What Have You Learned from Counting Calories?
 

Borrowed from a thread in the 100 lb. club but posted here because I really wanted to answer - :D

It has taught me to really pay attention to what I put in my body.

It has taught me to be mindful about what I plan for my body through out the day.

It has taught me to stop when I've reached the limit of what my body needs for fuel, and to then check in and see what it really wants. Does my tongue like the flavor of the food? Then I can make it again tomorrow. Does my mouth want to chew some more? Have some gum. Does my stomach think I'm still really hungry? Ok, have some water, walk the dog and check back in 20 minutes. Does my heart or soul think that more food will fix what ails it? Time to journal or roll out the yoga mat.

What have you learned from counting calories?

I have learned that I can eat ALOT of healthy food and lose weight, but if I eat something unhealthy I will end up being hungry in the long run because I have to eat less of it.

I have learned that I have the control over what I eat, not a list of do's and dont's that I end up ultimately craving when I "can't" have them.

I've learned that I haven't been eating as healthy as I thought I was. I thought I ate pretty well, but I have had to make some major changes when I started calorie counting.

Originally Posted by Jadebatdog:
I have learned that I can eat ALOT of healthy food and lose weight, but if I eat something unhealthy I will end up being hungry in the long run because I have to eat less of it.

This is so true. It is amazing the amount of vegetables I get to eat, I mean, I'm sometimes floored by the giant plateful that I've prepared.

Just reposting what I typed in the other thread From the 100lb club~hope thats ok~wasn't sure if the other has been removed and replaced here or what.

Calorie Counting has Simply gave me away to be healthy And lose the weight I need off.
No more looking at those diet pills that can harm you~Diets that have you buy there foods~That I hear are yucky~ And no more worrying on how to maintain afterwards~Once you find calorie counting~You got it ~the weight loss secret For free.

So to sum this up~HOW HAS CALORIE COUNTING CHANGED YOUR LIFE OR THINKING?

I am Proud to say ~I think I am gonna be skinny soon~And My life is changed forever.

Originally Posted by Lori259:
Just reposting what I typed in the other thread From the 100lb club~hope thats ok~wasn't sure if the other has been removed and replaced here or what.

Calorie Counting has Simply gave me away to be healthy And lose the weight I need off.
No more looking at those diet pills that can harm you~Diets that have you buy there foods~That I hear are yucky~ And no more worrying on how to maintain afterwards~Once you find calorie counting~You got it ~the weight loss secret For free.

So to sum this up~HOW HAS CALORIE COUNTING CHANGED YOUR LIFE OR THINKING?

I am Proud to say ~I think I am gonna be skinny soon~And My life is changed forever.

Thanks for posting! The other one hasn't moved or anything, I just didn't want to forum-crash, so I figured I'd start a new one. All are welcome!

I've learned that I can eat what I want, only in moderation.
I'm still learning about portion control, but I've learned alot so far.
I've learned that I can eat 10x more healthy food vs. unhealthy or junk food.
I've learned that the "eat less, exercise more" approach DOES WORK!

It has taught me how to eat the right serving size and portions.

I used to be anorexic. Calorie counting has taught me that eating is ok and that I am allowed to feel full and I won't gain weight because of it. I know it sounds stupid but it's like a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulders

Katie, that's not stupid at all!

I've learned what to truly live is....not bingeing and making yourself sick with food. I can not believe how many vegtables you can eat during the day and not gain weight, Why didn't I do this before? No more food coma feeling lethargic and crappy.

Katie thats not stupid at all. I am a recovering anorexic. I have had to keep a food journal since I came out of treatment. Its hard sometimes to remember that its okay to eat.

I've learned that I'm not so hungry after all.

I've learned that I LIKE to exercise.

I've learned that 1 oz of chips is 150 empty calories.

I've learned that every single thing I put into my mouth has an effect on me. Too many carbs = lethargy/bloating. Lots of fiber = I'm fuller longer, and better bathroom visits. Protein = energy and no hunger. Salt = thirsty and bloated. I know it sounds like Eating 101 but I'm really back to the basics here.

I've learned that there is no such thing as a bad food and I do not have to deprive myself.

I've learned that as long as most of my choices are positive I will see results.

Originally Posted by Katie Franklin:
I used to be anorexic. Calorie counting has taught me that eating is ok and that I am allowed to feel full and I won't gain weight because of it. I know it sounds stupid but it's like a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulders

Not stupid at all. :hug:

I think it shows us that having data helps us on both ends of the spectrum, and everywhere in between.

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.