I use a notebook that I have with me all the time. I used to use the online trackers (and still do for my weight - I like the graphs!), but I get too OCD with tracking macros and when I can't get it perfect, I say screw it. Tracking calories only has kept my perfectionism from tripping me up this time

I about had a heart attack last night.... one of my 5 month old Dane pups had found my notebook on top of the patio table and was about to eat it when I caught her! Noooooooooo!!!! *whew*

i do keep track... i keep a little notebook with me at all times... i've become very Anal Retentive about it...

I've been logging for years now...I can tell the days where I went way off track because they are when it was too much to even log.

I tried stopping for a while...that's when the scale started to go back up.

i was taking weekends off from tracking a while ago (been tracking for about 5 months now) and i started to gain weight.. so now i make sure i track on the weekends too and have only had a couple of weeks where i have gone way over and gained a couple of pounds

Absolutely, especially now while I'm trying to lose weight. It really helps me to stay on track. I use DP and I love the graphs and I just love seeing my weight go down on the graph.

Well, I tracked faithfully last week, not so faithfully this week. Last week I lost 1.5 pounds-- this week 2 pounds. So I must not be too far off.

I weigh, measure and log everything into dietpower. I find it interesting to plan menus on it and see not just the calories, but really see what food is made of. It tells me instantly how much protein, fat and carbs I've had, reminds me if I'm low on a vitamin or mineral etc and suggests foods. Also gives you a graph that tracks your weightloss so you see this descending line everytime you use the program. It's particularly useful when you have to plan a days food in advance ie tomorrow I am going on a day long bus trip and need to pack a brown bag lunch and dinner and snacks- I can punch in my planned food in advance and make sure it's going to be balanced. It allows me to tweak my menu to stay on track.

I do keep track of everything and write it down on a tablet , this works for me, others prefer to do it online. I llike the pen and paper method because I can use it any time and can take it with me and don't have to be online. I find that if I don't keep track that I eat more calories than I think.Planning ahead is the key, after all is said is done it was not planning that brought me to me highest weight of 206.

This is my 4th day and so far I am faithfully tracking and plan to continue. I am using Fitday and I love it! It is a sanity saver for me!

i have memorized every calorie for every meal, eaten every 4 hours.

There's no other way for me.

In my opinion it is stupid to live all your life counting the calories. I think it is enough to eat healthy food, make exercises, to spend more time in the open air and enjoy life

Counting calories just cause a headache!

That might be an excellent life philosophy but it is probably not going to work for weight loss. Weight loss, for most people, requires 'headaches' like tracking food, restricting calories, managing portions etc etc.

Oh I don't know about that....... In my opinion it was a headache, a MAJOR headache NOT counting my calories and therefore eating everything and anything in sight and ballooning up to 287 lbs.

Eating healthy ALONE never, ever worked for me. Healthy foods have calories too!!! I needed/still need (and always will) the combination of eating health + counting calories.

I don't find anything at all stupid about finding what works for oneself and doing the work necessary to help oneself live the best life possible.

I use a small piece of paper and stick it in my pocket. There is something about carrying around that little paper that makes me feel like I have to be more responsible. Yes - I'm a little crazy.

Well, everyone is going to have his or her own opinion on that issue. Many people (myself included) have found calorie counting a very successful weight loss tool. But if it's not for you, it's not for you! The great thing is you get to choose your own approach. But I do find it helps not to be overly negative about other people's choices.