Well, I've tried everything else I've been reading this forum for years and years and posting occasionally. I've also been plan hopping for years and years -- back and forth between low carb (which works, but to which I cannot stick!) and Weight Watchers (on which I lost a lot of weight about 15 years ago on their old exchange plan but which produces an excruciatingly slow weight loss now).

I started simply counting calories last week -- 1800 calories as a target, but I'm usually a bit under, averaging 1600. I feel great, and I've lost 4.5 pounds, the biggest weight loss I've had in three years. I feel motivated for the first time in three years. (I've lost 17 pounds since last August, but 5 of that is in the past ten days.)

Nice to join you! I'm in my mid-50s, single, live alone, no children, no pets, lots of friends, lots of books

Welcome!!

beware... it will turn into an addiction... even when i try to not count them i still do... now if i can just make myself say "stop" when i have had my calories for the day

Heya! I've found calorie counting to also be the most successful just be careful not to aim to low too quickly, it tends to be in my experience when i think I'm starving and go on crazy loon binges.

Best of luck

I believe in calorie counting, also. I have tried other diets and while they work I have found calorie counting to be more flexible, convenient and it is free.

Welcome. Welcome to calorie counting. It's the only thing that really provides me with much needed "portion control". It helps me to set limits. Which I greatly need. I combine that calorie counting with eating healthy, wanting to get the most for my calorie budget.

Good luck to you.

I think calorie counting is in general the most flexible and clear long-term plan to be on.

Good luck!

Hi guys!! I'm new too. I'm still learning and trying to eat as normal as possible. My calorie limit is 1870 (I'm 5'4.5", 35 and 214). I went from 224 to 146 in 7 mos. in 2005 doing fat flush only to put it back on in 2007....so....calorie counting is the only thing I haven't done. Looking forward to learning from all of you. Any tricks of the trade or really good tips for us newbies?

Kristen

One great thing about calorie counting is that you can combine it with some other approach -- low carb, whole foods, energy density, or whatever makes sense to you.

Another benefit to me is that I have a rough idea of how much progress I am making independent of what the scale says. That can really help on those days that my weight fluctuates higher.

Thank you all for the welcomes and comments -- I agree! I'm finding this very liberating. It's a small thing, but on WW 2 slices of sourdough bread are 4 points, while 2 slices of high fiber bread are only 2. Now, 110 calories is 110 calories.

One can use any philosophy with this method as a portion control, I agree, and that's one of the nice things about it. Another nice thing, I have to say, is that since one can eat anything, one avoids the well-intentioned but often unwelcome comments one gets on other programs (you know, "On the Forever Fish Diet, we don't eat red meat EVER," or "Remember! Salad Man only lets us have fat free dressings." )

Hee hee hee. Yes, Bloomer, I don't want to do that either. I was this close to going to WW again and then I start reading all the successes with calorie counters and ....well....I've never tried it before and it's been said so many times...calories in...calories out. So...good luck to you (and me). I want to eat what I want to eat...just count it.

Welcome! I have tried everything over the years. But, it's counting calories that has given me long term sanity with food. Of course...I am eating healthfully - but, calorie counting may be old fashioned to some. But it works!!!

Thanks, Kristin and Beverlyjoy. It's good to get positive reinforcement!

Beverlyjoy, we're about the same age, so I'm especially glad it's working for you -- and your stats are awesome

You will LOVE calorie counting! No foods are taboo, thus it minimizes cravings for those "forbidden foods". I can't imagine being successful AND being able to maintain for a lifetime with any other plan than calorie counting.

You have made a very wise choice. Keep us posted on your progress

Welcome! I'm such a fan of calorie counting. I love it, I'm able to eat anything I want, it's simple and is second nature to me now. This is what works for so many of us and what is working for you! Congrats on the 4.5 and here's to many more!

I never thought I'd be a numbers person, but I understand the numbers. Good luck to you as well!