anyone NOT counting calories?

FineFitFatty
FineFitFatty Posts: 60
in Fitness and Exercise
I did for about two weeks, and noticed that I overeat. It also gave me a very good idea of how many calories/proteins/carbs/fats/sodium(!!!) various food items have. BUT, I decided to stop because it was kind of a lot to monitor and it was consuming my thoughts, and with a newborn and toddler, I don't have time for that! I am lifting three days a week and light cardio twice a week and watching what I eat with the hopes to lose weight, but the calorie counting just wasn't for me. Anyone else feel similar?

Replies

  • betaleonis
    betaleonis Posts: 176 Member
    I'm calorie aware, not calorie obsessed ;) I don't count calories anymore - but that is only because I used to count, and now I have a pretty good idea of how many cals I am consuming. On days that I work out heavy, or lift, I give my body more fuel. If I do need to munch, I do it infrequently - but the more I regulate my portion size, the less I feel that urge to indulge.

    It really is a lot to monitor - if you eat healthy foods, exercise, and watch your portion size - your body will change. Right!:)
  • lina011
    lina011 Posts: 427 Member
    ive stopped for a few weeks now i did this cos i feel that im at a good weight and it does consume me also, i do wanna be beating myself up cos i ate too much. i lift 4 days a week with cardio inbetween. one rest day a week i think i eat just over 2000 cal a day
  • Sjenny5891
    Sjenny5891 Posts: 717 Member
    MFP is all about keeping track of our calories and exercise.
    When I started after having my youngest, I found it easier to pack a weeks worth for work and log it when I went shopping.
    Good luck with your weight loss.
  • obsidianwings
    obsidianwings Posts: 1,237 Member
    If thats whats working for you then thats great :) I doubt you are going to find very many likeminded people on a calorie counting website though.
  • akjmart2002
    akjmart2002 Posts: 263 Member
    Well, if you don't count calories and you gain weight, then you'll know that it is better to count calories. Some folks are better than others at moderation without having to count calories. Unfortunately, it takes a great deal of deliberate practice to break bad habits, and if you're overweight already then overeating is likely one of your bad habits.

    Ultimately your weight is about the net energy balance. However you can generate a net weight reduction with the right kind of fit in your busy life is the right strategy for you. Good luck.
  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    Strange thing to ask on a calorie counting website
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I don't count calories anymore...but I did for 7 months while I lost 40 Lbs. I'm maintaining now and my dietary habits remain the same as when I was losing, I just eat more calories...but I'd have found it very difficult to lose 40 Lbs in 7 months had I not counted calories.
  • toutmonpossible
    toutmonpossible Posts: 1,580 Member
    I don't, unless I'm intensely losing weight. But I have a very good idea about the calorie content of foods. Some people here have no clue. (How could you not have noticed that coffee creamer has a lot of calories?) Or they'll ask if they should count ___ food. You count everything.


    You don't have to count calories if you eat five or six meals of known calorie content every day and weigh yourself regularly.
  • toutmonpossible
    toutmonpossible Posts: 1,580 Member
    Strange thing to ask on a calorie counting website


    It's not a bad question. Some people probably think that if they can't do it perfectly, there's no point and give up. The problem is that some people who need to count everything won't, just like the people who least should be eating more are the first to jump on the "eat more to weigh less" bandwagon.
  • celinarae94
    celinarae94 Posts: 131
    Sometimes I don't add in things like small portions of celery etc. I know what it is in my head but I don't necessarily put it into mfp 'cause I am always under anyway.
    So yeah some days I don't punch in my fruits or veggies but if its really all I've been eating that day I will put it in.
  • sylf1966
    sylf1966 Posts: 52
    My sister has 4 boys and also found it a chore to log on to keep track of her calories, but she didn't stop counting calories; she now logs them in her journal. The only draw back is she only logs in calories (no sodium, sugar etc), but if this is not a problem, then logging in a journal is great if it keeps you on track. Good luck! :)
  • 777Gemma888
    777Gemma888 Posts: 9,578 Member
    I did for about two weeks, and noticed that I overeat. It also gave me a very good idea of how many calories/proteins/carbs/fats/sodium(!!!) various food items have. BUT, I decided to stop because it was kind of a lot to monitor and it was consuming my thoughts, and with a newborn and toddler, I don't have time for that! I am lifting three days a week and light cardio twice a week and watching what I eat with the hopes to lose weight, but the calorie counting just wasn't for me. Anyone else feel similar?

    If I stop counting, I'll under eat. Probably max out at 400 calories and call it a day. Counting calories has re-awakened the foodie in me. I just have to find the time to log it.
  • tcraw15
    tcraw15 Posts: 223 Member
    I don't think it is a strange question. I had brought this subject up awhile ago. I used to be like you the first time I tried losing weight. I became obsessed with the stats, numbers, etc. It became a real hassle. I can't remember why, but eventually I stopped trying to lose weight all together and ended up gaining it all back, plus some.

    A year later, I'm back on track and have lost 15 lbs since the middle of March, and I have not counted a single calorie. I eat clean, watch my portions, never eat to fullness (only satisfaction), and do not deprive myself. If I want a little treat here and there I will have it. Moderation is key. I also exercise (weight training/cardio) at least 3 times a week.

    I would say that some people need to count calories, and some don't. If you are like me, you can easily hold yourself accountable and have a lot of self control when it comes to food. I feel that's the main reason why it works for me. So is it really necessary to lose weight? No. But for most people, I would say yes.
  • FineFitFatty
    FineFitFatty Posts: 60
    Strange thing to ask on a calorie counting website

    I suppose it's a strange question?

    I joined this site for the calorie counting tool, but have found the forum to be much more beneficial for me. I was just curious to see how many people actually counted their calories as a way to lose weight.

    I successfully lost the baby weight with number one without counting, but by just watching what I ate and exercising, but thought counting calories might be a more productive way of losing the extra pounds this time. Instead I have just found it to be too consuming for me personally.

    Glad to hear others feel the same way!

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