Anyone have success counting calories?

you pretty much described what MFP is about. And if people want to watch macros they can follow IIFYM and still have pizza.

Good luck!

Edit: and yes, this thread will probably go places.. ignore those places OP and just stick with your plan. You can get familiar with the forum with time :laugh:

This is what I've been doing, and I've lost 2 pounds since the beginning of the year. I used to be the same way and would follow really strict diets that just weren't sustainable . . . now I just make sure I come in at or a little under my calorie goal and that's that. It's awesome, and I don't feel at all deprived or like I'm going crazy trying to be perfect, if that makes sense.

that's kinda what people here on MFP do...given that it's a calorie counting food diary....and yes, I lost 40 Lbs calorie counting. It requires precision...so go get a food scale.

Everyone has success counting calories. As long as you are counting accurately and eating at a deficit.

Two years ago, I dropped 60 lbs, largely with counting calories (and, y'know, training for the cage).

...the downside of rapid weight loss though is your gallbladder might go plooey, but since you only have 5 lbs to lose, I think you're good.

Now granted I don't need to lose much, just about 5 pounds (and I hear the last few are the hardest), but time and time again, I keep trying to follow particular diets thinking they are thee way to go. In the process certain foods are off limits, but then eventually I get tired of following that diet and trying to be perfect all the time and go off it (usually binging in the process on "bad food"). Why I keep doing this again and again I don't know. Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment. Maybe I can't believe weight loss can be that simple...

Anyways I want to try something revolutionary for me. I am going to eat whatever I want as long as it fits into my calorie budget. Now this does not mean I'm going to throw nutrition out the window and subsist soley on junkfood, but I am going to allow myself pizza, or icecream if I want it.

Has anyone had success with this revolutionary plan of mine? Or do you find it really is about carbs or certain macros? Thanks!

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yep

I've lost 80 pounds in a year counting calories, so yes it works.

Calories in less than calories out = weight loss

It is really that simple.

I am NO expert but have been where you are and have had lots of friends who are where you are so can speak from experience as well as the advise and research that came out of me sorting through everything.

Unless you are tiny or not doing any form of exercise 1200 calories is really to few, even if MFP suggests it. The "last 5 lbs" can mean different things, if you are trying to get in shape and loose that last bit of fat holding you back you need to add exercise and focus on the details of food you are consuming. If you are simply trying to weigh less then a calorie is a calorie, you may notice a change in the scale but your body might not physically improve.

I have lost "the last 5lbs" both ways and can speak from experience you want to do the 1st route, I can not tell you how much of a difference it really makes! I felt fantastic, really looked better, and had energy to burn. Just do not be scared if the scale goes up because muscle weight more then fat. When I get lazy, eat what I want and stop working out, the scale goes down and my self satisfaction goes down with it QUICKLY.

You do not need to take any extreme route, it sounds like you are healthy enough and just need to fine tune. I do not believe in cutting anything out, if you do not allow chocolate that is all you will want and eventually you will binge, its all about a well rounded diet with well rounded exercise.

You can do it!!