[Glory87]

Originally Posted by hpnodat

Why do you like it?

How long have you been on it and how much weight have you lost?

I created my own plan. Basically, I eat mostly whole foods and count calories. I lost a little over 70 lbs and have kept it off for 4 years.

I also found out that cutting processed foods - particularly crackers, chips, cookies, packaged baked goods, pretzels, etc etc eliminated a lot of my cravings. I didn't really realize I was "addicted" to eating more and more of these foods until I started limiting them. Don't get me wrong, I like the way they taste - but I don't like their effect on me. I would prefer to avoid them!

[Lori259]

Just as an added help for Those interested in calorie counting ~I am trying to answer most questions ect I saw.
as for how to count them Most packaged food have the amount of calories on the back of the package.Example 1 slice of cheese is 60 calories 1 Hamburger bun 140 calories (these are on the type I use from my local save-a-lot grocery store.) For things not marked You can go to www.calorieking.com
Or there is other helpful sites also.I know the some one specifically wanted An examle of Kelly's Food For the day And I am not Kelly Obviously But Here is an examle of a normal day of what I eat While counting 1400 calories A day~REMEMBER CERTAIN BRANDS ECT MAY VARY ON AMOUNTS OF CALORIES)( Kelly may eat healthier Or different totally than me~I just thought I would add some examples ect incase she didn't repost~I AM SOOO PROUD OF HER SHE HAS LOST OVER 60 lbs! In I think she said in like 5 months I am on about approx 2 & 1/2 months and have lost 31.5 SO I HOPE I HAVE MUCH SUCCESS AS SHE HAS WHEN I REACH 5 months also~WAY TO GO KELLY!)

Breakfast~ Bowl of cereal~Frosted flakes 3/4 cup 120 calories 1 Cup of milk 120 calories Total of 240 calories

Snack~Rice Crispie treat 90 calories

1 piece of candy (habit from quitting smoking 20 calories)
-----------------------------------------------------
TOTAL FOR BREAKFAST & SNACK=350 calories
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Lunch 1/2 Totinos brand boxed Sausage pizza 360 calories( I LOVE PIZZA)

A WHOLE CAN Of Yellow Cling peaches 105 calories total
(3.5 servings per can 30 calories per serving Is what they say on back so you times 3.5 X 30=105 Just said as example For those who do not know how to get calorie totals)

Snack Sugar free jello Whole Box (4 servings X10 =40 calories Total)
With a Whole banana ( Pretty Small) =70 calories (I goofed my typing last time So I corrected this part Sorry.)
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Total for Lunch & snack=575 calories
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Dinner
Boca burger (120 calories) On hamburger bun (140 calories) With slice of cheese(60 calories)
1 teaspoon of ketchup(20 calories)
2 Servings of Blue lake French style green beans (2 servings 20 calories x2=40)

Snack Rice Crispie treat 90 calories


------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL FOR DINNER & SNACK=470 calories
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Add 470
575
+ 350
______
1395



GRAND TOTAL OF 1395 Calories for my day

(For drinks I drink mostly water~But have a diet caffeine free soda a day with lunch usually everyday-0 calories)

(I eat different things Also But this Is what I ate today)

[redreine]

Thanks a lot. That really helps.

[hpnodat]

Lori259,

So you just count calories? You do not count fat?

I'm kinda confused.

[Thin4Good]

I am on South Beach. I've lost about 46 pounds since July. I don't think I'll have a problem doing this forever.

[Lori259]

Originally Posted by hpnodat

Lori259,

So you just count calories? You do not count fat?

I'm kinda confused.

Yes~I just count calories only. (counting everything else is complicated to me & confusing to me as well ~Which some people do But isn't for me)Just plain counting calories only definetly works! Plus its Easy to do.

[Lori259]

Originally Posted by redreine

Thanks a lot. That really helps.

Your welcome & goodluck!

[hpnodat]

Originally Posted by Lori259

Yes~I just count calories only. (counting everything else is complicated to me & confusing to me as well ~Which some people do But isn't for me)Just plain counting calories only definetly works! Plus its Easy to do.

interesting...

[Lori259]

Originally Posted by hpnodat

interesting...

I am not sure what your weight/sex/height ect is but There is different sites you can place all that info into there calculators and it will give you a calorie amount to start out with~Most of the time its around 1800~I am able to handle the 1400 and was super obese(Still hanging there) so My doctor said 1400 calories was ok and would help me personally to lose quicker,Since I have severe asthma that the weight aint helping.But starting on a higher calorie level is fine Especially for those who can & do exercise more than I do.(Because I am very limited)

[Lori259]

some of the sites that will help with amount of calories to eat ect. are as follows Then you can decide whats good for you.( I read its not safe to go under 1200 calories a day & that its better to start above that number if possible.(but Im no expert)
www.caloriescount.com (You do not have to sign up just click start now on box on left upper corner that says Free diet assessment start now)

Another one you can use is www.freedieting.com
(go to left hand side again go to calculators section and click calorie needs.)
There is alot of great stuff you can use on this site!

[mariamherrera]

I am also a calorie counter! Prior to this time around I'd tried atkins and south beach.. and the correct ways as well as outlined in the orignal books written by dr atkins.. and yes it worked I wont lie.. I lost 35 lbs but I was dizzy, had head aches, had horrible cravings all the time, the urge to cheat constantly although i didn't.. until one day I was fed up with feeling so dizzy all the time.. Low carb may work for some but it didn't work for me... It's not a way I could live my life forever...I feel it's too restrictive and regardless of what people think you do need good healthy carbs to have a balanced diet! whole grains brown rice, sweet potatoes, oat meal- these thigns are good for you!

I used to think calorie counters were so annoying I vowed to never be one.. and then I realized the concept of calorie counting is the way people should live their lifes anyways it's the way any normal healthy person should eat.. that's the great part about calorie counting there's not induction or cleansing period... you just start living life the way you will forever! and nothing is off limits!!! you just find healthy alternatives or portion control...

I drink plenty of water and as of right now I am NOT exercising (due to an injury, I will once I'm healed) - nor do I watch my fat or sodium or carb intake I solely calorie count and I have lost 23 lbs in in 6 weeks and my husband had lost 25 in 6 weeks! I eat anywhere from 1400-1600 typically some times I calorie cycle and will go as low as 1300's and as high as 1700- but typically 1400-1600

PS- the best calorie counting websites are www.thedailyplate.com or www.fitday.com or www.sparkpeople.com -I find the daily plate to be the best and most accurate but the others are good as well!

[hpnodat]

thanks

I'm female, 5'0", and about 250-265lbs not sure as I have not weighed myself yet.

[Lori259]

AWESOME MARIAM!!! You and your hubby are doing fabulous!

[Lori259]

Ok now please remember that these just give estimates so I checked for you and the www.freedieting.com (with little or no exercise says you can eat 2120 calories a day and still lose weight.Thats at being 265 lbs age 30 female 5 ft tall.
The other site www.caloriescount.com says 1794(same things placed in So they both vary in range.
I would recommend maybe 1800 to 1900 a day and see how that goes if you choose to be a calorie counter.Then if you can do a little less ask your doctor and see what they recommend for you.

[hpnodat]

I have never actually tried just counting calories before. I have tried counting everything and it was very overwhelming. I may try it for a while and see how it goes. I need to do some thinking on it first. But thanks for all your information.