Hi I'm new, does counting calories work?

oompaloompa32
oompaloompa32 Posts: 1 Member
edited November 2024 in Introduce Yourself
Heya I'm new

Replies

  • livingleanlivingclean
    livingleanlivingclean Posts: 11,750 Member
    Being in a calorie deficit works (for weight loss, if that's your goal).

    If you need to count calories to do that, count accurately by weighing all solids, measuring all liquids, and using accurate database entries..... Be consistent and patient!
  • SabAteNine
    SabAteNine Posts: 1,867 Member
    Yes. It works by providing you with the most accurate picture possible of your caloric intake. If you've been thorough in counting, that is.

    What you DO with that information next, now that can work towards your goals. But you need to set your goals first, evaluate your daily energy expenditure realistically, and make sure that what you count going in (food) is lower than what you count going out (Basal Metabolic Rate + how much energy you expend doing things - training, walking, swimming, etc). You can try this.
  • mstull306
    mstull306 Posts: 17 Member
    Apparently I must be doing something wrong then because I’m not seeing results. I put on 8 lbs in the last 2 months. Sure, 4 of those weeks were post surgery when I couldn’t do much of anything, but still...
  • Clobern80
    Clobern80 Posts: 714 Member
    mstull306 wrote: »
    Apparently I must be doing something wrong then because I’m not seeing results. I put on 8 lbs in the last 2 months. Sure, 4 of those weeks were post surgery when I couldn’t do much of anything, but still...

    Do you use a scale and weigh/measure everything you eat? Do you eat out a lot and have to "guesstimate" what you are eating? Gaining weight over the course of 2 months would indicate that you are either not eating as little as you think or are moving less than you think. If you are exercising at all and adding calories from that, perhaps cut them in half. Instead of eating back all of your exercise calories, try eating back half of them. Do that for a while and then adjust later if you need. And if you aren't using a scale, do it! Best thing to own. As far as eating out, it's tough because I like it, too, but it's tough to know exactly how many calories you are putting in.

    Good luck!
  • livingleanlivingclean
    livingleanlivingclean Posts: 11,750 Member
    mstull306 wrote: »
    Apparently I must be doing something wrong then because I’m not seeing results. I put on 8 lbs in the last 2 months. Sure, 4 of those weeks were post surgery when I couldn’t do much of anything, but still...

    You can count calories to meet any goal - people trying to gain weight count calories to make sure they eat enough. Just counting calories doesn't guarantee weight loss...
  • Calliope610
    Calliope610 Posts: 3,783 Member
    mstull306 wrote: »
    Apparently I must be doing something wrong then because I’m not seeing results. I put on 8 lbs in the last 2 months. Sure, 4 of those weeks were post surgery when I couldn’t do much of anything, but still...

    Depending on your recovery, you may still have swelling, inflammation contributing to the weight, also perhaps increased water stores to aid in the recovery and/or healing at the cellular level.
  • try2again
    try2again Posts: 3,565 Member
    mstull306 wrote: »
    Apparently I must be doing something wrong then because I’m not seeing results. I put on 8 lbs in the last 2 months. Sure, 4 of those weeks were post surgery when I couldn’t do much of anything, but still...

    Surgery usually results in lingering water retention while your body is healing. If it was at the beginning of the 8 weeks, it should probably be gone by now, but if it was at the end, not necessarily. Otherwise, it's probably a case of not tracking your intake correctly (food scale). And BTW, it's not a good idea to pursue a calorie deficit immediately after a surgery- your body needs the fuel to heal.
  • try2again
    try2again Posts: 3,565 Member
    SabAteNine wrote: »
    Yes. It works by providing you with the most accurate picture possible of your caloric intake. If you've been thorough in counting, that is.

    ^This.

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10640205/the-basics-of-accurate-logging#latest
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