I haven't been counting calories for very long, so of course I'm confused about a few things.

I set my goal at 1800 calories, but I normally end up with around 1600 calories. My question is, should I just be counting calories, or should I look out for other things too? I've been really craving something sweet and have limited options (was left home alone with very few groceries), and I really want to eat some cereal that's somewhat high in sugar. Even though I'll still be well under my goal if I eat it, I'm wondering if I shouldn't eat it for some other issue like sugar or carbs. Any advice?

Is there something you can have that will satisfy your sweet tooth, but is also somewhat nutritionally sound? I mean, I don't think cereal is all that bad, but I have a REAL problem with cereal- I have no portion control where it's concerned so I just avoid it. If you don't have that problem, I don't think it's a big deal if it will satisfy a craving.

Some of my favorite snacks that satisfy my sweet tooth:
-a glass of soy chocolate milk
-a few pieces of hard candy
-carefully portioned out dried fruit

That depends.

For me, personally, counting calories was/is not enough. You happen to have hit upon one of my all time binge-y, overeating foods - cereal. I had to set up some strict rules for myself and the only cereal I allowed myself in the beginning was Fiber One or the plain Kashi Go Lean.

Other then the cereals that I mentioned, that was really the only non-veggie/fruit carbs that I ate. I also avoided most added sugars. Those were foods I overate and keeping them in my diet would only set me up for failure. The more I ate them, the more I wanted them. I needed to dry up my wants for them. And after about 10 tough days - that's exactly what happened. Like the true addict that I was/am my cravings/desires/wants for them GREATLY diminished.

Not sure what you've got in the house, but maybe you've got a nice juicy apple? Slice it up, not in wedges, but in circles? Sprinkle it with some cinnamon. Much more satisfying and nutritious then the cereal.

Also not sure what your living arrangements are. Who's in charge of the shopping and what not. But you could definitely benefit by having your home fully stocked with healthy, nutritious foods. A plan, one that you map out ahead of time is also very vital. Eating healthy doesn't happen by change. It's really got to be planned out ahead of time. Make this easier on yourself, not harder. Set yourself up for success.

Cereal isn't really a binge food for me. Before I really cared what I ate I'd eat bowl after bowl, but it's getting easier to measure and stick to smaller portions now, so cereal isn't a problem right now. I don't normally have a sweet tooth either, I was starting to think my body was deprived of sugar or something because it's rare for me to really crave sweets. :P
I get what you're saying though. I went ahead an ate the cereal, which ended up being 325 calories with milk, and that brought me up to 1425 for today so it wasn't too bad. I do wish I had more groceries though, your ideas sounded yummy.
I normally do have more healthy groceries and plan ahead. When my mom goes shopping I buy my own foods separate from everyone else's food. The reason I ran out of groceries though is because my mom went on a trip for a few days on Thursday and I haven't had any transportation to go buy more groceries. She's coming back tomorrow though, so I'm getting more then.

I'm still trying to learn exactly what I should be measuring and keeping control of. It's just really confusing right now, I still have educate myself quite a bit more. Thanks for the advice!