Counting Calories with questions

erinross915
erinross915 Posts: 4 Member
edited July 2016 in Challenges
Counting calories has made me crazy. All I think of is food. I eat very well over all but in the effort to loose weight, I have developed an unhealthy relationship with calories and food. It makes me want to eat less, have cravings, and feel guilty.
I just want to relax but I don't know how to stop counting and obsessing over what I eat.

Does anyone else have this problem?
What are your opinions on counting calories in the long and short run?
Are you actually happy counting calories?

Replies

  • tereremoana
    tereremoana Posts: 1 Member
    I also have this problem! Though I dont have a solution I am also looking for one
  • nicola2709
    nicola2709 Posts: 1 Member
    I like to calorie count too as it makes me feel in control, however I tend not to do it every single day (or I'd go mad). Have 1 or 2 days off per week from counting, and I don't mean go crazy and eat everything in sight! Just try to eat what you think is enough for ur calorie goals, focus on portion control etc. When you weigh in you'll see that you can still lose weight without obsessing. In this way you're more likely to learn what is the right amount to be eating so that eventually you might not need to count once you reach your goal weight, or just do little stints when you feel you need to. This is what I have done since originally losing 18lbs 5 years ago. I'm counting again just now to lose a few lbs after summer holidays and not enough exercise but will stop again in a month or so. Good luck!
  • RainaProske
    RainaProske Posts: 636 Member
    Counting calories also drives me nuts, but I've learned that if I don't count calories, I don't eat enough. Counting calories makes me food-obsessed, but when I quit counting, I forget to eat; then I am up through the night, eating, because I'm too hungry to sleep.

    Furthermore, when I eat high-calorie foods, as I did today, I am up at night, hungry -- as I am now.
  • melbarrjm
    melbarrjm Posts: 1 Member
    I'm trying to lose weight to save my life... counting calories helps me do this but you aso need to exercise. If you take into consideration the extra calories you burn during exercise you won't feel so guilty about having a little extra.

    Focus on a more who listing approach, you have to embrace a healthy lifestyle not just count calories. Walk more, listen to more music, read more and love more. Being happy helps.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,409 Member
    I had this issue for a little while when I first started counting calories in 2007. I had this weird notion in my head that I had to do it right and get every number correct. One day I realized it wasn't possible to do this and that I could relax a little.

    I do still use a digital food scale and this site to log my food, BUT! I have gotten most of my regular foods into my list here so I know they are entered correctly, and I've learned so much about macros that I instinctively eat balanced nutrition now. The food logging takes me five minutes a day now, but I had to go through a period of learning and it sounds like that's where you are right now.

    I stopped logging for a while when it was stressing me out. I believe my plan was flawed at that time, though. I was trying to eat three meals and two snacks every day and I did spend all my time thinking about food, because I never felt full on all those small portions. Now I eat two big-ish meals a day and log them and move on.

    It doesn't work for me to not log...when I'm not logging I just start making my portions a tiny bit bigger and adding in cookies and the next thing you know I've gained 10 pounds.
  • averagecookie
    averagecookie Posts: 1 Member
    I have this problem too. I started counting calories in an effort to lose weight. I lost the weight but now I feel uncomfortable eating something unless I know the exact calorie content.

    Although counting calories is an effective way to lose weight for many people, if you feel you have an addictive personality it is best to avoid this method as I now feel I need to count calories in order to feel in control and relaxed about food.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    edited July 2016
    erinross915 wrote: »
    Counting calories has made me crazy. All I think of is food. I eat very well over all but in the effort to loose weight, I have developed an unhealthy relationship with calories and food. It makes me want to eat less, have cravings, and feel guilty.
    I just want to relax but I don't know how to stop counting and obsessing over what I eat.

    Does anyone else have this problem?
    What are your opinions on counting calories in the long and short run?
    Are you actually happy counting calories?

    There are weight loss methods that don't involve counting..........The No S Diet is one (no seconds, no snacks, and no sweets) except on days that begin with "S"......Saturdays, Sundays & Special days (holidays, birthdays).

    Works for some.

    I'm not obsessed with counting, but I've finally resigned myself to some sort of calorie management forever. Been overweight since childhood.

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