Does anyone eat whatever they want just within calories?

I do, but I do also try to get enough protein and not go way over my carbs.

Last night, for instance, I wanted so bad to have boxed macaroni & cheese (if you've ever had Wegman's boxed macaroni and cheese, you won't think this is gross) but I checked out my diary and while I had *just* enough calories left, I was already too close to my carb limit and needed much more protein, so I made a different choice. Had it worked better with my macros, though, I'd have enjoyed every last bite of mac 'n cheese.

I guess it depends on what you are trying to achieve. If your goal is to eat better/healthier, then no you shouldn't be eating what you want, but if your goal is to eat what you want and lose some weight then I don't see a problem with it. I don't deprive myself of things I want. I just try to eat them in moderation. I have a horrible sweet tooth that I need to get under control so I crave sweets after a meal. If I don't eat them, I don't feel full and then I eat more and that defeats the whole purpose.

Within moderation, yes, I eat whatever I want. But I remind myself that I can have a whole lot more of vegetables than of junk. I also found I feel more satisfied when I eat a well-rounded diet. I think it depends on what "whatever you want" is - if you're only eating pizza, cheeseburgers, and donuts, it's not going to work very well. If you mean that you still eat bread, rice, and pasta, or that you haven't gone vegetarian, or that you allow yourself a small serving of chips or ice cream, you'll be fine. And, you'll probably be able to maintain a lot better in the long run.

Here is what I do. Part of my food choices are based on nutrition. I try very hard to get 3 or 4 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit every day. I do this for health reasons. I have also discovered that said choices often make very little dent in my calorie consumption.

I also make a concerted effort to eat lean protein sources like fish, chicken and lean pork. I do this because I like these items and because I get a lot of bang for my buck (so to speak) out of them, meaning they fill me up but aren't high in calories. I would not eat them if I didn't enjoy them, though.

The rest of my calories are taken up by foods that I LOVE. If I want a gyro, I have a gyro. To me, it's worth the 500 calories because it's so stinking good. When I want pizza, I eat pizza. I LOVE pizza and it too is worth the 400 calories per slice.

Most importantly, I ignore the advice of well-meaning busybodies who love nothing more than to inform me what a HORRID choice a slice of pizza is, and that I shouldn't be eating pizza while on a diet.

After years of failure, I know exactly what works for me. And gyros and pizza as part of my 1500 calories a day works. Having tried the South Beach diet, I also know what DOESN'T work. If I'm miserable, I'll never stick to a diet, no matter how well it works for other people.

i've lost 30 pounds by purely counting the calories. i don't bother looking at any of the other sections (fat, carbs, protein, sugar etc), just eat what i want as long as i dont go over the calorie count

Every day. Lost 31lbs in 72 days. 60 to go.

People that say it doesn't work are wrong, as long as you always count calories. Even after I reach my goal I will be counting calories and tracking my weight weekly. Sure you won't be as healthy as if you ate Kale and fish all the time, but you won't regain weight/ fat if you stay at your maintenance calorie level.

I think this is doable once you have control over your eating habits and can trust yourself not to binge. Your intentions might be good but once you've finished off half a bag of Smartfood popcorn, you might realize you should have waited til you were stronger.

I know a lot of people do X and Y fad diet...but, for me.. it's not realistic. Bottom line, I eat what I want and stay under my calorie needs... because it keeps me honest... it's about life. Some days I may have some really clean eating... and other days I might eat Doritos and cake. For me it's calories in = calories out...and I pay attention to my potassium, sodium, and protein.

I do. Lost 110 lbs that way. Have been maintaining successfully for last 5 months eating exactly what I want within calories. To stick to your budget though you will find healthier choices creeping in anyway otherwise you will be hungry and lack energy.

Like many previous posters, I do, but I don't. There are several questions I ask myself before eating something that isn't "healthy". One is, "Am I willing to eat all these calories and risk being hungry later?" I also try to live by the rule, "Everything is permissible, but not beneficial". For example, I am "allowed" to have a Big Mac and Fries (if that's all I want to eat that day), but by eating it, what will my body gain from it nutrient wise.

All that being said, I have changed the way I eat. I watch portions, eat leaner meats, try not to fry everything (I live in the South), eat more fruits and veggies, and exercise. You know it's an accomplishment when a gal that used to eat a huge plate of potatoes loaded with butter every day for lunch has gone from eating a potato every now and then.