I'm curious to know if there is anyone on this board that only counts calories and is still getting results. I don't mean like totally ignoring nutrition, of course you keep an eye on what you're eating, but as far as calculating each macro-nutrient and each gram of fat, carbs, or protein, you just don't. Instead you just go by calories and what you feel like eating or what you crave.
I guess I technically just count calories. I'm working on getting more fruits/veggies in, but since I moved to the city, it has been hard. The lack of decent produce is killing me. But now that spring is here, many of the farmer markets are popping up again! I don't count fat, carbs, etc. I just naturally stay within the appropriate boundaries for my calorie intake since I eat healthier. I try to watch my sodium, though, because that tends to get high.
I still eat ice cream and candy, just not too much. I eat it in moderation. I still go out to eat and enjoy myself, I just make better choices. I also create recipes that are healthier than the original and still enjoy it equally.
And I've lost 50lbs so far by counting calories. 10 of those pounds were lost when I tried dieting and not changing my eating habits (2007).
Last edited by WormwoodDoll; 04-09-2009 at 07:23 PM.
It sounds like you know what you're doing. I think it's healthy to not obsess over macro's, I mean it's good for dieting and stuff, or reaching a certain goal, but for general weight loss purposes it's inconvenient half the time. Nobody wants to count everything the rest of their life, I know I don't. lol
Congrats on keeping the first "newbie" 10 lbs. off!
I'm only counting calories. I like to keep an eye on other stuff, like trying to eat veggies instead of candy, but the only thing I actually track is calories. And so far, it's working out well for me!
I remember my home-ec teacher in 8th grade told us: "You can eat a banana split every day and not gain weight - as long as that's the ONLY thing you eat every day!" Obviously, this is not healthy but I think there's a lot of truth to it. As you lower your calories, you will need "better" foods to keep you full and satisfied so I think that all comes naturally with calorie counting.
I only count calories, but it didn't take too long to realize that 150 calories of junk like potato chips left me feeling hungry, while the same calories in a healthy snack like some string cheese and an apple make me feel happy and satisfied for several hours. So as I've traveled along, I've learned to make my calories count. The nice thing about counting calories is I *can* have a beer like I'm getting ready to have right now; I just have to make sure that it fits into my daily plan.
Technically, I just count calories too. But I factor in nutritional needs too. I emphasize lean proteins, veggies, nonfat dairy, whole grains, things like that. I watch refined carbs/sweets, because they are a binge trigger for me. I find that I feel better, stay fuller, and stay on plan better when I eat that way.
I do have the junk and treats sometimes, and just count it in. That's why calorie counting works for me, it allows maximum flexibility.
I don't just count calories. I choose foods that are the most nutritionally dense on the most part. If I only wanted to be thin, I would stick to ONLY calorie counting. However, I also want nice hair and skin and nails. Above all else, I want my health. I try to use the food pyramid as my guide--with the vast majority of my eating being whole foods. I do not track carbs or fats. I do watch my sodium.
That being said, there are days I opt for treats or something else and there is simply not enough calories left to eat what I need to nutritionally. Sure I can do veggies but calories start REALLY adding up when you try to do proteins and dairy in addition to two pieces of pie. I make these days few and far between though for health reasons.
Last edited by Thighs Be Gone; 04-10-2009 at 09:44 AM.
I lost 90 pounds just counting calories. That being said.. I have a TON of loose skin on me now because I did not exercise while I was doing it. I do have an active job where I run around but that does not count for toning.
I am VERY happy with my weight loss but when I wave and my upper arms wave back I get kinda irritated lol
Just keep that in mind and if I could do it over again i would exercise too. I have started now but thats a year =(
I just count calories. I try to eat balanced but I don't go nuts over it and if I am really craving something, I just have some in moderation. I also take a multivitamin with a meal a day just to be sure since I am not a big fan of veggies.
Does anyone count JUST calories?
