Need some encouragement!

I felt that way too. Ive been doing this for almost a year and HATE counting calories... But I did it anyways... and you know what? After a year I now KNOW the amount I dont have to calculate every little thing... Now I find I do better if I just estimate. For example yesterday I had homemade pizza for breakfast, a little 6" one. I figured based on my knowledge that it was about 400cals the most. Then lunch I had a smoothie and once again guessed it at about 300cals, then for dinner had a veggie burger that I made at work (work in a restaurant) and guessed it the most to be about 600cals. That still left me with a few extra since I try to eat 1400 a day. So I had an apple and a few bites of some fresh cheese cake! This morning my weight went down again. (after to just see if i am accurate in my guessing, I do enter it, and I do come very very close. Usually just a little over)

After a while you just get a hang of the right portions and learn what your body needs. I hope that made sense. But its really good to start by counting calories and just being aware. Now and then I grab a handful of chips. So what? Im not going to gain a pound from that! Now maybe if I ate a lot everyday!

It sounds cheesy, but you're starting your new lifestyle change... Just think, nothing tastes good enough to ruin the hard work that you've already done!!! It's okay to have a little bit of what you've been craving-I think that if you deprive yourself you'll end up over doing it later. The key is to indulge in moderation... *sigh* I hate those measuring cups, too, but I know that it's worth it in the long run.

I use my fist as a guide for a serving and try to stick to stuff that is prepackaged to eat such as chips that helps me out a lot. I too will have to monitor my intake for the rest of my life but I also realize that I am more aware and honest with my calorie intake. You will slowly start thinking of the good foods that you can eat more of instead of the handful of chips.....just hang in there we all have days like this. When I feel this way I just get my headset on head out the door and take a walk listening to my favorite music. Hope it helps.
:flowerforyou:

one way to get "OK" with counting calories is to look at it in a different light.....the light is...it isn't "counting" it is being aware of what we are putting into our bodies...being aware is a good thing....we are doing ourselves a favor by being aware of the caloires because it makes us (at ,keast it makes me) more likely to put something healthy and the proper portion in my body

our body deserves our respect and being aware of what we are doing to it shows that respect....

or, just don't worry about and do it...it is a good thing....good luck
Dave

Don't do it! Keep on keeping on! Eventually your head will be a like a little calorie counting computer! You'll know exactly how much a serving is without even having to think about it! Once you get to your goal weight, too, you'll be able to eat your maintenance calories (more than you eat now) PLUS your workout calories. Remember, this is a change to improve your life, not to make you stressed out. If you want a handful of chips and a beer from time to time and don't want to worry about it, just go for it. If you are worried about it, dance your booty for a bit and burn a few extra calories! You'll get there!

You really are inspiring; way to keep on keeping on!!! If you continue planning like you are right now, I know you'll reach your goals!!! Best of luck!