Calorie Counting Killing Me!

DanceGirlStudio5469
DanceGirlStudio5469 Posts: 3
edited September 29 in Health and Weight Loss
Is it just me or is all this keeping track of calories and having to eat so much and being so specific really difficult? If I'm the only one then I'll shut up but if anyone has any advice on how to not go crazy with all this calorie counting crap?

Replies

  • ChantalGG
    ChantalGG Posts: 2,404 Member
    You get used to it. Do you have a scale it helps a lot.
  • symphonika
    symphonika Posts: 107 Member
    It gets easier as you go, believe me.

    Just think of it this way.... the calorie counting is going to "kill you" it's not being in control of your life and eating habits that can lead to bad situations.

    Hang in there.
  • Avalonis
    Avalonis Posts: 1,540 Member
    Is it just me or is all this keeping track of calories and having to eat so much and being so specific really difficult? If I'm the only one then I'll shut up but if anyone has any advice on how to not go crazy with all this calorie counting crap?

    Look at it this way:

    THe amount of time it takes you to track, even if you do it for the REST OF YOUR LIFE, will be far less time then you will extend your lifespan by, if you get and continue to be healthy.

    Think about it. If unhealthy people die young... you'd have to spend a ton of time tracking every day to equal the amount of time you get back by having a longer life.
  • Vhovell
    Vhovell Posts: 286
    It's not driving me insane just yet but it's only day 3! Finding it hard at work as can't weigh things! So a lot of guess work going on which probably won't help!!
  • vsyates
    vsyates Posts: 373 Member
    It was a little annoying for me when I first started but I got used to it because IT WORKS!!
  • kimmerroze
    kimmerroze Posts: 1,330 Member
    It kills me too... so I quit tracking on weekends... I track during the week, when I am sitting at my desk at work and it is easy.. On weekends tho I take a break and don't log on hardly at all (unless I just made a kick @$$ recipe and need to know the nutritional info cuz Im curious)

    This may or may not work for you, but it is what works forme.
  • hufflypuff
    hufflypuff Posts: 185 Member
    Start out with one goal: being at the suggested number of calories with a little exercise
    Add lots of water
    Add a few veggies
    Take out one of those sodas you drink every day
    Add a lean protein
    Take out the stop at fast food for lunch every day
    Ect...
    Just remember that you can't take out everything you like. If you enjoy soda still have one a day or one every other day. If you like cupcakes go buy some 2 bite ones and have one a day (this is my guilty pleasure) If you are craving fast food or just in a rush sometimes its okay to stop and get some. Just order the small meal and don't force yourself to eat the whole thing because after eating healthy at home you will basically have to force yourself to try to finish a whole meal from most fast food places. If you don't eat all those grease packed fries it is okay! Just don't give up. Make small changes that can last a lifetime!
  • SeaChele77
    SeaChele77 Posts: 1,103 Member
    No you're not the only one, but you will 1) get used to it and 2) probably start eating many of the same things b/c they are already in your log.
    Instead of weight you can go off of amount (1cup, 2 pieces, etc). Or weigh things at home and take your food to work already pre-measured.
  • rodneyderrick
    rodneyderrick Posts: 483 Member
    Maybe you're doing it wrong.
  • jessimacar
    jessimacar Posts: 291
    I just posted this in other topic, but I thought it might help you too.. I hope so at least! :)

    "I've set my weekly goal to 1lb a week, and compared that number to my 2lb a week goal. At 2lbs a week I was allowed 1200 cals. At 1lb a week I'm allowed 1420 cals. I figure as long as I stay within those 2 number I'll be fine. And I've started losing weight consistently again. The flexibility to know I'm not aiming for one very specific number allows me the freedom to have a few more cals one day and a few less the next if I need it. "

    I hope this makes sense! Good Luck!
  • citnmyeyez74
    citnmyeyez74 Posts: 1
    I am under calories almost daily...I'm a single, working mom of 4 and it's just hard to always eat, which I know isn't good, because the my metabolism won't increase..any hints!
  • noexcuses1218
    noexcuses1218 Posts: 332 Member
    It is totally a pain in the *kitten* to begin with, but if you have certain foods that you eat a lot, entering them is a lot easier. Helps to keep your food simple, too. Being a little obsessive and replacing our lack of awareness with knowledge about food content is kinda what this is all about. That way, before you reach for the Little Debbie/Oreos or have that second helping of steak, you'll know exactly what you're putting in your mouth and what effect it will have on your goals.

    Yeah, it's tedious and frustrating, especially trying to sort through the duplicate entries in the database, but as Chantal said, you do get used to it. It's really, really critical. Stick with it for a couple of weeks and see what happens.

    Good luck.
  • Kristin111365
    Kristin111365 Posts: 77
    I love it, it helps me stay motivated and plan for the rest of the day. I dont eat back my exersize calories since I cant weigh my food at work and try to guess high. I figure that gives me a cushion if I am off. Plus I eat alot of the same food and it is already on my food list. Keep at it it gets easier.
  • maxsdad9
    maxsdad9 Posts: 25 Member
    It is difficult but MFP really makes it easy. Make good food choices and it gets easier. You can eat a lot of raw vegetables. I really enjoyed, baby carrots, sliced green peppers and broccoli florets dipped in Lite Honey Mustard Dressing. All the effort is definitely worth it.
  • kristen11joy
    kristen11joy Posts: 114 Member
    And it does get easier the more you do it! Hang in there! I do a lot of guessing, too. Even the fact that you're making that effort makes you more aware of what you are eating, so less likely to overdo (at least this works for me)
  • lisapickering
    lisapickering Posts: 374
    It is hard at the beginning but it gets easier and yes, IT WORKS!! It's way too easy to go over by hundreds of calories a day. I do hate it when I am out -- friend's house for dinner, restaurants without nutritional information and trying to figure it out.
  • kristen11joy
    kristen11joy Posts: 114 Member
    For the mom who's under daily: try a few nuts -- almonds or something. calorie-dense, easy to eat on the run, and good for you!
  • hufflypuff
    hufflypuff Posts: 185 Member
    I am under calories almost daily...I'm a single, working mom of 4 and it's just hard to always eat, which I know isn't good, because the my metabolism won't increase..any hints!

    I know you work but take your kids to the park and play with them for a while after work. There is nothing like going out and moving to get heart pumping and your metabolism moving. Also it makes you hungry. Make being healthy a family affair. I can't explain how exciting it was to see my grandpa eat some beef and rice that I made. It had so many veggies in it and he normally won't eat a veggie. He also ate stuffed mushrooms. 2 healthy meals for an old man who has ate nothing but chips and meat his whole life was amazing. :)
  • ste73
    ste73 Posts: 90
    I found it a bit tedious to start, but now I have a list going of the stuff I eat and drink the most of I just keep a mental note in my head and log a bunch of stuff all at the same time.
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    It only takes a week or two to start knowing everything you regularly eat. Once you learn it, it becomes relatively easy to track.
  • hufflypuff
    hufflypuff Posts: 185 Member
    Is it just me or is all this keeping track of calories and having to eat so much and being so specific really difficult? If I'm the only one then I'll shut up but if anyone has any advice on how to not go crazy with all this calorie counting crap?

    Also if you have a smart phone it is soo easy to have MFP on it. For those days you don't have time to sit down on your computer or don't want to. It is in the palm of your hand. You can enter in the meal as you are making it.
  • kjjm08
    kjjm08 Posts: 217 Member
    At first it can be overwhelming but it really is true that you do get use to it. It's second nature to me know and I have been at this for a month. Good luck!
  • Kristin111365
    Kristin111365 Posts: 77
    Protein shakes are great ways to get calories, plus the protein keeps you full longer. Remember you are doing this for you, plan ahead and take care of your self. I know how you feel I am 45 and have twin boys who do different sports, I also work full time. You need to do this for you and make the commitment. If you want you can friend me. Keep up the hard work.
  • WowieGarcia
    WowieGarcia Posts: 68
    Yes, it is tedious work and there were (still are) days when I think forget it. But, I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY! wanted to fit into a size 2, because 10 years ago, I managed to squeeze myself into one. Now I am a loose size 2, I can get away with a 1, and now all I can think of is, how nice I look and I'll be damned if I end up in a size 4 again. LOL! It is a matter of knowing what you want more, it makes things easier.
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