Is counting calories really all it takes?

I think it varies by individual. Some people report that they didn't lose any weight until they cut sugar from their diet or went low carb.

This would work fine if the only reason you want to lose weight is to see a smaller on the scale. Most of us are also looking to lead a healthy life. For me that means looking at nutritional information and making sure that I get a good variety of fruit, veggie, protein, fiber and micronutrients that my body needs.

To add: fat does not make you fat. My fat is set at 30%.

I'm trying really hard to eat healthy. Counting calories works but I'm diabetic and I want a healthy body.

You'd probably end up sick and malnourished but you'd still lose weight. It comes down to calories in /calories out. Most people couldn't be satisfied with the small amount of food you'd have with 4 chocolate bars in the long run so we chose to eat better food and if you're doing 1200 calories it takes so thoughtfulness to get in enough to feel satisfied and get your nutrition.

Of course, I have definitely seen results by watching my calorie intake, but something about this method worries me as it can encourage you to eat ANYTHING as long as it comes under the calorie goal. For example, my calorie goal is 1200.

I could eat about roughly 4 mars bars, and then reach that goal. Obviously that's not sustainable, but what if you met your calorie goals just eating utter crap like that? :laugh: Would the weight still come off?

What if you only ate microwave meals or McDonalds but it didn't go over your calorie goal? Just a thought...!

Since you're concerned about body composition (from the skinny fat thread), you should be eating more than 1200. You don't have much weight to lose. A half pound a week is probably the appropriate setting for you.

For weight loss, yeah... calories in vs calories out is all that matters. For body composition, macros count. You'll want more protein than MFP suggests for starters. This thread will help you set your goals: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

Im not sure, i exercise, eat 80% healthy, probably closer to 90%, saw big drops in the beginning but for the past three months feel like I've stalled. Im doing spin bike cardio and Insanity workout and am noticing some body change but not what one would expect from the massive changes I have made. I almost feel like I should start rotational fasting to try and kick start the weightloss again. The experts say that it took time to put on so it will take time to take off, but c'mon, im exercising like an athlete, hurry up already...lol

Of course, I have definitely seen results by watching my calorie intake, but something about this method worries me as it can encourage you to eat ANYTHING as long as it comes under the calorie goal. For example, my calorie goal is 1200.

I could eat about roughly 4 mars bars, and then reach that goal. Obviously that's not sustainable, but what if you met your calorie goals just eating utter crap like that? :laugh: Would the weight still come off?

What if you only ate microwave meals or McDonalds but it didn't go over your calorie goal? Just a thought...!

Since you're concerned about body composition (from the skinny fat thread), you should be eating more than 1200. You don't have much weight to lose. A half pound a week is probably the appropriate setting for you.

For weight loss, yeah... calories in vs calories out is all that matters. For body composition, macros count. You'll want more protein than MFP suggests for starters. This thread will help you set your goals: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

lorinalynn - just thought i'd say - you are an inspiration, you look amazing.

Well, if you notice on your food intake page, you see headings like protein, carbs, sugars etc with a goal limit...You should be paying attention to those as well...
Not all calories are created equally. The body has to work harder on certain foods. also it depends on how active you are because depending on your activity your body will burn its fuel at different levels depending on the levels of intensity of your workouts

I really believe that the quality of what you eat matters. Sure you could eat 4 mars bars and still be within your calorie goal. However, nutritionally you're getting nothing, so you're starving. You may lose weight at first, but your body will quickly realize that you aren't getting any nutrients. You have a huge spike in cravings, and if that doesn't cause you to binge eat in a bad way, you'll see other negative consequences. Bad skin, hair falling out, brittle nails... The reality is, you can eat 3000 calories a day and still be nutritionally starving! Best bet? Stay under your cals but instead of eating small portions of horrid food, eat large portions of nutrient-dense food (ie: fruits and vegetables!)

Although calories in and calories out is important--too many calories will definitely mean more weight, there is more to the story than just that. Different foods affect metabolism and cause us to burn calories differently. I believe that balance is important, enough fiber and protein keep you feeling full and helps you to avoid the constipation that can often come with dieting. Counting calories can allow us to "choose" a snack that is more appealing without overdoing. So much of this is emotional, as most who want to lose weight know. What i like about Myfitnesspal is that it allows me to carefully monitor BOTH the calories and the balance.

but the biggest thing - if you make healthier choices, you can have a LOT more food for the same amount of calories.:laugh:

^this - thing i realized in the 1st two weeks - i'm a BULK over FLAVOR type person. i can eat 4 cups of baby spinach for only 20 cals - can i eat 4 cups of oreos for that? nope! - woohoo lol - mind set changed from "what tastes the best?" to - "what can i eat the most of and still stay under calories? - this has proven to be vegs and fruits - go figure haha.

lol, I asked my mum this too!!! She said it's about the fat and the sugar in those foods, that are bad for your body...I think the fat would cling to you...just my understanding but I have no idea tbh

Yep - you do have no idea LOL.

Eating fat does not create fat on the body.

If you ate nothing but fat -- by which I mean a lump of lard for breakfast, a pint of olive oil for dinner, etc, you would not gain weight, regardless of how many calories you ingested. In the absence of insulin, your body CANNOT store anything you eat as fat.

Eaten fat does not turn into bodyfat. There is a complex metabolic process that causes a person to become fat. It's all on Youtube!

To add: fat does not make you fat. My fat is set at 30%.

I eat 65% fat. That means 65% of the calories I eat are from fat.

I cook in lard, butter and olive oil. I put double cream in my soup. I smother my salads in mayonnaise.

On this I have lost 19lb in 5 weeks.

You will lose weight but there is a caveat, you will likely be so hungry that sticking to those 4 mars bars is just about impossible and the extra snacks will sabotage you :P ... In all seriousness though it's do-able just not very healthy, and you will likely lose the weight at a slower pace as well. If you look at my diary nearly have of my calorie intake is crap (chips, chocolate etc) but I try to make sure the other half is real food(and most of the time healthier foods). I've lost 33lbs and can't remember the last time I felt this good, that being said I'd likely feel better if I was eating a bit healthier. Now that I'm nearly at my goal weight my next goals are to up my exercise and cut down the crap foods even further. Its all about a lifestyle change at a pace you can handle... do too much too fast and you may get frustrated and quit.