I am learning to cook food that is low fat, healthy and more nutritious but tastes nothing like 'diet' food. Friends come over for dinner and can't believe how low calories the stuff is.

I've learned that certian foods are not "forbidden". It's ok to eat a baked potato or a piece of chocolate cake. Just be moderate.

Everything calorie counting has taught me, food wise, has already been listed, so I'll make a leap into the non-food world-

Just as calorie counting has taught me how "little" I need to be happy and healthy, I can have less "stuff" and be happy and healthy.

Very appreciative for this post.

In the past, I thought my major problem was eating a diet high in fat. What I've learned is that my fat intake is actually very low. The problem is the fact that I take in too many calories. I know I need to understand portion control better now.

That my favorite fried egg sandwich is to high in calories. Drat!
I never thought I ate THAT many calories till I started counting them, now I am trying to have my favorite foods just lower in calories which means healthier too.

I've learned:

• Healthy foods are so much more satisfying than unhealthy choices.
• Nuts and nut butters that I love are not off-limits - the healthy fats are good for me.
• Food is sustenance, not a reward.
• Many of my caloric assumptions are way off - I have to read labels and not guess at caloric content.
• Most "diet" plans center around caloric intake, even if they're called catchy names or require memberships. Counting calories on my own is just as effective and less costly.
• Counting calories has empowered me to take charge of my weight. It's something that's within MY control.

I'm learning about reasonable portion sizes. I'm learning to compare the same "amount" of food and choose the one that will make me feel full and fed over the one that will taste good in my mouth for 3 seconds - I'm learning how to get the most out of every meal.