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I've stopped counting calories & weight is still dropping.

jjrichard83

After some time, I’ve chosen to stop counting calories. I hear many of you on here saying “a calorie is a calorie” - or “just stay under your calorie limit and you will be fine”.

I couldn’t disagree with those comments any more. First off - a pound of fat is equal to 4082 calories. I know many of you think it’s 3500 calories, but that is just a myth that has made it’s way to mainstream and now spoken as facts by almost everyone.

Lets break it down - 1 gram of fat = 9 calories (undisputed). Well if that is the case - and there are 453.6 grams in a pound - a pound of fat MUST have 4082 calories. Granted that 1 lb of fat isn’t even really 1 lb of pure fat! In fact, about 1/6 of a pound of fat is actually water! So TECHNICALLY the fat part of that 1 lb. of pure fat would be 3400 calories to burn - plus the excess water.

And about this calorie is a calorie BS. Really? Do some of you really think that 2000 calories of chocolate = 2000 calories of fruits and veggies? Would someone who is trying to lose weight and eating 2000 calories a day of sugar have the same results of someone eating 2000 calories a day of veggies? Of course not! Our bodies react differently to different foods - regardless of their calorie intake.

I should be eating around 2,200 calories a day for my size (5’11 - 250 lb.) if I wanted to lose 2 lb. per week. Yet I have continually ate around 1,300 - 1,600 calories per day - many days eating more because I felt I needed to to have energy (mind playing tricks).

I have been eating very clean. Hardly any grain, mostly beans, lentils, fresh veggies, seeds, the occasional vega or genuine health shake - even the occasional beef burger &/or pizza slice (I added that in to show I am not vegan- more-so plant based). Well since I’ve stopped counting calories - I’ve not noticed my weight continuing to drop, while not worrying about calorie counting. I understand what is good food, what is bad food (shouldn’t even be considered food at all), and I have also discovered portion control. I’ve also taught myself to drink 24oz of lemon water when I feel hungry and wait - just to see if it was hunger, or I was bored. Most of the time I still eat, but not as much b/c the water is filling too.

Many people on this site is accurate with their calorie counting anyway. I weigh and measure my food and I believe I am still off by 20% or more at times with certain foods.

Lastly, I’ll touch on protein. This has to be one of the hardest myths to crack - YOU DON’T NEED 1-2 Grams of protein to build/maintain muscle! I don’t care what Arnold told you! He was on steroids so eating ANY amount of protein would have had a much greater affect on him than anyone else eating less or the same protein as him.

According to the Institute of Medicine, the average healthy adult requires 0.36 g of protein per pound of body weight per day. So for example, if you weigh 150 lb.., you would need 54 g of protein a day. In food terms, that would equal a 4 oz. piece of chicken, 6 oz. cup of Greek yogurt and a half-cup of skim milk.

Athletes and people over the age of 60 might benefit from increasing the recommended amount of protein in their diets to support muscle growth and prevent muscle loss, respectively. The recommended amount of protein for strength and endurance athletes ranges from 0.5 to 0.8 g of protein per pound. Older adults may benefit from increasing the amount of protein in their diets to 0.5 g of protein per pound per day. That is a far cry from 1-2 g everyone is saying on here. I have gone with lower protein, I’ve noticed muscle size increase and strength too. Any of the excess protein you eat is excreted out. So don’t worry if you’re under a little!

Bottom line, do what works for you at this moment, but make sure you have an exit strategy or a sustainable method. I know some people on here have lost over 100 lb. and track calories like it was second nature - but I believe they don’t need to anymore. They tracked until they know what acceptable amounts are, what clean foods are, and what portion control is. If you see the scale go up, then you know to eat cleaner - more greens & veggies. Remove the processed foods (they are horrible for you anyway).

For those that continue to count calories - it’s not a perfect method (none are), but it should at the very least teach portion control.

Also - Probably the most important thing - It’s not how many calories, it’s what the body can do with it! Choose foods rich in nutrients - not low in nutrients and rich in calories! I will say that calories are a good thing to count if you are not doing anything other than counting and measuring weight.

I’ll leave the scale and not measuring your body for another rant

& I will still be on here until my goal is reached! (like calorie counting - seeing all of your success stories is real motivating

).

Quote :Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. - Mark Twain

Replies

EvgeniZyntx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjmV8BlsJTQ

watching now ill let you know what i think

Video might be a better media for you. Refs 16-20 in that "bad" pdf support her point directly.

AnabolicKyle

I am not wasting my time in yet another debate with you...

LOL

So, you lol'd before you watched it?

Night poppet! As I said, I am not wasting more time with you.

LOL'd at your response to me not the video

I am not wasting my time in yet another debate with you...

anyways i liked the video was awesome though it had nothing to do with elderly people so iam not 100% sure why you referred me to it.

from video

anabolic response maxed out at 30-40grams of protein for most people

you might need a slight elevation on which you need when you get older you

older people - less sensitive to amino acids takes more to get an anabolic response

original question

basically, as we age, we require more protein to create an anabolic response.

not entirely sure on how you got this from the PDF please elaborate

answered

PDF still seemed pretty bad though

AnabolicKyle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjmV8BlsJTQ

watching now ill let you know what i think

Video might be a better media for you. Refs 16-20 in that "bad" pdf support her point directly.

EDIT
NO

Veronica_Fitness

Blah Blah Blah. Get off your soap box and shut your trap.

brit_ks_89

actually if you are trying to lose weight, your body needs MORE protein

ummm i think you need to research a little better ..

and stop counting calories,, are you serious ?

i stopped counting calories once, and you know what happen I GAIN ALL MY WEIGHT BACK AND MORE.. so no thank you !!!!

dad106

The only reason why I stopped counting calories, is because after a year of counting them and eating pretty much the same things, I know what is what.

I also don't eat clean... ever and I do just fine. Rule for me is 80/20... 80% healthy and 20% junk.

rn000

Look forward to seeing you back here when the weight eventually comes back on... Myfitnesspal is not just a calorie counter, it's a way of keeping your overall health in mind

MaraDiaz

While reading this wall of text I read "Lastly "and got my hopes up, thinking that the wall of text was over.

Well, I was lied to. You went on and on and on. How can I respect your words when You don't finish talking soon after saying "lastly"?

Lastly, if counting calories don't work for you. Thats fine. Many people in the past, present and future have lost weight without counting calories. MFP's counting calories is just another way of doing it and I (along with many others like this method.

I bid you good luck sir. Take care

Almost spewed coffee. You should warn me before you're going to be funny.

I do agree with OP on one thing for sure, though. Since I stopped thinking of processed foods like snack cakes as 'food' (as in something I'll eat), life has been much better and my weight loss much more consistent. But I can and have gained weight or not lost while avoiding those un-foods entirely, which is why I still count calories.

And getting enough protein isn't my worry, either. I need to make sure to get enough fat, though, or I'll end up binging on steak and onions and butter.

yourenotmine

Good day, sir. I SAID GOOD DAY.

trellshantel

Great post!!! This totally changed my outlook on weightloss, thanks!!

vim_n_vigor

I'm glad you've found something that works for you - and I wish you continued success.

I, however, have tracked and will continue to track calories. That's sustainable for me (10+ years and counting <calories> - haha!), reliable, and is something I have found invaluable. It's not just about portion control for me and I DO believe there is great use in counting and measuring beyond an acute weight loss stage and into maintenance. There's quite a bit in your post that I disagree with... and quite a bit more I think is outright misinformation. One **thin** thread I CAN support is that all calories are not created equal. How you FEEL will differ depending on the fuel you choose. However, you WILL lose weight if you eat a calorie deficit, even if it's all chocolate. I won't bore people to tears with the other aspects of your post that I think are (hmm, how to put this as respectfully as possible)... mythological.

With your post and with all the other opinions out there... just a reminder to readers... do what works for YOU, leave others to their own devices, and take all "indisputable" advice with a grain of salt. (and track the sodium in that grain, too!)

Again, really glad you have something that works for you. I appreciate the time you took to post your views. I'm sure some folks will find it valuable. Continued success to you.

Awesome progress!!

cutchro

Bottom line, do what works for you

I agree with this bit

Ditto!

KyleB65

So, I read the post and some of the comments.

I am not certain about any of the science mentioned in the post. The protein info is certainly interesting and I will be doing some investigating on my own. The info I have been given to date on protein is contrary to the post. So, I need to do some more research.

As for some of the negative comments. To each his own. I have nothing negative to say. In fact, much of this makes sense to me. As I worked through my weight loss it became apparent quickly that I was making a transformation in life style. So, on this basis, as my new life style took hold and became my new normal. The real need to track daily calorie intake became less important to my goal of being healthy. I still count calories and I still log my exercise calories. Mostly because it is a habit and it gives me some perspective on my day to day consumption. In addition, I have made friends through this web site who are at different places in their journey. I think that if they see me logging and participating, it might provide some little bit of motivation to keep on track with their work towards better health.

family_girl2626

Congratulations on your success but I am having trouble understanding why would you come on a calorie counting website and tell off of us we are wrong? Is the numbers on here an "exact science" ,,,,probably not however it is giving us a chance to get control of our lives. The numbers on the peoples tickers are a tribute to that. You sound like you have done your research with lots of statistics and numbers. You are probably a very intelligent man, so please give us some credit that the people using this site are dedicated and are unlikely to eat 2000 calories of chocolate in place of 2000 calories of the good food. To be honest I find that rather offensive. Thanks for just letting us do what is working for us, and we will let you do what is working for you. Wishing you all the best.

UsedToBeHusky

There is a lot in this message that is correct, but also quite a bit that is incorrect. Your post perpetuates many myths. As you said, you are losing without calorie counting because you have learned what to eat and trained yourself to eat well below your BMR. There are many factors that you are failing to consider and logging food isn't just about tracking calories.

I'm sorry, but I prefer to take my diet and fitness advice from individuals who have practiced their methods for more than a month.

Have a nice day! :flowerforyou:

Crankstr

Pretty much "no" to the whole post.

I was going to write a reply, but didn't even know where to start.

seriously.

escloflowneCHANGED

That's a lot of numbers to track for someone who doesn't think counting calories is necessary. And why weigh and measure your food if you're not counting?

I feel like my pic describes the OP quite well!

Yanicka1

Pretty much "no" to the whole post.

I was going to write a reply, but didn't even know where to start.

seriously.

/end thread

FredDoyle

Regarding protein intake, I follow the RDA of Health Canada which is 0.8g/kg as a minimum. There was a study I read here which showed that older subjects had diminished lean body mass wastage with increased protein intake above the RDA.
I'm looking for it...
It may be a trade off for liver and kidney function but interesting none the less.

Sarauk2sf

Regarding protein intake, I follow the RDA of Health Canada which is 0.8g/kg as a minimum. There was a study I read here which showed that older subjects had diminished lean body mass wastage with increased protein intake above the RDA.
I'm looking for it...
It may be a trade off for liver and kidney function but interesting none the less.

This one?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11382798

FredDoyle

This one?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11382798

That be it, thanks. Those who said the elderly should decrease protein intake should have a read. It's only one study mind.

bellygoaway

Dear OP,

Is it cold where you live? Did you really feel the need to start a flame war just to feel warm? What you did is kind of like walking into a church and calling everyone stupid because of what they believe. If you think counting calories is pure and udder crap, what are you doing on the site?

Rhozelyn

Eating less and eating clean.....yes I get that...I know what's good and what's too much but knowing is not doing. Slimming World is a diet club that labels processed foods..."syns"...there is no weighing just eating "clean' and avoiding bread till you get the "full signal" from your stomach.

I know all this yet I'm still overweight because for people with a tendency to overindulge which describes a fair number of people here the first thing is to set limits...either quality of food (Dukan, Atkins, Slimming World) or quantity (calories, weight watchers).

Basically some sort of limit will suffice to start an initial weight loss. As far as long term changes the jury is still out there as the majority of dieters will gain the weight back.....otherwise dieting would be a one off and the diet clubs wouldn't be making such a profit.

Well done on making the changes that have worked for you. I am new to calorie counting but not new to food and diets...I'm an old hand who actually maintained weight loss for about 8 yrs then "lost it". I love my biscuits...and cake....so I'm not letting go of those in a way that makes me ruminate on them. Yet I have a strong desire to lose weight. So I will use some sort of limit and for now it's counting calories and making sure I am making exercise a habit.

P.S as far as protein goes I did the Dukan diet and ate mega quantities of protein...lost tons of weight then it stalled....even with all that protein...My health suffered for it...gall stones and kidney stones so been there and done that and got the t-shirt that reads "Still Fat"

Bulldogmomma3

As other people have stated, there is no ONE way for everyone. Do what works for you and don't worry about everyone else's opinion. I have been successful counting calories and I don't eat 100% clean and I really don't care if anyone else doesn't like it. I am doing this for ME and it's working!

LavenderBouquet

While I do disagree with a few of your points, I see what you're trying to say and I definitely do agree that eating more nutritious and less processed foods will always be the better way. I also can't imagine myself counting calories forever, but I think it's a useful tool for people who may not yet have a sense of portions or really what exactly they are eating. Thanks for sharing

unknown

This content has been removed.

firstsip

Quote :Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. - Mark Twain

Soo, you're in the majority of Western culture that doesn't track what they eat and ends up...

atamrowski

FAT!

Christie0428

.... If you think you need motivation now, just wait until you hit maintenance. I read somewhere that it takes 6 years for your body to accept a new weight, so for six years, if you listen to your body, you can expect to gain. This is when calorie counting can become truly invaluable.

I wish you the best of luck in your weight loss AND maintenance.

Xxx

^^^ this!! Maintenance is where I've failed before... not this time!!

jofjltncb6

.... If you think you need motivation now, just wait until you hit maintenance. I read somewhere that it takes 6 years for your body to accept a new weight, so for six years, if you listen to your body, you can expect to gain. This is when calorie counting can become truly invaluable.

I wish you the best of luck in your weight loss AND maintenance.

Xxx

^^^ this!! Maintenance is where I've failed before... not this time!!

That's because weight loss is "easy"...eating fewer calories than you need doesn't take a whole lot of planning. If you're a little hungry, congrats, you're doing it. The "hard" part is in eating just the right amount of calories to support your ideal/goal weight.

(Well, that and the body composition you want, but that just makes an overall sound plan that much more important/difficult, not less.)

OP, best of luck to you in your approach. I hope it works out for you. Once you've reached and maintained your GW for a time, please let us know if your thoughts have changed on this approach.