Listening to my Body & Not Counting Calories

I have noticed that now I have started counting calories, eating healthier and excercising more my body will tell me when it needs fuel and when it can do without. This is something new to me as I used to have both no "hunger feeling" nor did I have a "satisfied" feeling.

The main reason for me to log and keep counting is indeed discipline, accountability, and just the sheer realization of the amount of crap we put in our bodies if we eat processed foods. That was a real eye opener for me.

I would never advice anyone to go against their feelings, if you feel this is right for you then you should. There are many ways that lead to the same result, and everyone is different.

We count calories for discipline. Most of us are overweight because we like to eat or we like foods that don't supply what our bodies need. Some have a slight addiction to sugar and have trouble stopping with it. We have trouble noticing when were full or knowing when were emotionally eating. If you have a weight problem it may be from one of these reasons.

completely agree, if you want 'fuel', you need to eat foods with high biological value, sausage rolls, oreo's all those tasty foods are not good sources of fuel

We count calories for discipline. Most of us are overweight because we like to eat or we like foods that don't supply what our bodies need. Some have a slight addiction to sugar and have trouble stopping with it. We have trouble noticing when were full or knowing when were emotionally eating. If you have a weight problem it may be from one of these reasons.

This.

I tried the "listening to my body" stuff for years, and I just gained. Diligently tracking taught me how to control myself.

I logged my food and exercise diligently for 18 months. During that time, I learned proper portions and developed a taste for whole foods over packaged foods. I tend to eat the same thing for breakfast and lunch every day, so dinner is my only real diverse meal. 3 months ago, I stopped logging to see how I would do. In that time, I have done a lot of traveling and eating more of the foods that I normally would not have indulged in. However, I would go back to my healthy eating habits once I got home. I also stopped working out as intensely as I had been. Prior, I was doing cardio 7 days a week and strength 3 days a week. I was getting totally burned out. Now I do cardio 2-3 times a week and strength train 2-3 days a week.

In those three months, I have not gained any weight at all. If I feel like I am having a hard time getting back on track, then I'll likely start logging again for a while. I feel healthier mentally and physically than I have in a very long time.

I totally understand where you are coming from. I don't count calories anymore. It made me a miserable person. I became so focused on the numbers I was actually over depriving myself.

Now I focus on making meals that are nutritionally balanced, and as least processed as possible. I am still mindful of what I eat, and I plan my meals so I don't have moments of weakness resulting in a binge. I am still consistently losing weight, and able to give the time I was spending on counting calories to my family.

I was so focused on the numbers before I would make bad choices because the food was low cal, but I would still be hungry. Now I am choosing foods that keep me satisfied longer. Do a little research on the glycemic index to help you understand what will keep you fuller longer.

In the end it's what works for you. Maybe at least write down what you eat. That way you can always go back and see if there was a trend causing you to stall in your weight loss.

if you think is fine not counting calories that is ok but always be mindful of what you eat, even if you don't count them, pay attention that you don't eat too many things with a high calorie count.

Okay so I have found the ability to log food and carefully count my calories on this sigh has actually NOT been beneficial to me, is anyone else in the same situation?
So instead, I have decided to get into the habit of listening to my body and eating for FUEL rather than to balance out my calorie numbers, So i was wondering if there's anyone who does the same, and if anyone has any tips to help get where I want to be!

Good Luck everyone! x

Yeah, I pretty much eat when I'm hungry and just log it in to keep track of my macronutrients. I don't really struggle with over eating anymore so I find that my body is the best judge of whether or not I need to eat more. So far I've been at the same weight for a year and a half so it seems to be working.

Be careful listening to your body because many of the signals it can give you are wrong. Yes, there are theories about craving bananas means you are low on potassium or craving milk means you are low on calcium, etc. But most of the time if you crave anything late at night it is your body misinterpreting being thirsty.

You can succeed doing it that your way, but I suggest really studying up on foods to know what you are eating.

I actually compromise a bit between the two. I only log my food Monday through Friday. Never on weekends, holidays or vacation. Sometimes I take a week or even a month off from logging. But I come back to it... because I get better results that way.

I looked at your diary. You had a pretty good week the first week of September but in general you are eating alot of processed foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt. This makes it difficult for your body to lose weight because it's not getting the nutrients it needs. If this characterizes your diet in general and if you've been eating this way for years (these are both assumptions), then you are likely pretty out of whack.

So I wouldn't "listen to my body" if I were you; I'd start with my head. Suggestion is that you spend some time learning what foods are really good for you. Cut out the packaged, processed food. Eat lean meats (if you eat meat), LOTS of veggies - in particular, greens (kale, spinach, collards, chard, broccoli), berries, beans and legumes, whole grains. There's a whole rainbow of foods out there.

Use MFP to log foods. Your protein is often high which isn't great when it's out of balance with everything else. But at this point you need to really change your diet. Just a guess but if you learn to eat in a more healthy way and get a little exercise in you will find MFP to be a helpful aid. Good luck!