Now let me ask you this...........

fat, sugar, sodium, fiber, carbs!

Just whatever you want to track, I reckon!

Hi

I don't know if it's the 'right' approach but I lost 30 pounds on this site and have always counted calories ONLY
I try to eat as healthy as possible but, for me, it was too overwhelming to worry on top of restricting my cals how many fat grams etc I was consuming
It's worked for me

Kim

So far, I'm doing the same. I've been a member for a few weeks and have already lost 9 pounds. I count only my calories. I have two boys who are on high calorie diets to help them gain weight (they're 6 and 4 and are VERY small) so, as opposed to cooking seperate meals for me and my boys, I make one meal, and pay attention to the calories. It's working for me, and I still get to eat some of the "less healthy" foods. Just make sure you stay active.

I don't think there is a real answer as to what is MOST important, it's all important, but calories are certainly a killer.

Also, I want to add, that since I've been on here and watching my calories, the only thing I've gone over on was my fat (by a few grams) and one other, though I can't remember which. Now, I'm not an expert and don't pretend to be, but you should check out some of the other threads. They hold A LOT of answers. Goodluck!

ALC


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I'm trying to lose the weight and gain/maintain muscle also. I'm hoping that will keep me from hitting a plateau. So I make sure I don't go over my fat and carbs, and have enough protein fiber and calcium.

help me...
i have been staying under my calorie intake and doing boot camp and flex classes (cardio with strength training) plus elliptical. I have been keeping my protein up... my weight will NOT go down. in fact, this morning, it went UP.. two pounds. I've been trying to keep my sodium down... drinking more water. I even took a couple of water pills. what's going on???

you shouldn't be eating less than the cals allotted by mfp. plus such intense exercise and still eating few cals--your "engine" doesn't have enuf fuel (food). there are many threads on the importance of enuf calories--look at the "newbie" info at top of boards.
what you're doing is making your body (most likely) hold onto each and every calorie and efficiently storing it away for the future. anyway, read the historical threads to get more info on this.

help me...
i have been staying under my calorie intake and doing boot camp and flex classes (cardio with strength training) plus elliptical. I have been keeping my protein up... my weight will NOT go down. in fact, this morning, it went UP.. two pounds. I've been trying to keep my sodium down... drinking more water. I even took a couple of water pills. what's going on???

Are you sure that you are eating enough calories? Are you eating your calories burned? I will admit sometimes I will not eat all my calories burned but you have to add for the extra calories that you worked off. Your body may feel like its not receiveing enough so then its not goin to let go of any fat.

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What are the main things that you look at? Just calories and fat grams? I have not yet gone over my calories or fat grams, but I have in protein, carbs.......that sort of stuff. What is MOST important?

I personally think starting with fat and calories, or even just calories if you're overwhelmed by it all is what is most important. If you find you're not getting anywhere doing this, it might be time to take a closer look at what all your food is made up of. Sodium is an important ingredient that I tend to ignore but I find it's useful to watch it as I get closer to weighing in or when I'm feeling puffy. I think each person is going to have a different opinion of what you should be doing and that's because everyone is different!