Calorie shocker!

Thanks for the additional info with regards to not all high cal food being bad for you, it's quite reassuring, although I think I'm still going to have to cut out most of my favourite foods as I am a bit of a junk food addict. I'm not going to overly stress about it as I'm at a good steady weight right now so I can cut down on my intake and make changes quite gradually which will make it easier - plus I think I'll be more likely to stick with it rather than if I went on an all out major ban of all the foods I love in one go.

Well, I just joined today and entered what I was planning to eat/drink. I was shocked to learn I couldn't have even one coke or it would put me over my allotted sugars for the day. Super sad day in the life of a coke addict.

I feel your pain. I am another coke addict - I knew I was going to have to cut that out completely, but figured I'd replace it with orange juice as I quite like it - put my first orange juice drink in and it's pretty much the same as coke! I know that orange juice is loads better for you than coke though despite the high calories but still thinking it's going to end up being just water from now on until I figure out my proper eating plan.

I know it seems daunting and overwhelming to see the number of calories you are eating in your food, but it does not mean that you have to give up all of your favorite things. It's all about moderation. Eat less. I have learned to weigh and measure everything and while it does seem that some portions are small compared to what you were used to eating- that is the problem. We don't truly understand the size of a proper portion. Cereal, for example, is typically 2/3-1cup depending on the cereal. Add 1/2 cup of milk or soy milk or whatever. I find that I can eat bran flake- 90 calories per cup + 1/2 cup milk= 45 calories (for skim), I usually add 1/2 cup of blueberries or strawberries at about 45 calories and then greek yogurt(on the side- not in the cereal) (either Dannon light and fit at 80 calories or Chobani bites at 100 calories)- it's a great breakfast and only between 260-280 calories. You just need to think smart about how much you are eating. That doesn't mean you should fill your day with tons of junk food, but it's ok to have a little bit now and then. Plan it in to your eating for the day, and don't be afraid to try new things. I have found that I really enjoy lettuce wraps in place of my bread at lunch.
Eat well!

This is a good way to go about it. Just remember though...caloric density has nothing to do with nutrient density. Too many people on MFP and dieters in general cut out very nutritious and healthy foods because of calorie content...it's high calorie, so it must be "bad" mentality. Many foods that you most definitely should be eating because of their nutritional value are also very calorie dense. Conversely, many foods with very low calories have little to no nutritional value.

Also kepe in mind that you need fats...people get all freaked out when they see the fat number and go all low fat/no fat. Fat is an essential nutrient...you need it for heart health and overall organ function. Your brain is largely comprised of fat. Many nutrients are fat soluble, so you need to consume fats in order for your body to absorb these nutrients. Fat also regulates hormones and this is essential to being healthy and to weight loss.

Just seek balance in your diet (noun).

Well I put in my orange juice earlier I wanted to cry thinking of how much exercise it'd take to burn those calories.

Keep in mind that your body burns a ton of calories just existing. In fact, the vast majority of your "burn" is just existing. On average, BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) calories equate to roughly 70% of an individuals daily calorie needs. For me, that's roughly 1800-1900 calories. On average, your NEAT and TEF (Non Exercise Activity Thermogenesis and Thermal Effect of Food) make up another 15% - 20% and actual exercise is going to be roughly 10%-15% on average. Of course, this differs based on individual activity levels...an athlete for example will burn a ton more calories exercising, therefore their BMR is going to account for less of their daily burn, etc...but just to give you a ball park average.

I only bring it up because it's a bit of a sliperly slope towards disordered thinking to start looking at caloric inputs and then think you have to go work all of that off.