it.

mamma_nee

I do not count calories , i eat till satisfied and it works great for me. I do have my restrictions on what i will or will not eat for the day .

Harrisonsauntie

bumping as interested

ChrisS30V

I have not actively logged since September and have been maintaining just fine. I got sick of the meticulous counting of numbers each day and getting pissed if everything wasn't perfect. Logging showed me what types and how much of certain foods I need to eat, so now I can pretty much work it all out in my head without needing to look at a diary to make sure it fits.

Not seeing numbers displayed on a screen has helped me to eat more intuitively and to not become obsessed with whether or not I'm over or under. Unless my weight gets totally out of hand, I'm hoping to never have to log religiously ever again.