Does counting calories really help?

tejohnson935
tejohnson935 Posts: 6
edited November 2024 in Introduce Yourself
Just got this app it's really neat but does it help?

Replies

  • procyonlupus
    procyonlupus Posts: 34 Member
    I've lost 4 pounds in a week just using this app alone. It helps you realize what you're eating, how much, and the quality of your food as well as your exercise. I've seen people lose over 100 pounds on this app alone!
  • wizzybeth
    wizzybeth Posts: 3,578 Member
    You get out of it what you put into it. I've lost 14 lbs since Jan 25 using it faithfully and accurately.
  • tejohnson935
    tejohnson935 Posts: 6
    Wow really any tips?if I don't go over my calories for the day does it matter what time you eat?
  • slucki01
    slucki01 Posts: 284 Member
    The app is a tool, and a good one. The real key is what you do with it. Be consistent and be honest in your logging and you'll have success
  • Hornsby
    Hornsby Posts: 10,322 Member
    From 255 and 30% body fat to 175 and 10% body fat. I think it helps... ;)
  • ajnb88
    ajnb88 Posts: 339 Member
    Yes, but it can take over your life if you obsess over it too much. (At least, it did to me).
  • wizzybeth
    wizzybeth Posts: 3,578 Member
    No it doesnt matter what time of day you eat - just stay within your calorie goals for the day. :) there are some helpful threads I will post for you to check out - it does take some practice and trial and error and you need to be patient with your progress and be willing to be flexible. but yes, it DOES work.
  • QueerAbuela
    QueerAbuela Posts: 23 Member
    weight loss is all about calories in and calories out. If you are at a deficit in your calories you will lose weight. Counting calories accurately is the best tool you can use to lose weight. that's what really matters, all the other weight loss rumors are just that. Rumors that rarely have any scientific evidence to back them up. so no, I don't really think it matters what time you eat, just eat less calories and burn off more with exercise.
  • yusaku02
    yusaku02 Posts: 3,472 Member
    It works as long as you're honest.
  • wizzybeth
    wizzybeth Posts: 3,578 Member
    Start out reading these threads. You don't have have to read the entire threads, but definitely read the first posts...

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants#latest

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1235566/so-youre-new-here#latest

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10012907/logging-accuracy-consistency-and-youre-probably-eating-more-than-you-think#latest
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    See the success threads, yes the app helps. You do the actual work.
  • tejohnson935
    tejohnson935 Posts: 6
    Wow guys thank you !!!!
  • MissMelissa514
    MissMelissa514 Posts: 63 Member
    Counting calories is amazing and logging it and seeing exactly what you're eating helps so much. I've lost over 60lbs. I've been using this app religiously for over a year.
  • wizzybeth
    wizzybeth Posts: 3,578 Member
    Some words of advice:

    1. Weigh yourself at the same time of day wearing the same clothing - i.e., in the morning when you get up, after going to the bathroom and before eating/drinking or getting dressed.
    2. Know that your weight will fluctuate daily. You may weigh 4lbs or more higher at night than in the morning. You may retain water (esp. if you start exercising or eat high sodium foods) Some folks like to weigh themselves often; I prefer 1 or 2x a week.
    3. Weigh your foods with a food scale (great $20 investment) rather than using measuring cups/spoons. Use cups/spoons for liquids only
    4. Be sure to verify the accuracy of the food you enter. I usually enter my own stuff or scan UPC codes with my phone. Since I tend to eat a lot of the same foods over and over, it is relatively easy for me. Home made foods may be harder - enter each item individually in the recipe builder for things like casseroles, etc.
    5. Drink lots of water - it does help avoid water retention and helps you feel fuller. Sometimes when you want to munch on snacks you may actually be thirsty...I usually make myself drink a cup or two of water before giving in to an urge to munch. :)
    6. Eat the foods you ENJOY and make room for them. Don't force yourself to eat things you hate simply because you think it has to be that way. Take a peek at my diary and see - you have to be sensible...of course...and I focus on trying to meet my nutritional needs (protein, calcium, iron, fiber, fat, potassium, etc) as well as staying below my calories. But sometimes, I treat myself. :) You're allowed!
    7. Be wary of the calories MFP allows you for exercise . They are often overinflated...I take about half of the calories that MFP gives me for exercise.
  • markbainvw1
    markbainvw1 Posts: 5
    I have used it for 2 days and already I am feeling a difference.

    The app really opens your eyes to what you really consume and it helps you radically change your diet and lifestly.

    I realised I was consuming too many calories and as I am a regular runner it was counteractive, you can't just eat what you like just because you run!

    Its an invaluable tool and I will be using it every step of the way.
  • vixtris
    vixtris Posts: 688 Member
    Yes it helps!! Weight loss is about diet. Calories in and calories out!
  • callsitlikeiseeit
    callsitlikeiseeit Posts: 8,626 Member
    i eat exactly what i want (which includes a whole ton of 'eat out' meals), and have lost 23 pounds in almost 2 months. many more pounds to go, but yes, if you do it correctly, it does indeed work!
  • mjones1029
    mjones1029 Posts: 14 Member
    Wow this has helped me. I have read so much on gluten,carbs, wheat etc that I was stressing out about carbs rather than calories and I was not losing weight. When I started logging I saw that my calories were way too high despite 25 grams of carbs per day.
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