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Anyone else NOT track their calories?

peachyxoxoxo
peachyxoxoxo Posts: 1,178 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I have counted calories on and off for the last 5 years. I have realized it's healthier for me to not obsess about yet another number. Some days I come up with a rough estimate in my head, because I've memorized the calories for a number of items over the years, but not all the time.

I like MFP though because these are some of the most active health/fitness/weight loss forums I've come across.

Replies

  • carld256
    carld256 Posts: 855 Member
    I'm the opposite I guess. I find keeping an accurate count of calories and nutrition extremely helpful. Counting calories, and doing it accurately, has lead me to the most successful weight loss I've ever had, and hopefully this time, even if I have to count calories for the rest of my life, it'll be a permanent loss.

    Edited for typos.
  • momtokgo
    momtokgo Posts: 446 Member
    I never counted calories until a few months ago, and I think I'm ready to stop counting again. I am in a good place with what and how much I eat. I think I'm going to take a break and see how it goes....but I love the forums and support here and don't want to leave.
  • peachyxoxoxo
    peachyxoxoxo Posts: 1,178 Member
    If it's helpful for you that's great :) I do write down what I eat each day, just to be aware.

    But as someone who has also struggled with eating disorders for the last five years it's just not for me. I think that's the big reason why I can't do it anymore.
  • carld256
    carld256 Posts: 855 Member
    Oh yeah, if you've had an eating disorder in the past I can see how easy it would be to simply trade one obsession for another. In that case, I'd agree, counting every single calorie might not be the best method for you.

    I did Richard Simmons Food Mover a few years back, the last time I had success losing weight. It's a pretty simple system that gives you so many proteins, fats, fruits, and vegetables per day. You eat one serving and you close the little window on that food. It's basically a simple food exchange program, counting calories without doing any actual counting.

    I'm not saying to run out and buy it, but if what you're doing doesn't end up working, that sort of diet program might be useful. It would help you count calories without distracting you from your goal. Just a thought.
  • alexsmith01
    alexsmith01 Posts: 350 Member
    I know what you mean - I start to go crazy sometimes about the number, and stop worrying about how I feel (full wise) and eating the right type of foods (e.g. I can fit half a block of chocolate into my calories - so I can eat it!). I don't want to calorie count when I'm maintaining, I want to be able to eat the right type of foods and know my body to stop when I feel full.

    I'm not counting at the moment cos I've been eating out a lot this week, but plan to start counting again tomorrow. I would LOVE if MFP made a way to hide the amount of calories I eat - because I like to track what I eat (I have IBS and it helps me keep track of my symptoms, and I'm a vegetarian, so I like to see how my iron and calcium levels are) but I can't do it without obsessing over the numbers!
  • wanderinggypsy
    wanderinggypsy Posts: 40
    I HATE counting calories! It's funny because I was just about to post this topic to see if anyone has had success without counting calories. Right now I'm focusing on eating healthy foods and watching my portion sizes and exercising.

    I've tried to turn counting calories into a game (I win if I stay under my limit!), but I just get so tired of analyzing every little thing. Bleh.
  • careyburns567
    careyburns567 Posts: 1 Member
    I don't really count calories either, i do check how many calories things have in just so i know what i am eating but i feel counting everything i eat would make me feel on a diet. i just tend to eat healthy, i have counted numerous times in the past but now i know what to eat to lose weight so dont need to count, i just eat healthy and low fat and it works amazing for me!
    Counting everything can be quite annoying and make you feel restricted at times.. with me just eating lower fat meals and still allowing myself the treats i want (lower calorie once of course) i just feel normal. Its just adapting a new lifestyle change.
    I do feel counting calories is beneficial for people who are just learning about control, portions etc but eventually you just know what your eating without counting.
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