I hate calorie counting
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I know what you mean last winter I moved again away from my friends. 2 times in 2 years and ate loads of candy every single night gained more weight. I decided this fall I had to change. I don't eat any sweets anymore except on holidays in moderation. The weight may not be falling off as fast as I want. But I feel great eating healthy and exercising now!enterdanger wrote: »I hate counting too. So I decided to eat "mindfully" Which ended up being BS because I intuited that it was ok to drink all the beer and eat all the cupcakes and gained back 12 lbs. So, I'm kind of half-assed counting now. I leave for a 9 day vacation on Saturday so I'm not feeling real motivated to be good knowing I'm not logging or counting on vacation.
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I think losing weight is relatively easy. I might not have said that when I first started, but since switching my focus to losing fat while gaining muscle -- simply losing weight (no matter where it came from) was easy.
If calorie counting really is your issue (I only hate calorie counting on days when I'm determined to stay within my goals yet I want to eat more), and losing weight it your only goal, check out this book:
amazon.com/Lean-Habits-Lifelong-Weight-Loss/dp/1624141129
It's a sensible, healthy approach to losing weight and staying lean without counting calories. I'd follow it myself but I'm only a few pounds of fat shy of reversing direction and starting my first bulk.0 -
I agree that it can take some time and seem like a pain at first but I would recommend that you really stick with it for a least a few months and see if you are happy with the results. It does get easier as you start to populate your diary with foods that you commonly eat.
This was very true for me. It was a "pain" for the first few days but after that, using my MFP "Frequent" & "Recent" lists and "copying" what I had the previous day or so & just modifying that made it much easier to keep up with the food logging.
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madhatter2013 wrote: »queenliz99 wrote: »You could also try the No "S" diet. No calorie counting at all. No special equipment and very easy to implement. It costs nothing. I kind of follow this myself.
http://www.nosdiet.com
No sweets!!! No way!
Sweets are allowed. Did you read the whole page or just stop at the first line? The premise is very good for someone who does not want to count calories. Weight loss is slow but it is easy to follow.0 -
WooWooMagoo wrote: »crazyfordogs18 wrote: »It's not that hard I have been off sweets for 2 months. I will allow myself a special sweet on the holidays coming up and they are paleo and you use coconut sugar and honey which is better for you.
Believe it or not after a month you don't crave it anymore. Sugar is very very addicting the more you eat it the more you crave. It has been compared to people getting hooked on drugs.madhatter2013 wrote: »queenliz99 wrote: »You could also try the No "S" diet. No calorie counting at all. No special equipment and very easy to implement. It costs nothing. I kind of follow this myself.
http://www.nosdiet.com
No sweets!!! No way!
Oh look everyone, nonsense up there ^^^
That's not nonsense. In itself, there's nothing terrible about sugar. Including sugar in your diet will not make you gain weight. However, sugar does nothing for you on a micro nutrient level and does nothing more than a quick boost on a macro level, almost identical to what you get from eating highly processed simple carbs. Sugar and simple carbs do stimulate reward centers in the brain. And reducing your intake of sugar helps change your tastes so that you appreciate the sweetness in other foods more.
I think cutting back on sugar is a good idea for most people. When you're actually trying to watch what you eat, calories are precious. I still like donuts and other sweets once in a while, but I try not to spend much of my calories on sweets that will do nothing for me.
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However, sugar does nothing for you on a micro nutrient level and does nothing more than a quick boost on a macro level
Well...yeah. The same is true of protein and fat. Macro nutrients, by definition, do nothing for you on a micro nutrient level.
However, it's entirely possible to eat foods that have sugar that DO also contain ingredients that supply micro nutrients (vitamin-fortified cereal being one obvious example).And reducing your intake of sugar helps change your tastes so that you appreciate the sweetness in other foods more.
For some people.
For others, cutting out sugar will only cause them to crave it more and binge.
And for the record, I'm pretty sure the "nonsense" being referred to was the likening of sugar to addictive drugs, though that's the extent of what I'll say about that.0 -
crazyfordogs18 wrote: »I'm really having a hard time trying to lose weight. Because I hate calorie counting, I cook a bunch of healthy meals some that have a lot of ingredients and it is a pain to try to login it. And I will go a little over my calories cause I'm so hungry especially on workout days. I have a couple health problems that make it harder to lose weight. My diet is extremely healthy and clean eating. I don't eat gluten, sugar or anything processed. I have food allergies bad and stick to a strict clean diet. I don't drink soda only unsweetened tea or green tea and tons of water no achohoul.
I eat one to two fruits a day normally an apple and banana. I eat vegetables at lunch and dinner normally steamed veggies and salads. I eat only organic meat I DON'T do second portions.
I just don't know what to do. The meals I have logged in have been very close sometimes a little over for calories. I have been trying to chew gum if I am still hungry and can't have any more food because of calories.
Walk more! Since you already work out, eat healthy and drink tons of water. I notice when I walk more (Notice I didn't say exercise more or exercise harder), everything fell into place. I notice my regular walking calorie burn is similar to me working out moderately on the elliptical. And a walk in a park is like a goldmine calorie burning wise. I measure calories burned 24/7 with Bodymedia so this is how I learned how effective walking is. Give it a shot for one week. Don't hesitate to go back upstairs or down to get something. Walk to the store for that extra item. Get that laundry from the basement as soon as you think about it. All these small items add up to a huge calorie burn bonus in the long run. ;-)
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ceoverturf wrote: »However, sugar does nothing for you on a micro nutrient level and does nothing more than a quick boost on a macro level
Well...yeah. The same is true of protein and fat. Macro nutrients, by definition, do nothing for you on a micro nutrient level.
However, it's entirely possible to eat foods that have sugar that DO also contain ingredients that supply micro nutrients (vitamin-fortified cereal being one obvious example).And reducing your intake of sugar helps change your tastes so that you appreciate the sweetness in other foods more.
For some people.
For others, cutting out sugar will only cause them to crave it more and binge.
And for the record, I'm pretty sure the "nonsense" being referred to was the likening of sugar to addictive drugs, though that's the extent of what I'll say about that.
Sugar is not a macro. Protein is essential for life, as is fat. Sugar in no way belongs in the same category.
And yes, sugar is usually combined with other foods. Those other foods may or may not have specific benefits.
Cutting down on sugar = a resulting sugar binge? Aside from that sounding like you making the case FOR sugar being addictive, sugar binges are just part of the adaption. Give it time and your taste buds will become more sensitive. Also, those donuts won't taste as good as they used to.
And last, simple carbs like sugar do trigger chemical/ brain rewards.0 -
ceoverturf wrote: »However, sugar does nothing for you on a micro nutrient level and does nothing more than a quick boost on a macro level
Well...yeah. The same is true of protein and fat. Macro nutrients, by definition, do nothing for you on a micro nutrient level.
However, it's entirely possible to eat foods that have sugar that DO also contain ingredients that supply micro nutrients (vitamin-fortified cereal being one obvious example).And reducing your intake of sugar helps change your tastes so that you appreciate the sweetness in other foods more.
For some people.
For others, cutting out sugar will only cause them to crave it more and binge.
And for the record, I'm pretty sure the "nonsense" being referred to was the likening of sugar to addictive drugs, though that's the extent of what I'll say about that.
Sugar is not a macro. Protein is essential for life, as is fat. Sugar in no way belongs in the same category.
Sugar is a pure carb...ie a macro.And yes, sugar is usually combined with other foods. Those other foods may or may not have specific benefits.
I would go so far to say it's ALWAYS combined with other ingredients. I mean maybe there's a few randoms out there ingesting spoonfuls of pure sugar, but that's hardly the norm. Which is why taking it out of the context of the entirety of the food/recipe is somewhat baffling to me.Cutting down on sugar = a resulting sugar binge?
For some people yes. Not for me, but others have reported that. I don't presume to assume they're lying.Aside from that sounding like you making the case FOR sugar being addictive
How do you make that leap of (non)logic?Also, those donuts won't taste as good as they used to.
That sounds like a horrible way to live life. I prefer living a life where I CAN occasionally enjoy things that taste good from time to time.And last, simple carbs like sugar do trigger chemical/ brain rewards.
That wasn't what the person being quoted said though. Of course, smashing your finger with a hammer triggers many of the same chemical responses, so yeah there's that.
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Ceoverturl, as you know, macros are protein, carbohydrates and fat. Sugar is a carb, yes, but it's a subset of carbs. Sugar is not a macro.
Sugar is ALWAYS combined with other ingredients? Probably. I've eaten sugar by itself. It doesn't taste so good when it's not combined with other things.
A sugar binge in response to trying to quit sounds like addiction to me. If it doesn't sound that way to you, that's fine. It's not a major point anyway. The point is that you adapt. Sugar cravings/addictions/fantasies/wishings, or whatever you want to call them, decrease as you decrease your consumption.
Donuts don't taste as good sounds like a horrible way to live life? I didn't say they don't taste good. They do. Sometimes. But they taste different. I now get subtle aftertastes that I didn't used to taste before. Does that still sound horrible? I don't see it as good or bad. It's just what it is. I still eat donuts when I want to. Other times, times when I'm trying to stay away from them, I remind myself that they don't really taste all that great. Sometimes it works, other times I have a donut anyway.
As far as what the original sugar poster posted, I thought it could be interpreted a couple different ways. My objection was to the guy who pounced and ridiculed the post. I didn't think the response was appropriate. (I just went back to reread his/her response to make sure I got the whole thing but the post is now gone.) Anyway, I'm all for correcting posts that you think are factually incorrect, or adding or questioning content. But ridiculing someone out of the blue is not something that I like seeing, so I called him on it.0 -
It is a pain in the butt, but atleast for me... It's the only way i stay on track. I pre log my meals the night before so i don't stress out and it keeps me from wavering to foods i shouldnt have or snacks i should not be having.
And there are many home made dishes that are hard to calculate the cals for so i just try to pick the closest number i think fits and i usually pick the higher calorie to log so I stay under my allotted intake for the day. It's hard but you can do it! Keep at it!
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crazyfordogs18 wrote: »I have just started it has almost been a month though I have only lost 5lbs which sucks. Calorie goal for the day is 1,710 I have a condition that makes it harder to lose weight. I wanted to just let everyone know what a daily day of food looks like for me.
Breakfast
Green tea with a teaspoon of honey
1/4 cup of ground flaxseed with a 1/4 cup of coconut milk (it is like an oatmeal you heat it up)
I add in a banana and 2 tablespoons of almond butter.
Lunch
Two or three slices of boars head deli meat Turkey or Ham or chicken I switch it up.
1 slice of cheese and a babybell cheese
Left over steamed vegetables normally a bowl full.
Dinner
Normally a meat, steamed veggies and a salad
I cook a lot of paleo recipes. My portion at night can sometimes be too big I'm going to cut back even more.
Late night snack
If I'm still hungry I will eat an apple before bed.lemurcat12 wrote: »Either work on figuring out calorie counting and how to make it easier for yourself or find a different way to eat less.
I don't know how long you've been doing this, but I found that it got easier as it went along, since I learned to spot the good entries or already had them in my diary or foods. I don't tend to use a lot of ingredients (I use lots of vegetables, but not lots of other things like making a marinade or some such, so my cooking might be simpler), but one thought is to create some standard recipes for yourself based on what you plan to cook that week on the weekend and then just adjust quantities. Also remember to save recipes or meals to adjust if you have them again.
I found it fun to track what I was eating, and the attitude toward it probably makes a difference. (I note down weights when cooking and I weigh after chopping--during cooking or when setting up a mis en place. It really adds no time. The ingredients I use are generally easy to find now, since I tend to use lots of the same things.)
If you find counting is just not for you, try other ways to eat less: cut quantities, decrease portions of higher cal items (a bit less oil or cheese or butter, smaller portions of the starch course) and replace with more non-starchy vegetables. Or swap out some fattier meats for leaner meats/fish. Other tricks that people use to eat less without counting are eating only at meals or having an eating window.
From what you write it doesn't sound like you are eating that much--what's your calorie goal? How much are you trying to lose? Are you giving this enough time before deciding you are having a hard time?
5 pounds in a month is a good rate of loss. Since you didn't include any measurements in grams, my guess is that you are not weighing things with a kitchen scale. If you want to be sure that you are eating within your goal, get a digital kitchen scale and use it. Then log your foods using good MFP entries (those from the USDA, food labels, etc.)0 -
Ceoverturl, as you know, macros are protein, carbohydrates and fat. Sugar is a carb, yes, but it's a subset of carbs. Sugar is not a macro.
Well, the argument you put forth is that sugar doesn't contain micro nutrients. My point is sugar, being 100% carb, obviously doesn't contain micronutrients. The same could be argued of 100% fat (lard for example) or 100% protein (whey isolate for example). My point, is it's a weak, non-sensical argument.A sugar binge in response to trying to quit sounds like addiction to me. If it doesn't sound that way to you, that's fine. It's not a major point anyway. The point is that you adapt. Sugar cravings/addictions/fantasies/wishings, or whatever you want to call them, decrease as you decrease your consumption.
And again, my point being that is YOUR experience. Others have reported the opposite effect. You keep applying your own experience as if it were the truth for all.Donuts don't taste as good sounds like a horrible way to live life? I didn't say they don't taste good.
No, that's EXACTLY what you said.
Give it time and your taste buds will become more sensitive. Also, those donuts won't taste as good as they used to.But ridiculing someone out of the blue is not something that I like seeing, so I called him on it.
Fair enough...I can agree on that point. But the post WAS ridiculous, and though I don't support ridiculing the poster, ridiculous content can and should be pointed out.
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You go ahead and argue that sugar is a macro. I'm obviously not going to get through to you on this.
Donuts don't taste as good. AS good. They still taste good, but not as good. Do I need more words than "as" and "good?" I should be able to come up with something if necessary.
And I didn't necessarily think the original post was ridiculous. It might have been, because you could have read it that way. Or it might have been something more reasonable. I usually try to give people the benefit of the doubt rather than assuming that I know what they're thinking, even though they never posted those thoughts.0 -
You taste buds change when you cut out sweets believe me. Before I always craved candy and chocolate and know I can eat watermelon or an apple and it tastes sweet like a dessert. I have an autoimmune diease skin and inflammation arthritis that is way worse with sugar. I have had sugar on special occasion and let me tell you enjoy it wayyy better when you don't eat it often.
Sugar and sweets was always my downfall, I couldn't just eat one cookie or one candy I would binge eat.
I understand some people may not be able to go cold turkey and cut out sweets. It has worked for me and my family.
You can make sweets with honey and coconut sugar it is way better for you.
I was trying to share a healthy brownie recipe but don't know how to share links on here?ceoverturf wrote: »However, sugar does nothing for you on a micro nutrient level and does nothing more than a quick boost on a macro level
Well...yeah. The same is true of protein and fat. Macro nutrients, by definition, do nothing for you on a micro nutrient level.
However, it's entirely possible to eat foods that have sugar that DO also contain ingredients that supply micro nutrients (vitamin-fortified cereal being one obvious example).And reducing your intake of sugar helps change your tastes so that you appreciate the sweetness in other foods more.
For some people.
For others, cutting out sugar will only cause them to crave it more and binge.
And for the record, I'm pretty sure the "nonsense" being referred to was the likening of sugar to addictive drugs, though that's the extent of what I'll say about that.
Sugar is not a macro. Protein is essential for life, as is fat. Sugar in no way belongs in the same category.
And yes, sugar is usually combined with other foods. Those other foods may or may not have specific benefits.
Cutting down on sugar = a resulting sugar binge? Aside from that sounding like you making the case FOR sugar being addictive, sugar binges are just part of the adaption. Give it time and your taste buds will become more sensitive. Also, those donuts won't taste as good as they used to.
And last, simple carbs like sugar do trigger chemical/ brain rewards.
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You go ahead and argue that sugar is a macro. I'm obviously not going to get through to you on this.
Passive aggressive insults aside, my argument, as I clarified, is that sugar is 100% carb. It contains nothing else. Making the argument, as you did, that it doesn't contain micronutrients is as silly as complaining that 100% whey protein don't contain micronutrients.
Since you seem to be stuck on semantics over content, I will concede that you will not see "sugar" listed as a macronutrient. However, to deny that it is entirely, 100% carbs is disingenuous as well.
As to the latter, I cannot possibly fathom how one could NOT see someone equating sugar with addictive drugs as ridiculous.0 -
I didn't deny that sugar is 100% carbs. I didn't try to verify whether it is or not, but your claim sounds right to me. But sugar is not a macro, sugar is a type of carbohydrate. It is a subset. I will not call you passive aggressive, illogical or silly. But really, stop arguing and just think for a minute.
And sugar has been shown in tests to trigger some of the same reward responses as cocaine. That doesn't mean that sugar is as addictive as cocaine, but there is definitely something there beyond just the pleasant taste of sugar.
OK, I quit. I don't have to have the last word, but I'm done going in circles.0 -
Yes Amen!
And sugar has been shown in tests to trigger some of the same reward responses as cocaine. That doesn't mean that sugar is as addictive as cocaine, but there is definitely something there beyond just the pleasant taste of sugar.
OK, I quit. I don't have to have the last word, but I'm done going in circles.[/quote]
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So I guess what we should take away from this little argument is that calorie counting is tedious but works and we should all ditch sugar and start doing coke.0
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Can't stand coke, will Pepsi, or better yet, gin and tonic do instead?
Sorry for the frivolity, enterdanger's post hit me on the silly side.
Cheers, h.0
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