Do you expect to count calories the rest of your life?

Kind of. I estimate my calories. I only try to get the correct amount when I am keeping track on this site. Other than that I look at an item and round the calories from the nutrition label, or guess how many calories the item has based on similar items I eat. I have actually lost weight this way.

No, just carbs.

And keep an eye on the scale.

This is what I expect to do, I hope.

No way!

I don't plan on counting calories forever. Personally I came here to lose my last 20lbs, I lost my first 30 over the span of a couple years by making some lifestyle and diet changes and without counting calories. I hovered at the same weight for another year but I wasn't actively trying to lose at that point. I think the closer you get to your goal you need to be more accurate and counting calories is a foolproof way of ensuring a deficit. It's a great tool but my plan is to eventually use my clothes and occasional weigh ins to keep myself aware if weight is creeping back on, and not to worry about numbers so much. It would drive me insane and I could see myself becoming obsessed and ruled by it if I do this forever.

I think one day you'll instinctually know how many calories are in things. This means that you won't have to waste your time, figuring out how healthy something is or how many cals is in it. I am almost to the stage where I can look at something/anything and know how many cals are in it.

And if I were to count calories for the rest of my life, so what? I know you mean to make that sound arduous but I don't consider it that way. It's such a small thing lol...

Yes. Just like I'll always keep track of the money that I'm spending so I don't blow my monetary budget.

Been maintaining for just shy of 3 years, and have tracked calories the whole time.

and

Guys, I am 52 years old and MFP makes this sooo much easier that it was in the old days - using calorie books, etc.- that I will gladly record my meals for the rest of my life if is makes me healthier and more attractive.

I love MFP!

I'm 55 and I remember those books. :-)

I love logging. Offsite I keep a spreadsheet because I love number-crunching.

Do I measure everything meticulously? No. I don't have to know exactly how much lettuce I'm eating. On the other hand, I do measure what for me are "controlled substances," like cheese and nuts.

And when I have a meal that's not my usual fare, I like to know the macros, as close as I can peg them. It's budgeting. It also means I'm more aware of how my weight fluctuates. It keeps me accountable and it keeps me on track, first through weight loss and now through maintenance.

As the first quote implies, is balancing a checkbook a "lifestyle change"? Nope. How about other daily habits, like brushing teeth and checking email? Nope. For me, logging is a good habit and the feedback I get from it helps keep me healthy.

(Edited to fix a coding glitch.)

Yes, I do expect to count calories for the rest of my life. NOT counting them is what got me over 100 pounds overweight.

I got fat counting! The obsessing over hitting a number caused major binges! I never was over weight until I dieted to lose weight! This month I decided 'no more', I will eat like my slender friends who don't count and know nothing about micros and macros! I will eat 1-3 meals per day at the table! With time I will weigh what I am suppose to!

I hate the idea of it, but that might be what it takes.

Yes. The western diet has an abundance of cheap, easily available, tasty, high calorie food. I cannot depend on my natural tendencies and feelings of satiation to guide me in this minefield.