I'd like to start counting calories but don't know where to start. I don't know how many calories to consume daily and I don't know how to keep track. Do you guys keep food journal? I weight 180 and would love to weight 135-140. I want to lose 2 lbs per week. Do I track carbs, fat, fiber, etc..?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Edit: Ok, so I just read the Frequently Asked Question thread and it pretty much gave me answers. I'm going to start with 1,600 calories. If I don't lose weight, I'll remove 100 calories and if I lose too much, I'll add 100 (but I doubt I'll have to add any). I'm starting to count tomorrow I'll update this thread daily.

I'm glad you were able to find what you needed and it sounds like you got it good!! Keep up the awesome work and enjoy the journey!

Thanks tdiprincess I'm almost excited to start. I'm going to go buy myself a little food diary at the dollar store and going to start keeping track of what I eat.

I also wanted to note, if anyone wants to buddy up and help each other out, I'm always welcome to that! I need all the help I can get. haha

Day 1 completed!
I had 1615 calories yesterday. I had done a new recipe for Dinner and that's why I went a little bit over. Now I'll make sure to check before making it. haha! I weighed in this morning at 177.8 so this is my initial weight. I thought it was going to be higher (more in 180-182) so I was happy to see that number this morning. My weigh ins will be every Friday morning.

Yesterday was a good day.

I just started calorie counting as well using an online calculator... there's a bunch of free ones out there too.. but anyways.. I'm going to read the FAQ myself to learn some tips! I'll learn with you, Sophie!

Hi Sophie,
Great job, and great start. Our stats are pretty similar, so hang it there!! It can be done with hard work and determination. There will be ups and downs, good times and bad, but calorie counting works, so stick with it. Good luck!

Something that may be of use if you haven't invested in one yet is a good scale. At first it seems tedious, but once you get in the habit of weighing your foods, it's quite easy to do.

Sounds like you're doing very well! Also, the labor day challenge is ending this coming week, but there is another one starting the day after. I recommend joining in since it will give some great motivation and encouragement!

I recommend MyFitnessPal which you can use to track your daily calories and progress. Very helpful tool. If you have an Iphone or similar smartphone they have an app for it too so you can track on the go.

Good Luck!

I second the good food scale.

It sounds like a good plan. Invest in a good scale, measuring cups, spoons and a really good calorie counts book (for when you cannot get on a computer to check out the calorie counts websites). A notebook and a pen/pencil are useful too.

Good luck. I am on 1600 calories a day myself.