to count or not to count that is the question??

My personal opinion...... everything counts.

Yes. If you only counted junk food, you'd be taking in a TON of junk food, and end up with a lot more calories. There are a lot of ways to strategize, and maybe some people give themselves X amount of junk food daily or weekly, then don't count healthy foods, but the way this is set up is to count everything. It's wise, then, to eat as much healthy food as possible (whole grains and vegetables are so much more nutrient-dense than junk food). But yes, the basic idea is to set it up with your lifestyle (ie: sedentary or active, don't count gym or workout time here), then get your calorie number. Then daily add the calories you eat, and the calories you burn working out.

Good luck!

I just got serious about trying to get rid of this gut ive been carrying around with me for the past 12+ years... MFP says I should stick to a 1500 calorie diet to loose 2 lbs a week.. Im new to this whole calorie counting thing (coming up on my first week or serious counting) ... So my question is this ... Veggies are healthy and "good" for you .... Do they "factor" into my daily count or not ?

If you put it in your mouth it counts!

If you eat it, it counts.

They are healthier calories (fruits, veggies, whole grains), and should be the majority of your caloric intake. Just because they're healthy doesn't mean they don't count, though.

Yup, if it goes in your body, it counts!

I actually like putting down healthy veggies. I can eat a plateful of steamed cauliflower, and a tomato, and some carrot sticks for probably less than 100 calories, and its a lot of food! Then I can add some lean protein, feel really full and be satisfied for hours. Enjoy the veggies, and enjoy seeing the low calories you log!

Yup.

Are you saying that's all you eat in a given day? If so, I would suggest measuring portion sizes? I've found that I can underestimate if left to my own devices. If you do mean that you truly only eat 600-700 calories most days, even with a salad's worth of lettuce and a low-cal (?) dressing, then you're starving and should up your calories. But make sure you're certain of your calorie amounts first!

add in a couple snacks ..morning and afternoon imho

You need to be eating something for breakfast. oatmeal, eggs, fruit.

You need to add some fruit to your daily diet, also some whole grains and dairy

Remember you need to eat to lose weight.

I eat fruit and yogurt or an omlete for breakfast.

Snack is a piece of whole grain bread with Laughy Cow cheese and olives
or english muffin pizza.

Lunch is usually some veggies, and a protein.
Maybe a tuna sandwich on whole wheat low cal bread and some carrots

Sometimes a fruit snack.

Dinner I eat lots of fish. Love salmon and shrimp.
Add veggies, or tofu noodles, or whole wheat noodles.

Nuts are a good source of calories as well.

I eat 1200-1400 calories a day.

Yes everything that you eat and drink counts towards your calorie count.

100 calories of carrots is 100 calories ... anyway you look at it. Some calories are better for you, but in the end calories are calories. Count 'em.

Your diet seems very low in protein and healthy fats. You need fat! Your brain is lipid(fat)-based. It also insulates nerves and stimulates their function, helps your body absorb vitamins and keep you full and mentally stable. I would add in a little cheese to that salad and swap your fat-free dressing (which would be FULL of sugar and chemicals btw) for a tablespoon of high quality olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Add in some fruit and more protein as well. You do not want to live on so few calories - it's not healthy or sustainable. Just my $.02