Everything Is About Calories - Is This Normal?

ThePunkHippie
ThePunkHippie Posts: 213
edited December 17 in Motivation and Support
Since joining up with MFP, I've noticed that every time I want to eat something, I'm overly concerned about calories. Leftovers are going uneaten because I look at them & think "they were good... but not good enough to be worth the calories"
I go to the store because I have a craving for something, & come home empty handed (but still craving) because whatever I want has too many calories.
Is this normal, or am I taking it too far? Will I be able to relax & not be so obsessed about calories eventually, or is this going to be a life change that I'll have to get used to?

Replies

  • ThePunkHippie
    ThePunkHippie Posts: 213
    I guess this is normal/to be expected?
  • EmCarroll1990
    EmCarroll1990 Posts: 2,832 Member
    I hope this is normal as it's exactly how I am.
  • Di3012
    Di3012 Posts: 2,247 Member
    Since joining up with MFP, I've noticed that every time I want to eat something, I'm overly concerned about calories. Leftovers are going uneaten because I look at them & think "they were good... but not good enough to be worth the calories"
    I go to the store because I have a craving for something, & come home empty handed (but still craving) because whatever I want has too many calories.
    Is this normal, or am I taking it too far? Will I be able to relax & not be so obsessed about calories eventually, or is this going to be a life change that I'll have to get used to?

    Personally, I think you are showing dedication. Many people continually give in, you however, are thinking carefully about it all and being mindful.

    Continue, keep logging, be aware of what you are doing as you have been and you will get to your goal weight.

    You are being focussed and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that in the slightest :)
  • sgv0918
    sgv0918 Posts: 851 Member
    me too. I've calmed a little but I do find its a good way to talk myself out of high calorie drinks and into water. I rather eat what I'm allowed then drink it all away
  • GuruOnAMountain
    GuruOnAMountain Posts: 489 Member
    I think a bit of pre-planning might help. Plan your meals in advance, put them in your diary so you know what you have to play with and leave a little bit for treats or cravings if you can.

    Leftovers don't need to be thrown out or eaten straightaway....you can keep them for the next day.
  • LizKurz
    LizKurz Posts: 340 Member
    Since joining up with MFP, I've noticed that every time I want to eat something, I'm overly concerned about calories. Leftovers are going uneaten because I look at them & think "they were good... but not good enough to be worth the calories"
    I go to the store because I have a craving for something, & come home empty handed (but still craving) because whatever I want has too many calories.
    Is this normal, or am I taking it too far? Will I be able to relax & not be so obsessed about calories eventually, or is this going to be a life change that I'll have to get used to?

    I think it's normal to think we'll continue to have an unhealthy relationship with food if we had one before.

    Also, you saying "that's not good enough to be worth the cals" with leftovers, I think that is a SUPER improvement.

    It is completely natural when making a life change to take it to the extreme on one end, it's how humans operate. I was like that at first. My parents called me a food nazi. Then I mellowed out a bit after maintaining a huge loss for over a year. Now, I realize trying to lose the baby weight this last time, that it's not just about the scale and have incorporated more organics into my diet, and have started weight training on my run days.

    I think you're doing great. :)
  • zyxst
    zyxst Posts: 9,149 Member
    If it's not normal, we're crazy together.

    I just got over my panic about nuts - check the cal and fat amounts. I know, logically, the fats are "good" fats that I really should be eating, but seeing 330 cals and 24g fat in 1/3 of almonds still blows my mind.

    Calories are the first things I look at when buying new foods.
  • ElPumaMex
    ElPumaMex Posts: 367 Member
    It is normal and will continue for at least the time you are dieting to reduce weight.

    That process is what actually helps us to reduce weight, we now KNOW what makes us fat !!

    Now, having said that, what I do when I crave a high calorie food is to have a SMALL piece of it; normally this removes the craving and I keep with the diet ! And going over your calories once in a while is also OK (e.g. Thanksgiving, etc)

    Take comfort in the fact that once you reach your target weight, you will be able to eat a lot more !! (hundreds of calories more!)
  • Lily_1
    Lily_1 Posts: 38
    find out your resting metabolic rate and ensure you are getting proper nutrition vs counting calories as much
  • ThePunkHippie
    ThePunkHippie Posts: 213
    thanks everyone - I'm hoping that when I get down to the maintaining weight I'll be a little less strict on myself, but I'm happy to know that this is mostly normal
    I know, logically, the fats are "good" fats that I really should be eating, but seeing 330 cals and 24g fat in 1/3 of almonds still blows my mind.

    Oh, this so much! I was doing the low-carb thing for a while, & I switched from chips to nuts for snacking purposes... & since I started counting calories, I've barely touched my beloved walnuts D:
  • MrsJaimeW
    MrsJaimeW Posts: 54
    "I think a bit of pre-planning might help. Plan your meals in advance, put them in your diary so you know what you have to play with and leave a little bit for treats or cravings if you can.

    Leftovers don't need to be thrown out or eaten straightaway....you can keep them for the next day."



    I totally agree. I have a much easier day when I know what I'm eating and when. Much less calorie stress.
  • sweetteacher123
    sweetteacher123 Posts: 178
    I think it's normal, and a good sign, especially as you teach yourself what proper portion sizes and calorie amounts look like. Eventually this should become second nature to you. Keep up the good work!
  • sangelic
    sangelic Posts: 207
    I'm the same way. I look at the ingredients and nutritional label of EVERYTHING I think about buying. Sodium is a biggie for me too. Can't believe how much is in some of the foods I used to eat!
  • Celeigh12
    Celeigh12 Posts: 763 Member
    So long as you are still getting all the calories you need, then I don't see the harm. It becomes harmful when you aren't eating enough because you're overly concerned with calorie counts. There is conscientious and there is obsessive. Aim for conscientious.
  • crimsontech
    crimsontech Posts: 234 Member
    I think it's normal and OK too. I refuse to eat anything that isn't WORTH the calories and I try to eat stuff that I can eat a LOT of because it's not very calorie dense. Of course something you just HAVE to enjoy something (like a can of Pepsi... mmmmm) and the calories get budgeted in.

    I think it's very good that you've gotten yourself into this mentality because it shows you are dedicated and smart about it... and you're going to make it!
  • myfitnessnmhoy
    myfitnessnmhoy Posts: 2,105 Member
    As long as you aren't passing up healthy (protein-rich, balanced) foods in favor of "lo-cal" chemically-enhanced foods that have no nutrition, counting calories is good.

    Also, as long as you aren't always significantly under-eating because you are afraid of the big, bad calorie.

    But, as other posters have said, if you are eating a balanced diet and getting all the nutrition you need, and the things you are craving are empty junk, then BRAVO for coming home from the store empty-handed! Nice job, and keep up the good work.

    It's also OK to obsess a bit at first about calories (I just skipped three chocolate chips from my 20-chip dessert so I could get the "under calorie goal" instead of going 15 over, if that's not obsessing I'm not sure what is!). Provided it is not getting in the way of choosing healthy foods.

    Eventually, you and your body will come to a new understanding about what is eaten and in what quantities.

    If calorie-counting is keeping you on the bandwagon, then by all means, COUNT THEM PUPPIES!
  • ThePunkHippie
    ThePunkHippie Posts: 213
    I'm the same way. I look at the ingredients and nutritional label of EVERYTHING I think about buying. Sodium is a biggie for me too. Can't believe how much is in some of the foods I used to eat!

    I hear that - I've been eating moderately low sodium for at least 7 years now, & I just recently learned about trans fats... I spend HOURS reading nutrition labels & ingredient lists (& put back 60% of what I pick up to investigate)
  • ThePunkHippie
    ThePunkHippie Posts: 213
    As long as you aren't passing up healthy (protein-rich, balanced) foods in favor of "lo-cal" chemically-enhanced foods that have no nutrition, counting calories is good.

    Also, as long as you aren't always significantly under-eating because you are afraid of the big, bad calorie.

    No worries there! My diet is based off what people would have eaten 100 years ago - I won't buy convenience foods or fake foods. I'd rather eat the full fat version of things & work it into my diet.
  • Ttopeka
    Ttopeka Posts: 151 Member
    I think it's OK - but just remember, this is meant to be a lifestyle, not a diet. It's OK if you go to the store and buy what you're craving, even if the calories are a little high! Maybe just try to plan it in advance, work it into your calorie goals for the day, and eat in moderation.

    I'd rather treat myself when I want something, even if it's not particularly good for me, 'cause I know if I constantly say "no" to myself I'll get sick and give up. Just watch for portion sizes.
  • myfitnessnmhoy
    myfitnessnmhoy Posts: 2,105 Member
    I'm the same way. I look at the ingredients and nutritional label of EVERYTHING I think about buying. Sodium is a biggie for me too. Can't believe how much is in some of the foods I used to eat!

    Sodium is a constant battle for me, too. When I switch to lean luncheon meats to get my proteins up, sodium comes along for the ride. It's in so many foods in such ridiculous quantities and it's hard to avoid. I never add salt to anything, and try to choose lower-sodium foods, but it's sneaky.

    At the moment, I'm accepting it as a cost of trying to lose weight, and concentrating on flusing it with lots of extra water.
  • ThePunkHippie
    ThePunkHippie Posts: 213
    I'm the same way. I look at the ingredients and nutritional label of EVERYTHING I think about buying. Sodium is a biggie for me too. Can't believe how much is in some of the foods I used to eat!

    Sodium is a constant battle for me, too. When I switch to lean luncheon meats to get my proteins up, sodium comes along for the ride. It's in so many foods in such ridiculous quantities and it's hard to avoid. I never add salt to anything, and try to choose lower-sodium foods, but it's sneaky.

    At the moment, I'm accepting it as a cost of trying to lose weight, and concentrating on flusing it with lots of extra water.

    I read somewhere that less than 10% of your salt intake comes from the shaker - most of it is in canned & processed foods.
    I make a lot of stuff from scratch which helps cut down on the sodium
  • Ohjeezitskim
    Ohjeezitskim Posts: 129 Member
    I think it's normal.. For the past week I've been obsessed with measuring EVERYTHING exact amount as the serving size, not eating anything with high sodium unless I have very little, I'll look at something in the pantry that I really want either notice the calories, saturated fat, or sodium is too high and I'm like never mind... and just go one with my day lol
  • ShifuYaku
    ShifuYaku Posts: 504 Member
    It's very good that you go to the store and don't buy something that could be worse than say buying some fruit or vegetables, or even some nice meat to cook for dinner. These are always better than chips, soda, and candy. (My experience is yours too because I don't want to take the chance that the food I'm gonna get is too high in calorie) It takes discipline to put down the things you like that are "bad" for you. I say "bad" because you can still have them, just not as much as you used to. :) Well done.
  • jadedone
    jadedone Posts: 2,446 Member
    I will fully admit, I love cake, cookies, pasties, baked goods..... but I decided not to waste my calories for crappy ones. I'd rather save the calories and have something really good. AND if I come in contact with something, and it turns out to be crappy? Why waste the calories on it. Just hold out for something good. This is my philosophy.
  • rebeccasedwards
    rebeccasedwards Posts: 208
    I do the same thing. I look at the calories and think is it worth the time it would take on my elliptical to get rid of it? I eat something and then think about it. Was it too many calories? What else could I eat that would have been better? I weigh all the time too. I want to see the scales go down.
  • k011185
    k011185 Posts: 320 Member
    I have a really hard time with this too at times, it was really bad the first few weeks, but now it doesn't bother me much. Although I still have my days, as I'm sure most everyone has.

    The cravings have been steadily going away, if it's something I really want I just work it into my daily totals. The obsessing over calories has gotten better too, not to the point where I don't log every single thing, but I'm not getting stressed out or not enjoying a meal over it.
  • projectconsistency
    projectconsistency Posts: 44
    I know everyone else is telling you that this is normal, and it may indeed be the norm on this web site, but I must tell you that what you are describing sounds like disordered eating.
  • LizKurz
    LizKurz Posts: 340 Member
    I know everyone else is telling you that this is normal, and it may indeed be the norm on this web site, but I must tell you that what you are describing sounds like disordered eating.

    All of us have disordered eatng of some kind or another including you, based on the before and after in your profile pic.

    The question is, right now, what's healthier? And being able to realize that some foods arent worth the damage they cause, in calories, or in lack of nutrition, or in crap they have in them, sounds damned healthy to me.

    It's also a very well known fact that humans are notorious when making changes to take things to far to the other side, which I don't believe this poster has done, at least not at this point.

    It is very normal behavior, and I don't speak for the website as I just joined a couple of weeks ago. But someone that has been there, done that, lost the weight, and maintained until this last pregnancy, realizing that food shouldn't be eaten just because it tastes delicious is a great achievement.

    I'm proud of you OP. :happy:
  • tlc12078
    tlc12078 Posts: 334 Member
    Since joining up with MFP, I've noticed that every time I want to eat something, I'm overly concerned about calories. Leftovers are going uneaten because I look at them & think "they were good... but not good enough to be worth the calories"
    I go to the store because I have a craving for something, & come home empty handed (but still craving) because whatever I want has too many calories.
    Is this normal, or am I taking it too far? Will I be able to relax & not be so obsessed about calories eventually, or is this going to be a life change that I'll have to get used to?


    I am going through that also, kind of obsessing. But I had to trick myself, plus I started to buy lowfat things such as yogurt, well whatever I can find lowfat n low cals. It is hard. I finally found bread having 2 slices as servings and only 70 cals. Yippee. I have been doing this thing to earn my food. I exercise and then eat, but still at my limit now I am fine. You have left overs, depending what it is, you could probably freeze them and save them for another day. :) I do that, because I feel the same as you.
  • joytron
    joytron Posts: 103 Member
    This is just a micro suggestion re: your high-cal leftovers ... If I'm in the same situation, I'll take a TINY amount of the leftovers (say, a quarter portion of pasta) and then make a massive new meal around it consisting entirely of vegetables and other low-cal foods. Then you get that taste of something awesome, and you're not wasting the food, but you're keeping it healthy.

    P.S. I also don't think you're obsessing! I think you're looking at food in a critical and intelligent way! And you're taking the time to do it CORRECTLY now, so hopefully far into the future, say your 60s, you'll be able to make similar healthy choices but it'll all be automatic.
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