out of denial

Hi everyone!
I am joining this site after ddoing WW for over a year. I wanted to switch to basic calorie counting instead of "buying into" the whole WW culture. I think WW is great to get started and it has helped be to stop gaining and lose some. But for a long term effort, calorie counting and exercise are all you really need. I am hopeful that this site helps me get a better handle on my calorie consumption rather than my "point" consumption. I realize that I had been in denial about how FEW calories I need each day in order to lose at the rate I would like to. Holy Cow! My friend is a dietician; she has been telling me for years that people NEED about half of what we actually consume! She wasn't kidding! I look forward to sharing and receiving support in the effort. Happy New Year everyone!