Non-Calorie Counters STAND UP!! Share your Tips for Weightloss
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I am down a little over 30 lbs without counting or logging calories. I've lost weight without counting before so I knew I could do it. I'm a numbers person so I thought tracking would be fun and interesting. But it wasn't. It turns out I like to know the numbers but having to put in the effort to collect the numbers myself was just tedious.
My only tip would be to listen to your body. It will tell you when you need fuel and when you are full. Also, you know what you were eating before so make sure you are eating less than that. Your body will also tell you when you are eating too much or too little by whether you are not losing or losing too quickly.6 -
Um, this is a calorie counting site. Doesn't make sense to not count calories on a calorie counting site.changedbyhisgrace wrote: »Hi there,
I'm Tandi! I wanted to hear some of the "non-calorie counters" (Those who choose not to count calories)tips for weight loss. Even if you've lost 1lb and feel this routine/regimen is working for you, feel free to share!
I will start: I made a decision to stop counting calories, as this does not work with me. I've tried for years to keep taking the same advice I read about and receive from people and is still unsuccessful. I now focus more on nutrition. I track and ensure I am taking in the essential nutrients/minerals daily (Vit A and C, Fiber, Protein, etc.) within moderation of course.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
This is NOT a calorie counting site. This is a food diary/fitness tracker app provided by Under Armour. You can use it to record your food eaten, track food for macros, intake calories, exercise journal, track your weight loss, measurements etc.
OP, in the past I have just used portion control and a food diary without actually counting the calories. Palm sized portion of protein, fist sized portion of carbs and mostly as many green veggies or salad as I wanted. In the end the scale and how your clothes fit is the most accurate way of tracking results of how you are eating and exercising. Tracking the calories can give you some more fine tuned data to help you tweak your intake.6 -
Need2Exerc1se wrote: »I am down a little over 30 lbs without counting or logging calories. I've lost weight without counting before so I knew I could do it. I'm a numbers person so I thought tracking would be fun and interesting. But it wasn't. It turns out I like to know the numbers but having to put in the effort to collect the numbers myself was just tedious.
My only tip would be to listen to your body. It will tell you when you need fuel and when you are full. Also, you know what you were eating before so make sure you are eating less than that. Your body will also tell you when you are eating too much or too little by whether you are not losing or losing too quickly.
if that were true then people wouldn't post how they feel they are starving after going on a reasonable calorie limit. your body can't tell you you're losing weight too fast... you have to realize what is a proper amount of weight loss for your given numbers2 -
When I was younger I didn't need to count. I didn't eat very much then, just ate junk and was very, very active. So then I could just cut out the junk food and soda and easily drop weight. Now I am older, I have increased how much I eat a lot because I'm not as active. I work in an office and I have access to food all day. So it is a lot harder to say no. So I have to count calories so I know my limit for the day. If I worked at a job where I was non-stop go go go again I probably wouldn't have to count calories as I have changed the way I eat and would have less time to eat and would also be burning more calories. But I am having trouble finding a job that is a balance of both because with my hernia now I can't do lifting and a lot of bending anymore and with stomach problems I prefer having a job where I have easy access to the bathroom.0
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BillMcKay1 wrote: »
Um, this is a calorie counting site. Doesn't make sense to not count calories on a calorie counting site.changedbyhisgrace wrote: »Hi there,
I'm Tandi! I wanted to hear some of the "non-calorie counters" (Those who choose not to count calories)tips for weight loss. Even if you've lost 1lb and feel this routine/regimen is working for you, feel free to share!
I will start: I made a decision to stop counting calories, as this does not work with me. I've tried for years to keep taking the same advice I read about and receive from people and is still unsuccessful. I now focus more on nutrition. I track and ensure I am taking in the essential nutrients/minerals daily (Vit A and C, Fiber, Protein, etc.) within moderation of course.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
This is NOT a calorie counting site. This is a food diary/fitness tracker app provided by Under Armour. You can use it to record your food eaten, track food for macros, intake calories, exercise journal, track your weight loss, measurements etc.
OP, in the past I have just used portion control and a food diary without actually counting the calories. Palm sized portion of protein, fist sized portion of carbs and mostly as many green veggies or salad as I wanted. In the end the scale and how your clothes fit is the most accurate way of tracking results of how you are eating and exercising. Tracking the calories can give you some more fine tuned data to help you tweak your intake.
you do realize that UA just bought this site maybe a year ago right???? and it's not just an app...I use it on my computer almost exclusively.
OP I lost weight without counting, I prefer losing with counting...less guess work involved and less stress for me.
My son...lost without counting just smaller portions...he made sure he ate lots of protein (cause he listened to him Mom
)
You can do it both ways...most on here tho are to count calories watch macros and other nutrients.
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I counted calories in the past to lose weight and was successful in reaching my goal weight but not maintaining it. Counting calories was all I thought about and in the end I threw it all away and put all the weight back on plus a bit more.
I now eat 3 meals plus 1 snack a day and am losing weight with ease. My experience with counting has helped though because I can look at a meal and have a ballpark figure of calories and macros without counting every single thing.
I am also on week 7 of Strong Curves and if I hadn't stayed on MFP I would never have been inspired by the stories of a lot of women on this site to try weightlifting.
MFP has so much more to offer than calorie counting!3 -
I read this article about how someone dropped 50 lbs not by counting calories but eating nutritious food. The article also has an Asian flair but much of the wisdom can be used in our life as well. Regarding calories: an important takeaway from the article is if you eat fresh and natural food, it should be naturally filling and nourishing, and it won't be easy to eat beyond your proper calorie range.
I've been followings some of the suggestions provided, now I'm 7 pounds down and didn't really make too much effort.
Read the article if you have time. It's not a short one, but definitely gives very strong insights on some most critical topics on weight loss.3 -
Need2Exerc1se wrote: »My only tip would be to listen to your body. It will tell you when you need fuel and when you are full.
The only problem is that the brain mechanism that does that hasn't evolved past the cave stage. So it keeps telling you need more and high calorie foods or you will die of starvation!
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I agree with @SezxyStef but anyway OP, if you really want to lose weight without actually counting calories, just eat less and weigh yourself like once a week. After a few weeks, if you aren't losing, eat less and then re-evaluate.
It's a lot more guesswork but it doesn't involve weighing or measuring anything3 -
OP you can certainly lose weight not counting calories. But IMO it is harder to put yourself in a calorie deficit if you aren't counting them. I think that the title of your thread is inviting a fight between calorie counters (which is probably a large portion of the people on mfp- again this is MO I don't know the actual numbers) and non-calorie counters. You might have had a less argumentative thread if you had simply asked if there were others who decided not to count calories and did they have any tips. But I kind of think based on your thread title that you might have been looking for an argument. And I don't think it has to be an "us" against "them" thing. Just do what works for you. If you find counting calories that tedious then don't do it.
[edited by MFP Mods to remove quote]4 -
thiosulfate wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »I am down a little over 30 lbs without counting or logging calories. I've lost weight without counting before so I knew I could do it. I'm a numbers person so I thought tracking would be fun and interesting. But it wasn't. It turns out I like to know the numbers but having to put in the effort to collect the numbers myself was just tedious.
My only tip would be to listen to your body. It will tell you when you need fuel and when you are full. Also, you know what you were eating before so make sure you are eating less than that. Your body will also tell you when you are eating too much or too little by whether you are not losing or losing too quickly.
if that were true then people wouldn't post how they feel they are starving after going on a reasonable calorie limit. your body can't tell you you're losing weight too fast... you have to realize what is a proper amount of weight loss for your given numbers
My body can tell me when I'm losing too fast. And if I feel like I'm starving, I probably am losing too quickly.
If you have spent years and years abusing your body with food it might take some time to learn your body's signals but it can be done.3 -
Need2Exerc1se wrote: »thiosulfate wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »I am down a little over 30 lbs without counting or logging calories. I've lost weight without counting before so I knew I could do it. I'm a numbers person so I thought tracking would be fun and interesting. But it wasn't. It turns out I like to know the numbers but having to put in the effort to collect the numbers myself was just tedious.
My only tip would be to listen to your body. It will tell you when you need fuel and when you are full. Also, you know what you were eating before so make sure you are eating less than that. Your body will also tell you when you are eating too much or too little by whether you are not losing or losing too quickly.
if that were true then people wouldn't post how they feel they are starving after going on a reasonable calorie limit. your body can't tell you you're losing weight too fast... you have to realize what is a proper amount of weight loss for your given numbers
My body can tell me when I'm losing too fast. And if I feel like I'm starving, I probably am losing too quickly.
If you have spent years and years abusing your body with food it might take some time to learn your body's signals but it can be done.
I spent a while (about 1 year) eating a decent calorie deficit of 1800 calories. Throughout that entire year, I was never able to trust my body to tell me when I'm hungry and when I ultimately stopped counting calories, I gained every pound back. I'm sure some people can learn that ability just as I'm sure some people will not be able to learn that ability4 -
gebeziseva wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »My only tip would be to listen to your body. It will tell you when you need fuel and when you are full.
The only problem is that the brain mechanism that does that hasn't evolved past the cave stage. So it keeps telling you need more and high calorie foods or you will die of starvation!
Nonsense. When I'm full I know it.2 -
Honest question, here. Not trying to be a jerk or insinuate you're unwelcome, but why are you on MFP if you don't count calories?
The name of this site is myfitnesspal, not mycaloriecountingpal.
Most people cannot and will not count calories. So let's try to help the OP lose weight without calorie counting. Millions of people do it.1 -
thiosulfate wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »thiosulfate wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »I am down a little over 30 lbs without counting or logging calories. I've lost weight without counting before so I knew I could do it. I'm a numbers person so I thought tracking would be fun and interesting. But it wasn't. It turns out I like to know the numbers but having to put in the effort to collect the numbers myself was just tedious.
My only tip would be to listen to your body. It will tell you when you need fuel and when you are full. Also, you know what you were eating before so make sure you are eating less than that. Your body will also tell you when you are eating too much or too little by whether you are not losing or losing too quickly.
if that were true then people wouldn't post how they feel they are starving after going on a reasonable calorie limit. your body can't tell you you're losing weight too fast... you have to realize what is a proper amount of weight loss for your given numbers
My body can tell me when I'm losing too fast. And if I feel like I'm starving, I probably am losing too quickly.
If you have spent years and years abusing your body with food it might take some time to learn your body's signals but it can be done.
I spent a while (about 1 year) eating a decent calorie deficit of 1800 calories. Throughout that entire year, I was never able to trust my body to tell me when I'm hungry and when I ultimately stopped counting calories, I gained every pound back. I'm sure some people can learn that ability just as I'm sure some people will not be able to learn that ability
Then you should count calories and the OP wasn't about you, right? The OP asked for tips from those of that have lost without counting. That's me. All your personal examples can't change what worked for me.6 -
Need2Exerc1se wrote: »thiosulfate wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »thiosulfate wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »I am down a little over 30 lbs without counting or logging calories. I've lost weight without counting before so I knew I could do it. I'm a numbers person so I thought tracking would be fun and interesting. But it wasn't. It turns out I like to know the numbers but having to put in the effort to collect the numbers myself was just tedious.
My only tip would be to listen to your body. It will tell you when you need fuel and when you are full. Also, you know what you were eating before so make sure you are eating less than that. Your body will also tell you when you are eating too much or too little by whether you are not losing or losing too quickly.
if that were true then people wouldn't post how they feel they are starving after going on a reasonable calorie limit. your body can't tell you you're losing weight too fast... you have to realize what is a proper amount of weight loss for your given numbers
My body can tell me when I'm losing too fast. And if I feel like I'm starving, I probably am losing too quickly.
If you have spent years and years abusing your body with food it might take some time to learn your body's signals but it can be done.
I spent a while (about 1 year) eating a decent calorie deficit of 1800 calories. Throughout that entire year, I was never able to trust my body to tell me when I'm hungry and when I ultimately stopped counting calories, I gained every pound back. I'm sure some people can learn that ability just as I'm sure some people will not be able to learn that ability
Then you should count calories and the OP wasn't about you, right? The OP asked for tips from those of that have lost without counting. That's me. All your personal examples can't change what worked for me.
Except you made a blanket statement that everyone could tell when their body has received enough calories. Not everyone can. There may be others viewing this thread who would blindly believe that and not lose weight. I'm just trying to spread more information. Your method works for you and others.
Also, if you didn't actually read the thread, I did give advice for how to lose weight without counting.thiosulfate wrote: »I agree with @SezxyStef but anyway OP, if you really want to lose weight without actually counting calories, just eat less and weigh yourself like once a week. After a few weeks, if you aren't losing, eat less and then re-evaluate.
It's a lot more guesswork but it doesn't involve weighing or measuring anything
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thiosulfate wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »thiosulfate wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »thiosulfate wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »I am down a little over 30 lbs without counting or logging calories. I've lost weight without counting before so I knew I could do it. I'm a numbers person so I thought tracking would be fun and interesting. But it wasn't. It turns out I like to know the numbers but having to put in the effort to collect the numbers myself was just tedious.
My only tip would be to listen to your body. It will tell you when you need fuel and when you are full. Also, you know what you were eating before so make sure you are eating less than that. Your body will also tell you when you are eating too much or too little by whether you are not losing or losing too quickly.
if that were true then people wouldn't post how they feel they are starving after going on a reasonable calorie limit. your body can't tell you you're losing weight too fast... you have to realize what is a proper amount of weight loss for your given numbers
My body can tell me when I'm losing too fast. And if I feel like I'm starving, I probably am losing too quickly.
If you have spent years and years abusing your body with food it might take some time to learn your body's signals but it can be done.
I spent a while (about 1 year) eating a decent calorie deficit of 1800 calories. Throughout that entire year, I was never able to trust my body to tell me when I'm hungry and when I ultimately stopped counting calories, I gained every pound back. I'm sure some people can learn that ability just as I'm sure some people will not be able to learn that ability
Then you should count calories and the OP wasn't about you, right? The OP asked for tips from those of that have lost without counting. That's me. All your personal examples can't change what worked for me.
Except you made a blanket statement that everyone could tell when their body has received enough calories. Not everyone can. There may be others viewing this thread who would blindly believe that and not lose weight. I'm just trying to spread more information. Your method works for you and others.
Also, if you didn't actually read the thread, I did give advice for how to lose weight without counting.thiosulfate wrote: »I agree with @SezxyStef but anyway OP, if you really want to lose weight without actually counting calories, just eat less and weigh yourself like once a week. After a few weeks, if you aren't losing, eat less and then re-evaluate.
It's a lot more guesswork but it doesn't involve weighing or measuring anything
I certainly did not say everyone could do anything. The OP asked for tips from people who lost without counting and I gave a "TIP" of what worked for me.
Geez man, it worked for me. Get over it.6 -
changedbyhisgrace wrote: »Hi there,
I'm Tandi! I wanted to hear some of the "non-calorie counters" (Those who choose not to count calories)tips for weight loss. Even if you've lost 1lb and feel this routine/regimen is working for you, feel free to share!
I will start: I made a decision to stop counting calories, as this does not work with me. I've tried for years to keep taking the same advice I read about and receive from people and is still unsuccessful. I now focus more on nutrition. I track and ensure I am taking in the essential nutrients/minerals daily (Vit A and C, Fiber, Protein, etc.) within moderation of course.
Hi Tandi!
Sure, I've lost weight many times without counting calories. I changed what I ate and upped my exercise.
Pattern:
1. Meet a guy, get into a relationship, spend lots of time going out to eat and drinking, generally being slothful. Cook high calorie meals. Have more dessert. Gain weight.
2. Break up. Head back to the gym and am generally more active. Cook lower calorie meals. Drink less. Eat less dessert. Lose weight.
I'm now in a relationship with a keeper and since I have to work harder at not overeating than I do when I'm single, I find counting calories is a good fit for me.8 -
I looked at the foods I ate regularly, and thought of ways to lighten them up a bit. Light bread, mustard instead of mayo, diet soda instead of regular, one slice of cheese instead of two, etc. I also stopped mindless snacking at work.3
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I lost my first 30 pounds counting calories by just eating less junk and filling up mostly with fresh veggies/fruit, meat, dairy, etc. After that I got stuck and needed to count calories. Now I am working my way back out of counting calories.
Weight loss is not a one method fits all project. It's not even a one method fits the same person during the entire project project. Experiment, evaluate, and adapt.6
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