[AmberE]

I read this article today http://www.flzine.com/calories-obses...l-and-reality/ and I thought it was a great insight on calorie counting.

[kaplods]

Good article and video, especially pointing out that some people are able to lose weight without counting precisely, but that ultimately what you're eating and what you're burning matter. That doesn't mean you do have to count every calorie (but the more precise of results you want, the more precise actions you'll have to take).

Guesstimation measuring may work for you, but the scale is the ultimate judge, and if it's not working, the answer is more precise measuring.

I also thought it very interesting that the author points out that "carbs" are the intuitive answer to many of our modern problems. That doesn't mean that carbs are evil, but does mean that they do have to be given their due respect.

I do better on a low carb diet, and I don't think there's any magic about it, and that it ultimately boils down to both the calories I burn and the calories I take in, when eating too many carbs (especially refined ones). I don't eat low carb so that I can eat all of the meat I can stuff into my gullet. I eat low carb because it helps me control and reduce hunger and cravings, so that I can be satisfied eating less, and have more energy doing so (highly concentrated carbs tend to put me in into a lethargic stupor).

One thing I do have to argue with, is not something that was stated, as much as implied - the "danger" of gaining weight by inprecise measuring. Yes, if you overmeasure consistently AND aren't measuring your progress, you will gain weight, or lose less weight than if you hadn't.

That being said, I use an exchange plan, which controls calories, but is less precise. A fruit serving for example, can contain between 50 and 70 calories. If I always choose the 70 calorie fruit (or try to convince myself that an 80 calorie piece of fruit is still only one serving), it can add up to evenutally stall my progress. However, I'm still at the phase in my weight loss that inprecise measuring is still usually "good enough." Knowing precision matters, doesn't mean that only the most rigid of precision is good enough.

Often the social rule of dieting is "do it right, or don't do it at all," and sadly many people fearing they can't do it right, choose to do nothing at all, instead.

If you're making progress that is sufficient for you, then don't worry about your guesstimation measuring. When I'm following my exchange plan loyally, I do lose weight, even though it's imprecise. I have started using a scale, because the scale I bought is more convenient than measuring cups (I love being able to measure directly onto the plate, zeroing the scale before each new food), but I'm still counting by exchanges so there's still some caloric imprecision. Now, when I get to the last 5 lbs, or maybe even 50, I may very well have to be much more precise in my control of both caloric input and output, but for now it's fine. My biggest challenge is actually sticking TO my plan, not in following my plan and not seeing results because of "fudged" calorie counts.

If you're 100 lbs overweight, it's not because you're caloric counting is slightly imprecise, and if a noncounting, or loose counting measure is easiest for you - start there. As you gain more control of your weight, you can work on gaining more precise caloric control, as you need to.

[AmberE]

Great points kaplods. The author has some really great points. I think what I liked most was that she said calorie counting isn't the only way to lose, but if you aren't losing it should be the first place to start. Her book really helped me out on how to be accountable for my eating and movement.