Hi All,
I am currently on a very restrictive diet. I know it works short term, I lost 30+ last summer in nothing flat, however I'm not sure its realistic for me in the long term. I am planning on keeping the bones the same...focusing on lean protein and veggies, but I would like to have the opprotunity to budget in some good carbs and something for my sweet tooth sometimes. I am thinking about switching to counting calories. Where would you suggest I begin...I read the frequently asked question, but was wondering if anyone else out there has suggestions for a newbie! Resources?? Etc! TIA, Alisha

Hey! There are plenty of calorie-tracking sites on the web. Try FitDay, The Daily Plate, Sparkpeople, etc. I use FitDay myself.

I'd suggest you choose one of these and first figure out what your target calories should be based on age, weight, etc. to lose a pound a week. Then, without changing what you're doing foodwise now, just start entering what you eat every day. This will give you an idea of where you're at now, and show a direction to go in.

Good luck!
Jay

Using an online calorie calculator has really worked for me. In two months I am down 20+ lbs. I use nutritiondata.com but you can also use webmd.com which tracks both nutritional data and exercise.

One thing I do in addition to calorie counting is watching my saturated fat levels. I stay between 8 to 12 g per day. This helps make the calories that I do eat more healthy. Plus I have been able to find food that fits this and meets my cravings. I actually eat more things I would normaly cut out of my diet now. I think this has been the reason for my sucess....

Good luck and good choices!

I don't use Fitday or any other online tracking. I keep track of everything in an excel spreadsheet. Calorie counting is IMHO, the simplest way to lose weight.

i absolutely believe this is the only surefire way to lose weight and keep it off. Because as you calorie count you realize what you are eating.

"I lost 30+ last summer in nothing flat"
Can you please tell me what you did/how you lost that?

I just started calorie counting. There are a lot of things that I had no idea had so many calories!!!!! So it is helping me. But I just started.

Hello everyone,

I've started to count calories about 2 weeks ago. Like you MsDiana 08 I've come to realize just how many calories are in things! Somethings I've even put back after really paying attention to the calorie count and not wanting to use so many calories for such an item. The end results are that I'm eatting way healthier and I feel like I can actually do this for the long haul!!

I agree - it really helps you know what you are putting in your mouth. Also, I think in the long run I will be making much better food choices when it comes to maintaining my goal weight. You can load up quite well on lean meats, good carbs & fibrous veggies without breaking the calorie bank. I am eating 5 smaller meals a day & am never hungry!

I track my nutrition and fitness on Sparkpeople - I love the daily feedback with graphs, etc. that it gives. Online trackers are invaluable tools IMO. Also, calorie counting really allows you to personalize it to fit your lifestyle.. another bonus there - no rigid plan, just know how much is going in and try not to go over. Sounds like a good fit for your needs!

Good luck to you!