Counting calories...Bad?

It's not a healthy way to live? If counting calories is what works for you and you are losing weight, then by all means keep at it because what's the alternative? Gaining weight? Being overweight or obese? Counting calories gives me a sense of control. Maybe one day I'll be able to "eyeball it" and not have to count every little thing. But for the time being, it's what works. You gotta do what works for you.

I don't think anyone on MFP would say counting calories was a bad thing. I do get where your husband is coming from... it is very difficult to either meticulously meal plan or constantly check nutrition labels before you give yourself the okay to have something. But that's how we all got into this unhealthy state is by blatantly indulging in foods. It's prob hard for him to understand that you have to watch what you eat whereas maybe he doesn't. (I'm referring to my husband here, maybe yours is the same. My husband eats anything he wants-pizza, burgers, fries, whatever, and is still underweight! But he's very tall and genetically very long-limbed and lanky, so he needs those calories) Whereas we as women store weight differently and have to be much more cautious. I think eventually once you count the calories for awile, and measure your portions, you will start having a better idea of how much and what foods you need to eat to stay within calories and precipitate weight-loss. Until then, keep up the eternal vigilance and ignore his comments- it really will pay off!

He doesn't know what he's talking about.

I've been pretty active most of my adult life, lifting weights, Mt Biking, swimming, hiking etc. with the exception of this fall I have been over 315 lbs consistantly for the last 12 years while doing all of that.

It's wasn't until I started counting calories and logging my food that I began to lose weight. You can't out excersise a bad diet. So while there are other things I would like to do with my time, if it keeps me from being diabetic, having knee replacements, getting sleep apnea, and off BP medication...I'd just have to say that calorie counting is certainly more healthy that those things.

Do what you need to do to be successful.

It depends on how your mindset is when it comes to counting calories.

It can be detrimental if all you think about all day is how many calories you are consuming or are going to consume. If you find that you are obsessing.... maybe it's time to take a look at the big picture.

I found myself obsessing over the summer. I was losing way too much and becoming OCD about every thing I ate. I would freak out if my husband would even suggest eating something, that in my mind, was a "bad food" bc of the calories it contained. He noticed I was falling into old patterns (history of eating disorders) and had me see a dietician/counselor. I realized how quickly I can go from "eating healthy" to restricting.

It really depends on the person... counting calories is a great way to lose weight... as long as it doesn't turn into an unhealthy obsession.

If you find yourself obsessing, getting angry/anxious, stressed, overexercising to compensate for calories consumed.... I would suggest making an appt with a dietician to get you on the right track.

like everything else, if you come at it joyfully and it contributes to your life, counting Kcals is good medicine. Conversely, if it's just filling an empty emotional hole, joyless, a grim death march, then what's the point? nothing is worth sacrificing personal happiness.

I think it all depends. In the beginning it's really helpful because it's an education. You begin to learn about the nutritional value of the food you are eating and make more educated choices. I've pretty much gotten to the point where I can keep track in my head of what I'm eating and I don't have to pay as much attention. I still do it as it helps keep me honest.

I think it becomes "bad" when it becomes obsessive or when it's used as a tool to adopt unhealthy eating habits. For example: if you are counting calories, obsessed about every bite you take and trying to keep under 500 calories a day, then it's bad. I also think you have to accept that there are going to be times when you just can't do it. If that's ok and you move on, then you're healthy. If not being able to log calories throws you into a panic, it's probably not healthy.


Any good habit, taken to the exteme can be bad.

For me it's an accountability thing. It's kind of like putting together my fantasy team. What's the most food volume wise I can cram in without going over my salary cap.

I think its a great thing however, i don't plan on doing it the rest of my life. Having lost weight before and then gaining most of it back. It was calorie counting that helped me lose it the first time. But with a change in career and new medication, i gained most of it back. I'm new to this particular site, however I'm hoping reading everyones success stories will give me the motivation I need to lose it again. Good luck everyone!