Counting calories.. a necessity?
tcraw15
Posts: 223 Member
Hey guys,
Now I know most users of MFP count calories and pay careful attention to food intake (i.e. logging food, writing down what they eat), but I was wondering if this is really necessary..
I would like to mention that I joined MFP in 2011 and was an active user for about 4-5 months (From November of 2011 to around April of 2012). I was obsessed with counting calories and logged my food intake daily. However, at the end of April, I stopped doing all of that. Though, thinking back to it now, I remember it being very tedious and I think it made me enjoy food less and my weight loss journey less enjoyable. It felt like a chore more than anything. I don't want to be counting calories for the rest of my life either.
As of March 2013, I noticed I had gained all my weight back that I had lost the previous year. I decided to get back into working out and eating healthy, though this time around I have taken a different approach to things.
I have NOT COUNTED CALORIES AT ALL.
Instead, I have paid attention to my body when eating. I rarely ever get full. And I eat multiple meals throughout the day. I eat to the point of satisfaction. How has this all worked out for me? Well since March 18th, granted I have only lost a total of 9 lbs, I have lost a total of 12.6 inches!
I know that for some of you, counting calories seems fit and is a must. But I suppose it just doesn't work for me. I feel less stressed out if I avoid it. And honestly, I feel that listening to your body and how it feels is very important..
So with that said, does anyone have any input on this subject?
Now I know most users of MFP count calories and pay careful attention to food intake (i.e. logging food, writing down what they eat), but I was wondering if this is really necessary..
I would like to mention that I joined MFP in 2011 and was an active user for about 4-5 months (From November of 2011 to around April of 2012). I was obsessed with counting calories and logged my food intake daily. However, at the end of April, I stopped doing all of that. Though, thinking back to it now, I remember it being very tedious and I think it made me enjoy food less and my weight loss journey less enjoyable. It felt like a chore more than anything. I don't want to be counting calories for the rest of my life either.
As of March 2013, I noticed I had gained all my weight back that I had lost the previous year. I decided to get back into working out and eating healthy, though this time around I have taken a different approach to things.
I have NOT COUNTED CALORIES AT ALL.
Instead, I have paid attention to my body when eating. I rarely ever get full. And I eat multiple meals throughout the day. I eat to the point of satisfaction. How has this all worked out for me? Well since March 18th, granted I have only lost a total of 9 lbs, I have lost a total of 12.6 inches!
I know that for some of you, counting calories seems fit and is a must. But I suppose it just doesn't work for me. I feel less stressed out if I avoid it. And honestly, I feel that listening to your body and how it feels is very important..
So with that said, does anyone have any input on this subject?
0
Replies
-
IT is to most. You can become good at guessing. But I still count. I dont count calories tho I count macronutrients which is essentially counting calories.0
-
congratulations, you ate in a deficit...
counting calories has nothing to do with weight gain or loss...
Eat less then you take in you will lose...eat more then you take in and you will gain ....
Maybe not counting made it easier for you to eat less?
For me I like to count and keep track of my macros. i do not find it all that tedious...
congrats on your loss...0 -
True. I didn't think too much about macros. My body mostly reacts badly to sugar and salt. But I eat a fairly clean diet. Mostly Paleo. So I don't really worry about it too much.
And yes, I think it made it easier for me to eat less. Not to mention I hate the feeling of being full now.
0 -
Youre carb sensitive. Sugar is a carb. In the end it doesnt matter if ur eating candy or oats. A carb is a carb. The salt thing could def be an issue tho. Cardio and more potassium in ur diet can help that. Again more of a reason to start counting macronutrients (protein carbs fat) and even track some micronurtrients like Sodium and potassium. GL.0
-
I am glad you found something that works for you! For me personally, counting calories works because it keeps my conscious about what I am eating . As a medical student I am already keeping many logs, notes and schedules on everything else so another log doesn't add stress to my life at all. The stressful part about eating clean and working out for me is finding the time to prep and cook and make it to the gym, but I would have that stress regardless of counting calories or not (I have tried) so seeing what I ate recorded makes me feel not only accountable for what I eat but also rewarded and proud.0
-
I know a lot of paleo peeps don't count cals... just watch carb/sugar intake.0
-
Youre carb sensitive. Sugar is a carb. In the end it doesnt matter if ur eating candy or oats. A carb is a carb. The salt thing could def be an issue tho. Cardio and more potassium in ur diet can help that. Again more of a reason to start counting macronutrients (protein carbs fat) and even track some micronurtrients like Sodium and potassium. GL.
Well, mostly simple carbs. I do eat oatmeal and that doesn't seem to be an issue for me. I avoid breads and pastas for the most part too, so maybe you are right lol. I will still eat those things, but only in moderation, every once in a while. I mostly eat vegetables, some fruit (I do eat bananas, berries, and apples), and meat (fish, chicken, sometimes beef).. And the only dairy I really eat is greek yogurt and milk (with protein powder)
Thank you for the advice!0 -
I am glad you found something that works for you! For me personally, counting calories works because it keeps my conscious about what I am eating . As a medical student I am already keeping many logs, notes and schedules on everything else so another log doesn't add stress to my life at all. The stressful part about eating clean and working out for me is finding the time to prep and cook and make it to the gym, but I would have that stress regardless of counting calories or not (I have tried) so seeing what I ate recorded makes me feel not only accountable for what I eat but also rewarded and proud.
I see what you mean. But hey, if it works for you, then that's great!0 -
Before calorie counting I could lose weight, but I never really felt in control of it. It just seemed haphazard-- I would try to eat less, and sometimes it would work and sometimes not. Calorie counting (especially since I bought a food scale) gives me a lot of control, and I like that.
I don't think it's necessary for everyone, but it is the best way imo to figure out what you're doing exactly what what you need to change.0 -
For me it is.0
-
Youre welcome. Altho there may be some people who initially react differently to complex vs simple carbs. I am a firm believer with what many well documented educated nutritionists have documented that in the END a carb is a carb. Being so...that in the End total weightloss does not matter what type of carb you eat. NOW I WILL SAY. For overall health obviously a complex healthy carb source is much better for you. But when it comes to the scale. There shouldnt be much difference in your weekly weigh in. I have consistently lost bodyfat by meeting my carb macros no matter if I ate tons of oats or sweedish fish to reach my macro counts for the day/week.0
-
Now I know most users of MFP count calories and pay careful attention to food intake (i.e. logging food, writing down what they eat), but I was wondering if this is really necessary..
It is impossible to intelligently analyze performance conditions when core data is missing. That's setting oneself up for long term failure because the best method of analysis available is observational. That's what got you to a point where you had to make a change. Doing the same and expecting a different result is not an optimal strategy.0 -
You can lose weight without counting calories simply by changing the types of foods you eat, exercising more, sleeping more, eating out less, drinking less, etc. Often you can get to the "red zone" simply making such lifestyle changes. However, you may eventually plateau and then need to start counting calories to lose the last 10-15 pounds.
Regardless, counting calories is helpful for a lot of reasons you might not realize. Keeping a food journal can be pretty eye opening for many. Also, tracking protein and fiber intake is important (although if you're paleo you're probably good on those). I would strongly recommend counting calories and tracking your macro's for a few months at least. That way you can at least get an idea of how many calories your eating and burning.0 -
yes people are able to lose or gain weight without counting calories/macros. However, by doing so it is a whole lot easier to have a flexible approach to eating towards their goals. Achieving goals without unnecessarily cutting out entire food groups.
Also, many people who are overweight have issues determine what is actual hunger and when they are full. Others, have emotional eating issues, others are just numbers people and like to count (that's me)
And being that body composition changes will differ with different macronutrient ratios but same calories, if people are looking to fine tune their goals then I'd personally recommend tracking macros.0 -
I've done it before, but I'm not bothering right now. I've been losing weight so far by making an effort to eat reasonable portion sizes of fresh, whole foods + exercise. If I find that I reach a plateau, then I might start counting calories to see what's going on. For now, it doesn't seem necessary.0
-
I put on weight eating paleo. That's because it is pseudoscience and only works if, unlike in my case, the foods that are "allowed" don't happen to be your favorite foods. If you eat more than you spend, you put on weight. If you eat less than you spend, you lose weight.
Counting calories and limiting total calories is based on real science, not wild speculation and a vague sense of nostalgia combined with unfounded assumptions about the actual health outcomes of our ancestors. I call this the Garden of Eden effect.
My hunger signals are completely unreliable, just like most people. Again, that has been shown by actual scientists. Using actual evidence. If you are one of the few exceptions, that's great! But I suspect that even in your case, as you get closer and closer to achieving a difficult goal, the amount of data, precision, and effort required to make further progress will increase. It's a common mistake to assume that because you lose the first x number of pounds with small changes, you will be able to keep going without more effort and discipline.0 -
For me it is. I've been doing it for so long it doesn't feel like a chore, it's easy. I still enjoy my food.0
-
Eating Paleo and counting calories are not mutually exclusive things (OP, I know you didn't say or imply this...the other poster in the thread is making it sound that way). I eat paleo,and I've been tracking everything from day one so that I can count calories and pay close attention to my macros.
In the past I've tried to diet by not tracking, and it was a major fail for me.
OP, If your way is working out great for you, continue on.0 -
It's not a necessity, some people like planning their meals for the day, and do so within their calorie limits, and others are very strict about what they eat, and will only eat to the number.
I have a calorie limit of 1750, and I'm lucky if I get to 1200 most days. Thats not intentional, some days I just eat light, and on days where it's warmer.
Some people might find the limit as something to aim towards, or keep under. Some people might find them disciplined enough to only eat to their limit, and not use any of the cushion that eating back calories would provide.
It's a very individual thing. If you have something that works for you, don't feel like you have to do it the way others do :flowerforyou:0 -
Listening to my body does NOT work for me, because my body lies! That's how I put on the weight in the first place. However, it worked well for a friend of a mine who lost quite a bit doing the Paul McKenna thing (basically, eat when you're hungry, stop before you're full).
I have previously lost weight on diets which didn't involve calorie counting. They worked to limit your food intake in some way so that you ended up with less calories, without having to actually count them out. But I do feel more in control with calorie counting at the moment, and I like the flexibility.0 -
It's whatever works for you as an individual! Counting calories is just a mechanic to assist in eating right. For myself it allowed me to actually pay attention to what I was eating and the effect if had on me... a true matter of choice and accountability which may or may not lead to a greater awareness of our habits good and bad. It's not written in stone that one must count calories to suceed... One must find a way to lose weight if that is trully the intention. So whatever the mechanic ... it's the end result we all desire. Also, just counting calories is not the entire game.... being active assists your body in "burning" the foods that "fuel" us.
:happy: 0 -
For some people, it's a really helpful tool. I lost 80 lbs before I joined MFP and started counting calories. I've recently stopped counting because I realized I was just getting obsessed with the numbers rather than eating sensibly and healthily. Since stopping, I've continued to lose weight at roughly the same rate I was when I was counting, so not counting obviously works for me.
But the period of time I spent counting was valuable. It made me more aware of how many calories actually are in the things I eat, and I'm much better at estimating calories now. Just find what works best for you and do it.0 -
Eating Paleo and counting calories are not mutually exclusive things (OP, I know you didn't say or imply this...the other poster in the thread is making it sound that way). I eat paleo,and I've been tracking everything from day one so that I can count calories and pay close attention to my macros.
In the past I've tried to diet by not tracking, and it was a major fail for me.
OP, If your way is working out great for you, continue on.
I didn't imply that at all, but many proponents of paleo actually claim this outright. The OP is not making the case that they are mutually exclusive. Of course if you eat paleo and at the same time do something scientifically justified, the one won't cancel out the other. That would be a ridiculous and self-contradictory claim.
When I did switch to counting calories, I found out that things like brown rice, legumes, bread and even beer are pretty freaking awesome and inexpensive ways to fuel your body. And if I just pair the bread or legumes with an extract from a nifty little fungus called Aspergilus niger, there are no noticeable side effects other than improved performance.0 -
I count calories so I know when I can have a little extra. I'd probably not eat enough if I didn't count, and end up binging or something... and would definitely not be able to maintain that long term.0
-
I wished I could stop counting calories lol I can no longer see food without seeing calories...
Agree with the rest that it is not a necessity if you can eat til satisfaction and not full full! Though it MIGHT come in handy if you're looking to lose those last few pounds!0 -
yes people are able to lose or gain weight without counting calories/macros. However, by doing so it is a whole lot easier to have a flexible approach to eating towards their goals. Achieving goals without unnecessarily cutting out entire food groups.
Also, many people who are overweight have issues determine what is actual hunger and when they are full. Others, have emotional eating issues, others are just numbers people and like to count (that's me)
And being that body composition changes will differ with different macronutrient ratios but same calories, if people are looking to fine tune their goals then I'd personally recommend tracking macros.
^ I agree with all of this.0 -
I also find it tedious. It may be something that I COULD do long-term but I sure as heck don't want to. I do it a few times a week to know if I'm way under or way over how many calories/how much fat I should be consuming. In fact sometimes I find counting calories makes me eat a bit more because I can see how much more I "could" be eating and still be under for that day. I'd like to think I know which food my body needs, and I really should just stick to that more instead of constantly thinking about numbers.0
-
Now I know most users of MFP count calories and pay careful attention to food intake (i.e. logging food, writing down what they eat), but I was wondering if this is really necessary..
It is impossible to intelligently analyze performance conditions when core data is missing. That's setting oneself up for long term failure because the best method of analysis available is observational. That's what got you to a point where you had to make a change. Doing the same and expecting a different result is not an optimal strategy.
I agree. Counting calories makes fat loss a reproducible experiment. I know exactly what I did, and another person could follow the same method and achieve similar results.
It may not be necessary to count calories to lose weight, but it is necessary to reduce your intake to below your expenditure. If you can accomplish that by the seat of your pants, good for you. I prefer more precise methods. I do want to emphasize also that it is not necessary to exclude entire food groups in order to lose fat or to become healthy. In fact, you are more likely to control your body's size long-term on a flexible diet rather than on an elimination diet.0 -
I've done it before, but I'm not bothering right now. I've been losing weight so far by making an effort to eat reasonable portion sizes of fresh, whole foods + exercise. If I find that I reach a plateau, then I might start counting calories to see what's going on. For now, it doesn't seem necessary.
This is exactly how I feel. And now that some of you mention it, I may start tracking macros, or may just do so when I hit a plateau. I do appreciate everyone's input!0 -
Sounds to me as if when you were counting calories obsessively you permanently changed your eating preferences and habits...making counting calories unnecessary since you now eat different foods.0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.4K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 427 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions