Counting Calories

CanonMom413
CanonMom413 Posts: 61
in Food and Nutrition
My sister in law and I commented back on forth on FB about an upcoming Color Run were doing in NJ. I asked her if shes wearing her ipod/iphone for a running app. I told her I was conflicted in wearing my HRM so I know my time and how many cals burned. She said "No, I dont want it to get ruined. I guess the HRM would be ok since its under your shirt and if youre into that sort of thing. And by sort of thing I mean counting calories because I dont"

I took it as a stab in the stomach. Like she looks down on me for counting and keeping track. She has lost over 100lbs in a year and kept it off for a few months so far. She does weight watchers and runs/goes to the gym. I dont know what weight watchers is all about and what they teach because I dont need it. I eat clean, and exercise with strength and cardio. We are clearly in two different workout worlds. My question is, am I wrong? Should I not be counting, logging, etc. Should I just use my body ques? I feel like logging helps me stay AWAY from the junk. It helps me not over eat. I really feel so self concious now.

Replies

  • Anna800
    Anna800 Posts: 639 Member
    Weight Watchers is counting calories, they count points. Same difference. You should wear it because how else will you know how many calories you burned on your run? Not sure why you needed her permission to do so.
  • sandhillsmom
    sandhillsmom Posts: 319 Member
    You should stick to what works for you because it is working!

    "I feel like logging helps me stay AWAY from the junk. It helps me not over eat. "

    You said it right that. ting helps you stay away from the junk. Counting is part of your support. It's okay that you do and she doesn't.
  • FireBrand80
    FireBrand80 Posts: 378 Member
    weight watchers = counting to 20 instead of 2,000
  • CanonMom413
    CanonMom413 Posts: 61
    Good points. I dont feel I need her permission. I was more curious about the electronics possibly getting ruined. It DOES work for me, and I suppose I should keep doing what I am doing for that fact alone. It just was like a little jab that hurt like saying "im better than you"
  • flynnfinn
    flynnfinn Posts: 209 Member
    well, i used to live that way...not counting calories. but i ate super clean and NO CARBS. it worked for a while until i lost my mind and wanted to eat bread, pasta, cookies and brownie batter all in one sitting. so, the weight i lost eating super clean came right back. mind you, i'm only talking 10lbs here but still, at the end of the day, i really didn't learn anything.

    but, there are several ways to achieve the same goal and what works for her may not work for you and vice versa. my cousin doesn't count calories and eats gluten-free and super clean. she lost weight by doing HCG and has kept off the 40lbs just by eating gluten-free and super clean. for me, i like the idea of calorie freedom but i hate that i can't enjoy a little bit of everything. so now i'm counting calories and so far i really like it. i haven't lost any weight but in time, i hope i do. basically i don't think eating pounds of nitrate-free bacon is necessarily the greatest idea in the world. and not all calories are the same!

    so in one ear and out the other is my advice to you. no two people are alike. so...if what you're doing works for you, then keep doing it. as simple as that!!
  • iLoveMyPitbull1225
    iLoveMyPitbull1225 Posts: 1,690 Member
    points are based on calories.....SAME THING! your SIL is on the stupid side... to be nice.

    Who cares if she does it or not? If you wanna do it, you do it! Do what works for you and not for her, and more importantly, try not to take what she says to heart.
  • magerum
    magerum Posts: 12,589 Member
    weight watchers = counting to 20 instead of 2,000

    ^ this
  • melissaw78
    melissaw78 Posts: 214 Member
    I quit WW 2 weeks ago and came here. I like this much better!

    WW assigns points to every food item based on protein, carbs, fat, and another factor that escapes me right now. BUT DOES NOT COUNT CALORIES AT ALL. I am sure I was eating too many calories because fruit is point free!

    Oh yeah, and this site is 100% FREE.
  • CRody44
    CRody44 Posts: 776 Member
    You mean WW diesn't sell an HRM that just does points instead of real calories?
  • runzalot81
    runzalot81 Posts: 782 Member
    Eh. She's your SIL. Let it roll. Wear your HRM and smile a lot.
  • CRody44
    CRody44 Posts: 776 Member
    I was more curious about the electronics possibly getting ruined.

    My wife wears her Polar in the pool for water areobics.
  • love4fitnesslove4food_wechange
    love4fitnesslove4food_wechange Posts: 6,897 Member
    You're probably reading into it. She probably meant nothing by it and your insecurities are working on you.
  • wordpainter09
    wordpainter09 Posts: 472 Member
    People have given me a lot of flak for counting calories before. It's an interesting paradox. Women (and men) are supposed to achieve a thin/fit ideal, but we're supposed to pretend it just "happens" and in many circles it's considered passe or rude or weird to talk about fitness, calories, or dieting or whatever.
    That's one reason I love the MFP community. We don't pretend we get to our goals by accident. They're the result of hard work and yeah, if that works for you, counting calories.
    Each to their own.
    She may or may not have meant it to be hurtful. Don't take it to heart.
    What's important is that you have confidence in yourself and your choices. Other people don't matter in that respect, YOU do. This is your journey.

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