I'm not sure I've had "great success" and for the last while, I've fallen off the wagon. Today is my day one of cc all over again before I get too much fatter.

That having been said, I try to make sure I get plenty of protein and have something with protein at least 3X a day if at all possible. I usually eat small meals at 1pm, 4pm, 7pm and a snack at 9-10pm. Protein seems to be really important in making me feel satrisfied.

I eat carbs, but not to excess and almost always whole grain stuff. I am a fan of quinoa, millet, couscous, barley, brown rice, and my new favorite...black rice. The complex carbs like that seem to keep me full longer.

I try to keep my fat intake low and healthy mainly because I want the most volume for the amount of calories and fat has more calories per unit than protein or carbs. I like the natural fat in an avocado and when I cook, I use olive oil, but almost always cut way back froim the amount called for in recipes. For example, today we are having cream of broccoli soup for dinner. The recipe says to use a tablespoon each of butter and olive oil to sautee some celery and some onions. Instead, I put just 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a crockpot and have had the onions and celery cooking in there all day with the broth. I use fat free 1/2 & 1/2 instead of regular 1/2 & 1/2 or heavy cream and it still has the nice texture but with a lot less calories. I can use the calories I saved to add a piece of flax seed bread or even use it later in the day if I'm still wanting somethng to snack on later.

After my last round of nice healthy clean eating and counting calories, I found that I accidentally had figured out what is probably the best way for me. It's pretty loosly monitored, but I am aware of what I eat.

Of course the million miles I walked didn't hurt either ;-)

Barb

I use my fitness pal. I definitely mainly count the calories. but i also double check the different levels that it sets as ur goal for day to day. And I try to make a concious effort to make sure that there is a variety on my plate, and try to make sure there isnt two of anything. (like dont have mashed potatoes and pasta with your chicken.... I am a carb junkie so it is quite possible to find on my plate lol). BUt if I do have both I try to amke sure to have complex and simple. Like for breakfast I may have scrambled eggs, whole wheat toast and some berries.

I did weight watchers at one point to kickstart my weight loss (counting calories worked very well, but then I stopped and put the weight back on). They have a good health guidelines, which is basically like a food pyramid/myplate thing. So I still try to follow that, making sure I get enough dairy, fruit, vegetables, and "healthy oils".

For weight loss, I only worry about the number of calories, but I'm aware that certain foods (lots of protein) will help me feel fuller for longer. Watching the food groups is really just for nutrition and health, I haven't noticed it making a difference other than loading up on fruit and veg results in fewer calories consumed.

Yes, I pay attention to it all.

I do a lot of races so I have to make sure my body gets the proper nutrients and not empty calories, especially during tri season.

I eat 1800-2000 calories (depending on my training for the day) and 45-50g fat, 125-150g protein and about 200 carbs.