How nit-picky are you about calorie counting?

I don't log sugar-free gum, my vitamins or the fat free half and half in my morning coffee. I have those things every day, so I figure they're a constant. I weigh meat, and measure most other things.

I try to add everything but if I use some olive oil spray and herbs I just quick add as around 30-50 calories to account for it. I can't be bothered with every single little morsel :P

Thanks for creating this thread, it reminded me that I forgot to track a piece of sugarless gum earlier.

And if anyone looks at what I ate today they'll see it's even more ridiculous than it sounds because I'm so far over on calories that it doesn't even matter at this point. But I still went back and added it.

Meticulous tracking has helped me figure things out though. When my cravings overrode my low carb diet a few weeks ago I went back and looked at what I was eating this time last year, and sure enough I was struggling then, too. An accurate accounting from a year ago helped me realize that my Spring allergies have a major effect on my appetite, both on how much I eat and on what I eat.

I'm in the minority here. I am obsessive and have made a conscious decision to not be obsessive about this. So I track my calories but I don't stress out if I am not exactly accurate, if I lick the remained for PB off the knife after I make my kids PB&J, etc.

My calorie setting is set a little lower than it should be to lose the 1lb a week I am hoping for right now, and part of the reason is because I feel like it gives me a little wiggle room if my measurements are not exact (I don't own an electronic scale yet) or I nibble here or there. When I'm estimating food for some reason, I always estimate high, and on exercise I estimate calories burned low.

Also, I'm a stay at home mom with a 5 year old and a 6 year old. They see Mommy weighing and logging food, and I don't want them seeing me frantically logging food because I'm chewing gum or eating 2 M&Ms my son gives me.

This way won't work for everyone, and when I get closer to my goal I understand I will probably need to tighten it up, but for now it is working for me. I'm losing 1-2lbs/week, tracking 95% and not stressing out about it.

I have been tracking everything. I just bought a food scale for $20 at walmart that I love. I also use measuring cups and spoons all the time.

I added a little extra spinach to my salad earlier and I didn't log it.. (oops lol) and i dont log gum, or if I have a little taste before dinner

I try to track everything. If it is only one bite and it is the only stray thing all day, I don't worry about it but mentally remember it. I look on my tracking my food as a tool to assist me in my weight loss not as something to obsess about. But as a tool, I want to be as honest and thorough as possible so I can see how I am doing. I love the MFP tool in that it helps me to preplan my day as well.

i do weight watcher pts....so i am always over my calories. They are more about how many grams of fiber, protien, fat, and carbs you eat. THe new program anyways. You don't count most fresh fruit and veggies at all. There are a few, like corn, avocado, and potato...etc... I still put in my calories on quick track. I do that to show people that you can stll lose weight, even if you eat more calories. It is more about what you are putting in your mouth...not how much. Don't get me wrong....pts. are based on calories...and there is portion control....but the way they design it makes you feel like you are not dieting. YOu are satisfied always... Anyone who has tried and succeeded...knows what i am talking about!

I record everything I eat very strictly but concerning the numbers, I use them only as a guide to get an idea. The #'s are an estimate.

When I track what I'm eating I am *aware* of what I'm choosing so I make better choices. It's not entirely about the numbers.

i try to weigh everything although i will cut corners on herbs and spices when they are quite small amounts that i figure are under 5 cals.

If i'm making a recipe i will log the spices just so I know for next time i make the dish.

I even track all of my supplements...sometimes they have fat, calories, or carbs!! sad huh? :P:

The only successful fitness program is the one you actually DO. So, if details keep you from being faithful to your program, leave out some of the details.

I have a type B, "big picture" personality. The number one way to demotivate me is to obsess over details. I'm so good at accepting "good enough" that I could write the book on it.

So, I do my best to be accurate without being perfect. I might count a stick of gum or two, but the spinach I eat while making the salad would be considered part of the salad.

I went to a party tonight and ate honeydew with strawberry sauce. I counted the honeydew, then did my regular workout. I feel no guilt and I'm losing weight.

Even if you log everything their are some serious discrepancies in how many calories are actually in some of the food you eat. I watched a special that proved that a lot of the fast food chains food nutrition tables could throw off your counting by up to 500 calories. That's quite a difference.

If you are really concerned about eating too much, simply add a 200-500 calorie log to off set the balance. Otherwise just make sure when you are eating your eating as best as you can with moderation.

It seems to me if this is a long term weight loss..calorie counting constantly and even counting gum is NOT the way forward. I have lost 3 and a half stone in a year.. I simply did this by eating more often and HEALTHY. Calorie counting works because its simple math, obviously if you eat under your calories and burn more than you eat, you will lose weight. However when you have reached your goal.. you will have to continue to calorie count and count absolutely everything to make sure you don't start over eating again. I eat probably around 2000 calories maybe more and i am loosing weight, this is because i'm eating healthy and exercising daily. I don't use calorie counters or weigh myself anymore because you become obsessed. Of course when i go to the supermarket i will look at the contents of my food and what it contains.. I think where people go wrong is that just because a cookie is in your allowance, it doesn't mean you can eat it. If you love salads ect it will be easy for you to lose weight without calculating everything, if this is working for you stick with it but don't count everything. Just eat clean and move more and you will lose weight! Good luck and don't let all the numbers grind you down! xx