Does just counting calories really work?

alice_schmalice

I exercise for better health. It also saves lives since it my stress outlet. (I want my children to live)

Losing weight is a big mental game for me. I eat for reasons other than hunger - usually to soothe some negative emotion or mood state. So exercise helps because it makes me feel better and I don't eat crap all the time.

Clubstav

Counting calories is where you start. Even doing the exercise has to do with calorie counting since you are spending more and can adjust your meals accordingly. The ideal scene is doing both the calorie counting and exercise together. Would hate the idea of calorie counting without exercise but if you have to choose ONE of them then guess counting calories more likely to have you lose weight cause what to do with exercise if you are going to eat a pepperoni pizza and a bottle of coke before going to bed. Go for both

hriley4138

Hi. I have read from several sources that weight loss is "80 percent diet and 20 percent exercise." I got this from huffintonpost.com. I do lose weight just by watching my calories. I had no choice because I injured my ankle and could not exercise after operation. Now, I'm able to ride a bike or walk 20mins here and there. Exercise speeds up the weight loss and can help stave off hunger. It's a good habit to move a little everyday, but you don't need to in order to lose weight. Just stick to the calories you are supposed to have in order to lose weight. Good luck!

ianthy

Hi

Calories in and calories out plus exercise. Everyone is different and I know that my body responds well to cardio and some weight training for toning. Plus eating healthy and not depriving yourself of the things but staying within your calorie allowance and plenty of water too. Finally you need a big dose of patience as weight loss takes time.

lenzylamb

I started counting calories in Feb after I saw a picture of myself from a vacation to Peru.....My goal is 1200 calories and 90% of the time I do not go over!! I also work out 5-6 days a week..mainly cardio, although once I get to my goal weight (24lbs to go!) I will start adding weights to tone up and build muscle!

melissamarie2196

I really hope this does work for me...Its going on my second week and Iam starting slowly, Ive been worrying because I havent really got to exercise much with my busy work hrs, but like someone eles posted Iam going to just make time at least for some walks, since I love being out doors.. Iam hopeing when and if I see the scale start to go down Ill be more excited to start exerciseing inside...Just want to say you all look great and you should be proud...:)

lillietoo

For me, keeping track of my calories helps me to lose weight because I am aware of everything I eat. Being aware of my food intake provides a visual presentation of my food habits (for good or bad). So yes, I do think just counting calories can be enough.

F00LofaT00K

I just count calories. I add no exercise. I stick pretty close to my goals most days and I occasionally enjoy more food than my goal "allows." If you eat less than your body needs, you will lose weight regardless of the foods you eat, the time you eat them, how many hours of sleep you get each night, or the altitude you live in. I do make sure I get a good amount of protein to help me reserve more muscle as I lose weight, but even if I was eating nothing but carbohydrates, I would still be losing the same amount of weight if I was eating the same number of calories.

sarahsedai

a little over a year ago, i lost about 20 lbs by eating a a deficit (calorie counting, yes) and also starting an exercise regimen at the same time. unfortunately, i abandoned both (despite my success both in weight loss and physically feeling a whole lot better) and regained all the weight and then some. a couple months ago i rejoined mfp and started counting calories again. i've already lost 20 lbs, so definitely working so far. but i will say that this time, i have not started any exercise and while i'm super happy with my weight loss so far, i miss the improvement i both saw and felt by also working in physical activity... so now that my changes in eating are becoming more of a habit, i'm definitely preparing to incorporate physical activity for the other benefits besides the basic concept of eating less than you burn.

Sabine_Stroehm

Counting calories kind of gives me a cut off point. Like when I go for some cookies, I know that three is better than six. And at the end of the day I don't go rummaging around in the kitchen to eat again if I'm at my cut off.:drinker:

So you're logging forever? Lots of folks say they plan to.
There's no way I could. But good for you for finding what works.

Sabine_Stroehm

Short answer: create a calorie deficit.

Long answer: figure out what you can sustain to lose weight and maintain to keep the weight off. If that's calorie counting, great. If that's being paleo, or being on south beach, great. Do what works for you.

And, yes, creating the deficit is easier when you move more. Walking is a great way to burn more calories day in and day out.

lisabinco

Yes. Sort of.
The real key is losing weight in a healthy way and then maintaining that weight loss. Right?
I could never stick with something that didn't actually nourish my body properly. Weight loss would happen --I lost 50 pounds three times over 15 years on Weight Watchers-- but each time I put it all back on because I couldn't stick with it.
A little over two years ago, I began eating a lot more nutrient-rich, less calorie-dense foods in abundance (green veggies, fruit, colorful veggies, LOTS more vegetables) and adding in beans, good fats (like heavenly avocados and nuts/seeds) and whole grains. Not only did I open my taste buds up to a whole lot more veggies I'd never tried before, but I actually got healthier and felt better than ever. The weight loss is great but the added benefit of just plain feeling good again, without being hungry all the time, is a real plus!

Sabine_Stroehm

Yes. Sort of.
The real key is losing weight in a healthy way and then maintaining that weight loss. Right?
I could never stick with something that didn't actually nourish my body properly. Weight loss would happen --I lost 50 pounds three times over 15 years on Weight Watchers-- but each time I put it all back on because I couldn't stick with it.
A little over two years ago, I began eating a lot more nutrient-rich, less calorie-dense foods in abundance (green veggies, fruit, colorful veggies, LOTS more vegetables) and adding in beans, good fats (like heavenly avocados and nuts/seeds) and whole grains. Not only did I open my taste buds up to a whole lot more veggies I'd never tried before, but I actually got healthier and felt better than ever. The weight loss is great but the added benefit of just plain feeling good again, without being hungry all the time, is a real plus!

GREAT POST!

christhenix

It's working for me. I trry not to exceed the calorie count everyday, but don't cane myself if I go over a little. I combine it with 15-30 mins of gentle aerobics 6 days a week, and a 3 mile walk 3-4 times a week. So, nothing too extreme, and I am down 30lbs in three months,

malcolmjcooper

If it doesn't work for you I'm thinking you are not counting acurately enough it's simple maths

candidcamster

What I've learned is calorie counting in general does work, but it is a little more complicated than that. Sometimes what you eat can have a huge impact even if you're getting exact amount of calories as you were prior to your journey. For example I noticed when I switched out my 100-calorie Milk Chocolate bars for Vitamuffins (also 100 calories each) I lost more weight, the Vitamuffins have nutrients (namely fiber) that the milk chocolate bar doesn't have, and that can make a difference over time.

silentKayak

Yes, if your problem is that you don't know how many calories you're eating in a day, and you're willing to swap out some foods for lower calorie ones or eat a little less.