Can i just look at Calories instead of the carbs/fat/prot

I have just been counting calories and calories only not worrying to much about bread vs meat and the weight is flying off. I am sticking with it until i hit a bumb in the road.

Honestly, I think you should concentrate on your calories first. Once you have a better idea of how much you can eat each day, then you can start to make smarter choices to make sure you're getting plenty of protein and not too much fat, etc.

I started counting just calories. Then I concentrated on watching protein, then fat, then sodium, cholesterol, sugar, etc. You can't fix it all at one time, but if you figure out one thing at a time, you'll start to be able to balance it all.

Hi there! I would very much recommend looking at fats/proteins/carbs and add fiber to what you keep track of daily. I suggest you up your daily protein goal and lower your daily carb goal. MFP has a very low protein goal and I have found, along with others, that I lose more weight and feel full longer once I upped up my daily protein.

Also, try to stay below your daily fat goal and your daily carb goal. Try to stay at or above your daily fiber goal. Fiber will keep you satisfied and keep you feeling full longer.

Drink plenty, plenty, plenty of water! Of course you can have a treat once in awhile. It is all about balance. Message me if you have any questions. I hope I have helped!

Honestly, I think you should concentrate on your calories first. Once you have a better idea of how much you can eat each day, then you can start to make smarter choices to make sure you're getting plenty of protein and not too much fat, etc.

I started counting just calories. Then I concentrated on watching protein, then fat, then sodium, cholesterol, sugar, etc. You can't fix it all at one time, but if you figure out one thing at a time, you'll start to be able to balance it all.

agree totally! I started off with just calories, when the weight loss slowed I focused on sodium mainly and within reason on everything else

I mainly look at calories and just use common sense as far as food choices go. Everything in moderation makes the most sense. Not too many sweets, not too much sodium and of course lots of vegetables and fruits!

The great thing about this site is that it's YOUR site. Use it as you need. So, like me, I look mostly at the overall calories, and secondly at the fats. I always go over on protein because I tend to try to go more for lower carb and fat. So, use this tool as you need and you will be successful.

I agree. Calories first then the nutrients, if your focus is trying to loose weight. Eventually your focus will shift a bit, to say, toning up, and you may want to keep a closer eye on your protein, carbs, etc.

And as for the sugary treats, it's like Ricci32 said "In the end it's all about portion control." A piece of candy isn't going to even slow you down a bit on your journey. A 2 lbs bag of M&Ms however might have some repercussions. :laugh:

Definately want to look at the whole picture. Is your weight coming off?
If it isnt then really start to watch your sugar and carb intake. These should be on the lower end of the scale. Too many of these just takes your body that much long to burn off your fat because it's first place to burn off calories is your excess carbs and sugars...carbs turn into sugar and than fat....by lower these your body will be able to burn off directly the excess fat rather than trying to burn off the excess carb intake. Does that make sense? Definatley hit your protein and add more than they recommend if you can too. I eat around 90 grams of protein a day. I always have a protein shake in the morning and sometime as a snack in the afternoon. Protein makes you feel more satified and will help you add more lean muscle mass to your body. People who don't eat enough protein when dieting actually lose there muscle mass and get replaced with bigger fat cells. By eating high amounts of protein you will get rid of the excess fat and replace it with more muscle which in turns makes your look more lean...thinner....and youll be able to eat more calories. 5 lbs of mucscle is about 10x smaller than 5 lbs of fat. Plus the more muscle you have the more calories you burn up in a day.....the more energy your body uses to do things. I hope that helps.

That's the best part about this site, calculating ALL of your nutrients for maximum health
AND weight loss! I lost weight through weight watchers but was only able to lose my last ten pounds after starting this site. I was eating way too much sugar and sodium! After watching those closely, ( I keep my sugars under 15 grams a day) I have lost my ten pounds and want to see what four more pounds lost looks like! It is quite a challenge to keep ALL of your nutrients in the recommended range. That's why weight watchers has changed their program, people were eating 100 calories cookie packs instead of vegetables or protein, which are more healthy.